Discount Certificates Tutorial
Introduction
Discount certificates are designed to provide an enhanced return in sideways markets, compared to a direct investment in the underlying.
Discount certificates make it possible for you to buy an underlying instrument for less than its current market price. However, the maximum payback on a discount certificate is limited to a predetermined amount (cap).
Discount certificates normally have a term to maturity of one to three years. At maturity, a determination is made of where the price of the underlying instrument stands.
If it is at or above the cap, you’ll earn the maximum return and receive payment of the amount reflected by the cap.
If the price of the underlying instrument is below the cap on the maturity date, you’ll receive either the corresponding number of shares or a cash settlement reflecting the value of the underlying instrument on the maturity date.
Pay-out Profile
Example
Assume a discount certificate on ABC share. The certificate has a cap of EUR 40.00, and a purchase price of EUR 36.00. The table below shows scenarios depending on the final price of the underlying.
Factor Certificates Tutorial
Introduction
Factor certificates employ a daily leverage factor that multiplies the daily performance of the underlying instrument. Unlike knock-out warrants and mini-futures, factor certificates do not have a knock-out barrier. To avoid a loss greater than the investment, the calculation resets intraday if the performance of the underlying threatens to render the certificate worthless.
Daily Leverage
The performance of the certificate is calculated daily, without reference to previous days’ values. If the underlying returns 1% on the day, the value of 3x certificate increases by 3%, a 5x by 5%. The next day the process is repeated, referencing the prior day’s underlying close.
As such, factor certificates are particularly suitable for day-traders.
However, for a period of more than one day, the cumulative performance of the underlying cannot be simply multiplied by a factor of 3 as the previous day’s price always forms the new basis of calculating each day’s performance for the certificate. To illustrate with an example:
Cumulatively, the factor certificate has returned less than 3x the performance of the underlying.
Intraday Reset
If an underlying for a factor certificate loses more than a certain percentage of its value intraday, the calculation is reset by simulating a new day. The reset threshold varies depending on the leverage factor.
Let’s assume a long factor certificate with a 10x leverage factor. According to the terms of the certificate, a reset will be triggered if the underlying loses more than 9.5% during the calculation day.
Let’s now assume that the underlying loses 12% of its value during a particular day. The reset
and final performance will be as follows:
Overview of Central Bank of Ireland CFD Rules Implementation for Retail Clients at IBIE
Overview:
|
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69.4% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with IBKR. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. |
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) enacted new rules applicable to retail clients trading CFDs, effective 1st August 2019. Professional clients are unaffected.
The rules consist of: 1) leverage limits; 2) a margin close out rule on a per account basis; 3) negative balance protection on a per account basis; 4) a restriction on the incentives offered to trade CFDs; and 5) a standardized risk warning.
Most clients (excepting regulated entities) are initially categorised as Retail Clients. IBKR may in certain circumstances agree to reclassify a Retail Client as a Professional Client, or a Professional Client as a Retail Client. Please see MiFID Categorisation for further detail.
The following sections detail how IBKR has implemented the CBI Decision.
1 Leverage Limits
1.1 Margins
Leverage limits were set by CBI at different levels depending on the underlying:
- 3.33% for major currency pairs; Major currency pairs are any combination of USD; CAD; EUR; GBP; CHF; JPY
- 5% for:
- Non-major currency pairs are any combination that includes a currency not listed above, e.g., USD.CNH
- Major indices are IBUS500; IBUS30; IBUST100; IBGB100; IBDE40; IBEU50; IBFR40; IBJP225; IBAU200
- Gold
- 10% for non-major equity indices; IBES35; IBCH20; IBNL25; IBHK50
- 20% for individual equities
1.2 Applied Margins - Standard Requirement
In addition to the CBI Margins, IBKR establishes its own margin requirements (IB Margins) based on the historical volatility of the underlying, and other factors. We will apply the IB Margins if they are higher than those prescribed by CBI .
Details of applicable IB and CBI margins can be found here.
1.2.1 Applied Margins - Concentration Minimum
A concentration charge is applied if your portfolio consists of a small number of CFD and/or Stock positions, or if the two largest positions have a dominant weight. We stress the portfolio by applying a 30% adverse move on the two largest positions and a 5% adverse move on the remaining positions. The total loss is applied as the maintenance margin requirement if it is greater than the standard requirement for the combined Stock and CFD positions. Note that the concentration charge is the only instance where CFD and Stock positions are margined together.
1.3 Funding of Initial Margin Requirements
You can only use cash to post initial margin to open a CFD position.
