Invest

FX Margin Trading

Illustrative Example

Background

Mr Chan has US$100,000 in a currency management account and expects the USD exchange rate against JPY to trend upwards.

FX margin trading strategy

Step 1:
Open an FX trading account, with a margin line equivalent to 15 times the initial cash margin.

Step 2:
Establish a short position to sell JPY and long position to buy USD at the exchange rate of the 115.50, with a cash margin of US$6,667. JPY is sold at US$100,000 equivalent.

Step 3:
Square the position.

Scenario 1: Squaring the position at the exchange rate of the 120

Profit/loss:
	(100,000120.00) - (100,000115.50)
	= JPY12,000,000 – JPY11,550,000
Profit	= JPY450,000

Scenario 2: Squaring the position at the exchange rate of the 115

Profit/loss:
	(100,000115.00) - (100,000115.50)
	= JPY11,500,000 – JPY11,550,000
Loss	= JPY50,000

Risk of Investment:

The risk of loss in foreign exchange margin trading can be substantial. Investors may sustain losses in excess of their original margin funds. Placing contingent orders, such as "stop loss" or "stop limit" orders, will not necessarily limit losses to the intended amounts. Market conditions may make it impossible to execute such orders. Investors may be called upon at short notice to deposit additional margin funds. If the required funds are not provided within the prescribed time, their position will be liquidated. Investors will remain liable for any resulting deficit in their account. Investors should therefore carefully consider whether such trading is suitable in the light of their own investment objectives, financial position and risk profile.

Important Note: The cash margin that the customer deposited with the Bank pursuant to the "Foreign Exchange Margin Agreement - Spot / Forward Contract", whether deposited initially, additionally or otherwise as may be requested by the Bank, is not protected deposit and is NOT protected by the Deposit Protection Scheme in Hong Kong.