Interactive Brokers Gearing/Buying power question

Discussion in 'Stocks' started by Signate67, Feb 28, 2016.

  1. Hi

    PLease correct me if I amwrong. My account value is say USD 30,000. All cash no equity bond or derivatives positions.
    If i trade US equities intra day with no overnight positions, what net nominal position can i run intra day? USD 60,000 Nominal value in stocks? I was hoping to get a little more gearing/buying power.

    Cheers
     
  2. rmorse

    rmorse Sponsor

    In a reg-T margin account with $30,000, you max day -trading buying power is 4X or $120,000. For over-night 2X or $60,000. However, any clearing firm can offer you less if they choose.
     
    MoreLeverage likes this.

  3. Grateful. Thanks for clarification.
     
  4. Probably, your cash of 30K will be used to BUY of 60K (cash30K + loan 30K)

    The ratio of 50:50 varies time-to-time, by FederalReserve, not by each broker.
    Back in 1920s before Great Depression, the ratio was 10:90 which was reason for the Great bubble.

    There is some youtube clip, to show a shoeshine boy with saving of 10K, who REALLY BOUGHT as much as 100K (with a loan of 90K)
    Of course, he lost everything to broke, in October 1929.
     
    Last edited: Mar 5, 2016