Initially all cash used to fund the account is available for CFD trading. Any initial margin requirements for other instruments and cash used to purchase cash stock reduce the available cash. If your cash stock purchases have created a margin loan, no funds are available for CFD trades even if your account has significant equity. We cannot increase a margin loan to fund CFD margin under the CBI rules.
Realized CFD profits are included in cash and are available immediately; the cash does not have to settle first. Unrealized profits however cannot be used to meet initial margin requirements.
2 Margin Close Out Rule
2.1 Maintenance Margin Calculations & Liquidations
The CBI requires IBKR to liquidate CFD positions latest when qualifying equity falls below 50% of the initial margin posted to open the positions. IBKR may close out positions sooner if our risk view is more conservative. Qualifying equity for this purpose includes CFD cash and unrealized CFD P&L (positive and negative). Note that CFD cash excludes cash supporting margin requirements for other instruments.
The basis for the calculation is the initial margin posted at the time of opening a CFD position. In other words, and unlike margin calculations applicable to non-CFD positions, the initial margin amount does not change when the value of the open position changes.
2.1.1 Example
You have EUR 2000 cash in your account and no open positions. You want to buy 100 CFDs of XYZ at a limit price of EUR 100. You are first filled 50 CFDs and then the remaining 50. Your available cash reduces as your trades are filled:
|
|
Cash |
Equity* |
Position |
Price |
Value |
Unrealized P&L |
IM |
MM |
Available Cash |
MM Violation |
|
Pre Trade |
2000 |
2000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2000 |
|
|
Post Trade 1 |
2000 |
2000 |
50 |
100 |
5000 |
0 |
1000 |
500 |
1000 |
No |
|
Post Trade 2 |
2000 |
2000 |
100 |
100 |
10000 |
0 |
2000 |
1000 |
0 |
No |
*Equity equals Cash plus Unrealized P&L
The price increases to 110. Your equity is now 3000, but you cannot open additional positions because your available cash is still 0, and under the CBI rules IM and MM remain unchanged:
|
|
Cash |
Equity |
Position |
Price |
Value |
Unrealized P&L |
IM |
MM |
Available Cash |
MM Violation |
|
Change |
2000 |
3000 |
100 |
110 |
11000 |
1000 |
2000 |
1000 |
0 |
No |
The price then drops to 95. Your equity declines to 1500 but there is no margin violation since it is still greater than the 1000 requirement:
|
|
Cash |
Equity |
Position |
Price |
Value |
Unrealized P&L |
IM |
MM |
Available Cash |
MM Violation |
|
Change |
2000 |
1500 |
100 |
95 |
9500 |
(500) |
2000 |
1000 |
0 |
No |
The price falls further to 85, causing a margin violation and triggering a liquidation:
|
|
Cash |
Equity |
Position |
Price |
Value |
Unrealized P&L |
IM |
MM |
Available Cash |
MM Violation |
|
Change |
2000 |
500 |
100 |
85 |
8500 |
(1500) |
2000 |
1000 |
0 |
Yes |
3 Negative Equity Protection
The CBI Decision limits your CFD-related liability to the funds dedicated to CFD-trading. Other financial instruments (e.g., shares or futures) cannot be liquidated to satisfy a CFD margin-deficit.*
Therefore, non-CFD assets are not part of your capital at risk for CFD trading.
Should you lose more than the cash dedicated to CFD trading, IB must write off the loss.
As Negative Equity Protection represents additional risk to IBKR, we will charge retail investors an additional financing spread of 1% for CFD positions held overnight. You can find detailed CFD financing rates here.
*Although we cannot liquidate non-CFD positions to cover a CFD deficit, we can liquidate CFD positions to cover a non-CFD deficit.
Margen de concentración aplicado por IBKR sobre CFD para clientes minoristas
Background:
Se aplicará una comisión por concentración en caso de que la cartera contenga un número pequeño de posiciones CFD, o si las dos posiciones más grandes tengan una ponderación dominante. La cartera se someterá a una prueba de estrés en la que se aplicará un movimiento adverso del 60 % en las dos posiciones más grandes y del 10 % en las posiciones restantes. La pérdida total obtenida se utilizará como requisito de margen inicial en caso de que sea mayor que el requisito estándar.
No obstante, con el fin de evitar requisitos de margen inicial excesivos en posiciones relativamente pequeñas, se aplicará un descuento de 100 000 USD al margen de concentración inicial (el resultado no puede ser negativo). Se calculará como sigue:
appliedConcentration = max(calculatedConcentration – USD 100k,0).
