Another question on margin (initial requirement vs. buying power)

Discussion in 'Strategy Building' started by nijshar28, Apr 2, 2020.

  1. Some brokers advertise their offering of margin accounts with 4x buying power for trading stocks. I am specifically thinking of Alpaca (margin info here https://alpaca.markets/docs/trading-on-alpaca/margin-and-shorting/). However, the initial margin requirement for these accounts is still 50%. So when you are actually buying stuff your buying power is 2x. I don't get it. Please explain. Thank you.
     
  2. Robert Morse

    Robert Morse Sponsor

    Good morning nijshar28- If you get approved for 4X margin for day trading, we still have some symbols that require a higher margin for a number of reasons. please give us an example of a symbol you are interested in. We are not that broker, so I can't speak for them.
     
    Last edited: Apr 2, 2020
  3. tonyf

    tonyf

    This key it seems, Buying Power only applies for day trading.
    Excess Liquidity is what matters over night is my understanding.
     
    nijshar28 likes this.