Higher Margin Requirements (HMR)
Higher Margin Requirements (HMR) are periods during which higher margin requirements apply, generally by temporarily reducing the maximum leverage available, to help manage increased market risk during volatile events and market closures.
HMR During High-Impact News
For most instruments, positions opened shortly before or after a high-impact economic news release may be subject to HMR.Â
During this period, the maximum leverage for affected instruments may be reduced.Â
Once the HMR period ends, the leverage will return to Swift Trader’s normal settings, and the margin requirements will be adjusted accordingly.Â
Existing positions are generally not affected by HMR applied to new positions.
HMR During Market Closures
HMR may also apply before and after scheduled market closures, including weekends, public holidays, and daily trading breaks.
HMR periods surrounding public holidays may vary depending on the affected instrument and its applicable trading schedule. The applicable HMR period will be communicated through the relevant Swift Trader channels where applicable.
Weekend Market BreaksÂ
| Instrument Group | Before Weekend Break | After Weekend Break |
|---|---|---|
|
Forex |
2 Hrs |
1 Hour |
|
Metals (XAU/XAG) |
2 Hrs |
1 Hour |
|
Indices |
2 Hrs |
1 Hour |
|
Energies |
2 Hrs |
1 Hour |
|
Cryptocurrencies |
Not Applicable under the standard weekend market-break HMR schedule |
Not Applicable under the standard weekend market-break HMR schedule |
Daily Market BreaksÂ
| Instrument Group | Before Weekend Break | After Weekend Break |
|---|---|---|
|
Forex |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
|
Gold (XAUUSD) |
30 Minutes |
10 Minutes |
|
Silver (XAGUSD) |
30 Minutes |
10 Minutes |
|
US Indices |
30 Minutes |
10 Minutes |
|
Other Indices |
30 Minutes |
10 Minutes |
|
USOIL / UKOIL |
30 Minutes |
10 Minutes |
The above HMR periods are indicative and may vary depending on the instrument, market conditions, liquidity, and the applicable trading schedule.Â
The daily-break HMR periods are calculated by reference to the scheduled trading break of the relevant instrument.Â
Leverage During HMR
The maximum leverage available during an HMR period may be reduced depending on the instrument and prevailing market conditions.Â
The HMR leverage limits below represent the maximum leverage that may be available during an HMR period. Where the account or instrument is already subject to a lower leverage limit under Swift Trader’s applicable dynamic leverage rules, the lower leverage limit will apply.Â
The leverage limits below are indicative maximum HMR limits and may vary depending on the instrument, account type, existing leverage restrictions, exposure, market conditions and other applicable risk controls.
Â
| Instrument Group | Maximum Leverage During HMR (subject to applicable dynamic leverage limits) |
|---|---|
|
Forex |
1:200 |
|
Energies |
1:20 |
|
Gold (XAU) |
1:200 |
|
Silver (XAG) |
1:50 |
|
Indices |
1:20 |
The applicable leverage may differ between instruments.Â
Swift Trader may introduce, extend, modify, or remove HMR periods and applicable leverage limits based on market conditions, volatility, liquidity, and other risk-management considerations.Â
The periods and leverage limits stated in this policy are indicative and may be changed, extended, shortened, suspended, or otherwise modified at Swift Trader’s discretion based on market conditions, volatility, liquidity, trading schedules, or other risk-management considerations.Â
Clients are responsible for monitoring their positions, margin requirements, and available free margin during HMR periods.Â
Clients are responsible for maintaining sufficient free margin to support their positions. The application of HMR may increase the margin required for new positions and may therefore reduce the client’s available free margin.Â
The latest HMR information may be made available through the Swift Trader website, trading platform, client area, or other applicable communication channels.Â