El margen de mantenimiento es el 50 % del margen de concentración aplicado, de conformidad con lo establecido por la Autoridad Europea de Valores y Mercados (ESMA).
Con este descuento se pretende eliminar las comisiones por concentración en las posiciones concentradas de menos de 250 000 USD, o equivalente en otra divisa. Estas comisiones aumentarán gradualmente a partir de entonces, de modo que a una posición concentrada de 500 000 USD se le cobrará un margen del 40 %, y a una posición de 1 millón se le cobrará un margen del 50 %. En estos ejemplos se asume que un cliente dispone de un máximo de 2 posiciones; si se disponen de posiciones adicionales se reduciría los cargos agregados.
Ejemplos (se muestra el margen aplicado en negrita)
Solo posiciones concentradas
1. Volumen pequeño, concentración eliminada
| Margen inicial | Cargo por concentración | Estándar | |||
| Posición | USD | USD | % | USD | % |
| 1 | 100,000 | 60,000 | 60 % | 20,000 | 20 % |
| 2 | 50,000 | 30,000 | 60 % | 15,000 | 30 % |
| Total | 150,000 | 90,000 | 60 % | 35,000 | 23 % |
| Tras el descuento | 0 | 0 % |
2. Se aplica la concentración a una tarifa reducida
| Margen inicial | Cargo por concentración | Estándar | |||
| Posición | USD | USD | % | USD | % |
| 1 | 250,000 | 150,000 | 60 % | 50,000 | 20 % |
| 2 | 150,000 | 90,000 | 60 % | 45,000 | 30 % |
| Total | 400,000 | 240,000 | 60 % | 95,000 | 24% |
| Tras el descuento | 140,000 | 35 % |
Posiciones adicionales
3. Concentración aún más reducida por posiciones adicionales
| Margen inicial | Cargo por concentración | Estándar | |||
| Posición | USD | USD | % | USD | % |
| 1 | 250,000 | 150,000 | 60 % | 50,000 | 20 % |
| 2 | 150,000 | 90,000 | 60 % | 45,000 | 30 % |
| 3 | 100,000 | 10,000 | 10 % | 20,000 | 20 % |
| 4 | 50,000 | 5,000 | 10 % | 10,000 | 20 % |
| 5 | 50,000 | 5,000 | 10 % | 10,000 | 20 % |
| 6 | 50,000 | 5,000 | 10 % | 10,000 | 20 % |
| Total | 650,000 | 265,000 | 41% | 145,000 | 22% |
| Tras el descuento | 165,000 | 25 % |
Advertencia de riesgo
Los CFD son instrumentos complejos y están asociados a un riesgo elevado de perder dinero rápidamente debido al apalancamiento.
El 67 % de las cuentas de inversores minoristas pierden dinero en la comercialización con CFD con IBKR (UK).
Debe considerar si entiende el funcionamiento de los CFD y si puede permitirse asumir un riesgo elevado de perder su dinero.
Resumen sobre la implementación de la normativa de la AEVM relativa a los CFD de IBKR (solo para inversores minoristas)
Overview:
La Asociación europea de valores y mercados (ESMA) ha implementado nuevas normas aplicables a los clientes minoristas que operen en CFD, efectivas a partir del 1 de agosto de 2018. Los clientes profesionales no se ven afectados.
Las normas consisten en: 1) límites de apalancamiento; 2) una norma de cierre de margen sobre una base por cuenta; 3) protección de saldo negativo sobre una base por cuenta; 4) una restricción de los incentivos ofrecidos para operar en CFD y 5) una advertencia de riesgo estandarizada.
La mayoría de los clientes (excepto las entidades reguladas) inicialmente se clasifican en la categoría de clientes minoristas. En algunas circunstancias, IBKR
puede aceptar la reclasificación de cliente minorista a cliente profesional, o de profesional a
minorista. Consulte la Clasificación del MiFID para obtener más información.
En las secciones siguientes se muestra la manera en la que IBKR (UK) ha implementado la decisión de la ESMA.
1 Límites de apalancamiento
1.1 Márgenes estipulados por la ESMA
La ESMA ha establecido límites de apalancamiento a diferentes niveles en función del subyacente:
- 3.33% para los principales pares de divisas. Los principales pares de divisas son cualquier combinación de USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, CHF y JPY
- 5% para pares de divisas no principales e índices principales.
