Is margin trading actually beneficial?

<p id="isPasted"><strong>Advantages</strong></p><p>The primary reason investors margin trade is to capitalize on leverage. Margin trading centers increasing purchasing power by increasing the capital available to purchase securities. Instead of buying securities with money you own, investors can buy more securities using their capital as collateral for loans greater than their capital on hand.</p><p>For this reason, margin trading can amplify profits. Again, with more securities in hand, increases in value have greater consequential outcomes because you're more heavily invested using debt. On the same note, if the value of the securities posted as collateral also increase, you may be able to further utilize leverage as your collateral basis has increased.</p><p>Margin trading is also usually more flexible than other types of loans. There may not be a fixed repayment schedule, and your broker's maintenance margin requirements may be simple or automated. For most margin accounts, the loan is open until the securities are sold in which final payments are often due to the borrower.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Disadvantages</strong></p><p>If investors primarily enter into margin trading to amplify gains, they must be aware that margin trading also amplifies losses. Should the value of securities bought on margin rapidly decline in value, an investor may owe not only their initial equity investment but also additional capital to lenders. Margin trading also comes at a cost; brokers often charge interest expense, and these fees are assessed regardless of how well (or poorly) your margin account is performing.</p><p>Because there are margin and equity requirements, investors may face a margin call. This is a requirement from the broker to deposit additional funds into their margin account due to the decrease in the equity value of securities being held. Investors must be mindful of needing this additional capital on hand to satisfy the margin call.</p><p>Should investors not be able to contribute additional equity or if the value of an account drops so fast it breaches certain margin requirements, a forced liquidation may occur. This forced liquidation will sell the securities purchased on margin and may result in losses to satisfy the broker's requirement.</p>