Quick answer: These figures describe the funds recorded in your trading account, the current effect of open positions and how much of your equity is supporting those positions.
Key terms
- Balance: the account value after completed deposits, withdrawals, transfers and closed-trade results have been recorded. It normally excludes the current profit or loss on open positions.
- Equity: the account’s current value after floating profit or loss and applicable account adjustments are reflected.
- Margin or used margin: the amount currently allocated to support open leveraged positions.
- Free margin: the equity remaining after used margin. It can absorb losses or support eligible new positions, but it is not necessarily the amount available for withdrawal.
- Margin level: equity divided by used margin, multiplied by 100. When there is no used margin, the platform may display the value differently.
Simple illustration
If an account has equity of US$5,000 and used margin of US$1,000, the margin level is 500%. Free margin would be US$4,000 before any other account restrictions or adjustments. This example is for explanation only and does not predict actual account results.
Why the figures change
- Prices move while positions are open.
- Positions are opened, reduced or closed.
- Spreads widen or commission, overnight financing and other charges are applied.
- Deposits, withdrawals, transfers or adjustments are posted.
- Currency conversion affects a value displayed in the account currency.
Where to view them
On desktop MetaTrader, review the Trade area of the Toolbox or Terminal. On mobile, open the Trade screen. Also review each symbol’s current specification and your account’s applicable margin settings.
Risk and available funds
A falling margin level indicates that equity is becoming smaller relative to the margin supporting open positions. If losses increase, the account may approach its margin-call or stop-out thresholds. Depositing funds, closing or reducing a position, or changing leverage can each have material effects and should not be treated as automatic recommendations.
If the figures appear incorrect, contact RockGlobal Support with the account number, platform, server, time and timezone, open positions and a screenshot. Never include your trading password or one-time codes.