- Los pares de divisas no principales son aquellos que incluyen una combinación con una divisa no especificada anteriormente, por ejemplo, USD.CNH
- Los índices principales son IBUS500, IBUS30, IBUST100, IBGB100, IBDE30, IBEU50, IBFR40, IBJP225 y IBAU200
- 10% para índices no principales; IBES35; IBCH20; IBNL25; IBHK50
- 20% para acciones individuales
1.2 Márgenes aplicados - Requisitos
Además de los márgenes de la ESMA, IBKR (UK) establece sus propios requisitos de margen (márgenes IB) en función de la volatilidad histórica del subyacente y otros factores. Se aplicarán los márgenes IB en caso de que sean superiores a los prescritos por la ESMA.
Puede encontrar más información sobre los márgenes IB y ESMA aplicables aquí.
1.2.1 Márgenes aplicados - Concentración mínima
Se aplicará una comisión por concentración en caso de que la cartera contenga un número pequeño de posiciones CFD, o si las dos posiciones más grandes tengan una ponderación dominante. Se lleva a cabo una prueba de estrés, aplicando unos movimientos adversos del 30 % y del 5 % en las dos posiciones más grandes y en las posiciones restantes, respectivamente. Se utilizará la pérdida total como requisito de margen de mantenimiento en caso de que sea mayor que el requisito estándar.
Para los clientes minoristas, el margen inicial es, en principio, dos veces el margen de mantenimiento de la concentración mínima, tal como se mencionado anteriormente. No obstante, con el fin de evitar requisitos de margen inicial excesivos en posiciones relativamente pequeñas, se aplica un descuento de USD 100k al margen de concentración inicial (el resultado no puede ser negativo);
appliedConcentration = max(calculatedConcentration – USD 100k,0).
Con este descuento se pretende eliminar las comisiones por concentración en las posiciones concentradas de menos de 250 000 USD, o equivalente en otra divisa. Estas comisiones aumentarán gradualmente a partir de entonces, de modo que a una posición concentrada de 500 000 USD se le cobrará un margen del 40 %, y a una posición de 1 millón se le cobrará un margen del 50 %. En estos ejemplos se asume que un cliente dispone de un máximo de 2 posiciones; si se disponen de posiciones adicionales se reduciría los cargos agregados.
Puede consultar ejemplos prácticos aquí (carteras de clientes minoristas).
1.3 Fondos disponibles para margen inicial
Solo puede utilizar efectivo para cubrir el margen inicial para abrir una posición CFD. Las ganancias de CFD realizadas se incluyen en efectivo y están disponibles inmediatamente. No es necesario que el efectivo se liquide antes. No obstante, las ganancias no realizadas no pueden utilizarse para cumplir los requisitos de margen inicial.
1.4 Financiación automática de requisitos de margen inicial (segmentos F)
IBKR (UK) transfiere automáticamente los fondos desde su cuenta principal al segmento F de su cuenta para cubrir los requisitos de margen inicial para CFD.
No obstante, tenga en cuenta que no se realizarán transferencias para cumplir los requisitos de margen de mantenimiento. Por tanto, si la liquidez calificadora (tal como se define a continuación) fuera insuficiente para cumplir los requisitos de margen, se llevará a cabo una liquidación incluso si se disponen de fondos suficientes en su cuenta principal. Si desea evitar una liquidación, debe transferir fondos adicionales al segmento F en Gestión de cuenta.
2 Regla de cierre de posiciones abiertas basada en el margen
2.1 Cálculos y liquidaciones del margen de mantenimiento.
La ESMA requiere que IBKR liquide posiciones en CFD si el valor de la cuenta elegible cae por debajo del 50% del margen inicial requerido para abrir las posiciones. La liquidez calificadora para este propósito incluye efectivo en el segmento F (con exclusión de capital en cualquier otro segmento) y PyG no realizadas en CFD (positivas y negativas).
La base para este cálculo es el margen inicial registrado en el momento de abrir una posición en CFD. Es decir, a diferencia de los cálculos de margen aplicables a otras posiciones no CFD, la cantidad del margen inicial no varía cuando el valor de la posición abierta cambia.
2.1.1 Ejemplo
Usted dispone de 2 000 EUR en efectivo en su cuenta CFD. Quiere comprar 100 CFD de XYZ a un precio límite de 100 EUR. Primero se le asignan 50 CFD y después los 50 restantes. Su capital disponible se reduce cuando sus operaciones se ejecutan:
| Saldo | Capital* | Posición | Precio | Valor | PyG no realizadas | MI | MM | Efectivo disponible | Violación MM | |
| Prenegociación | 2000 | 2000 | 2000 | |||||||
| Posnegociación 1 | 2000 | 2000 | 50 | 100 | 5000 | 0 | 1000 | 500 | 1000 | No |
| Posnegociación 2 | 2000 | 2000 | 100 | 100 | 10000 | 0 | 2000 | 1000 | 0 | No |
*La liquidez es igual al efectivo más las PyG no realizadas
El precio aumenta a 110. Su liquidez es ahora de 3 000, pero no puede abrir posiciones adicionales porque su capital disponible es todavía 0 y, de conformidad con la normativa de la ESMA, MI y MM permanecen sin cambios:
| Saldo | Capital | Posición | Precio | Valor | PyG no realizadas | MI | MM | Efectivo disponible | Violación MM | |
| Cambio | 2000 | 3000 | 100 | 110 | 11000 | 1000 | 2000 | 1000 | 0 | No |
El precio baja a 95. Su liquidez baja a 1500, pero no hay violación de margen ya que está todavía por encima del requisito de 1000:
| Saldo | Capital | Posición | Precio | Valor | PyG no realizadas | MI | MM | Efectivo disponible | Violación MM | |
| Cambio | 2000 | 1500 | 100 | 95 | 9500 | (500) | 2000 | 1000 | 0 | No |
El precio cae una vez más a 85, lo que causa una violación de margen y la activación de la liquidación:
| Saldo | Capital | Posición | Precio | Valor | PyG no realizadas | MI | MM | Efectivo disponible | Violación MM | |
| Cambio | 2000 | 500 | 100 | 85 | 8500 | (1500) | 2000 | 1000 | 0 | Sí |
3 Protección de liquidez negativa
La decisión AEVM limita su responsabilidad relacionada con CFD a los fondos dedicados a la negociación en CFD. Otros instrumentos financieros (por ej. acciones o futuros) no pueden liquidarse para satisfacer un déficit de margen de CFD.*
Por lo tanto, los activos en los segmentos de valores y de materias primas de su cuenta principal y los activos no CFD mantenidos en el segmento F no son parte de su capital en riesgo para negociación de CFD. Sin embargo, todo el capital en el segmento F puede utilizarse para cubrir pérdidas que surjan de la negociación en CFD.
Como la protección de liquidez negativa representa riesgos adicionales para IBKR, cargaremos a los inversores minoristas un diferencial de financiación adicional del 1% para posiciones en CFD mantenidas trasnoche. Puede encontrar más información sobre los tipos de financiación de CFD aquí.
*Aunque no podemos liquidar posiciones de CFD para cubrir un déficit CFD, podemos liquidar posiciones en CFD para cubrir un déficit de un producto diferente a los CFD.
4 Incentivos ofrecidos con la negociación con CFD.
La decisión de la ESMA impone una prohibición en beneficios monetarios y en determinados tipos de beneficios no monetarios relacionados con la negociación con CFD. IBKR no ofrece bonificaciones ni otros incentivos para operar con CFD.
5 Advertencia de riesgo
Los CFD son instrumentos complejos y están asociados a un riesgo elevado de perder dinero rápidamente debido al apalancamiento.
El 67 % de las cuentas de inversores minoristas pierden dinero en la comercialización con CFD con IBKR (UK).
Debe considerar si entiende el funcionamiento de los CFD y si puede permitirse asumir un riesgo elevado de perder su dinero.
Overview of ESMA CFD Rules Implementation at IBKR (UK) - Retail Investors Only
Overview:
|
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage.
63.7% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with IBKR.
You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. |
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) enacted new rules applicable to retail clients trading CFDs, effective 1st August 2018. Professional clients are unaffected.
The rules consist of: 1) leverage limits; 2) a margin close out rule on a per account basis; 3) negative balance protection on a per account basis; 4) a restriction on the incentives offered to trade CFDs; and 5) a standardized risk warning.
Most clients (excepting regulated entities) are initially categorised as Retail Clients. IBKR may in certain circumstances agree to reclassify a Retail Client as a Professional Client, or a Professional Client as a Retail Client. Please see MiFID Categorisation for further detail.
The following sections detail how IBKR (UK) has implemented the ESMA Decision.
1 Leverage Limits
1.1 ESMA Margins
Leverage limits were set by ESMA at different levels depending on the underlying:
- 3.33% for major currency pairs; Major currency pairs are any combination of USD; CAD; EUR; GBP; CHF; JPY
- 5% for non-major currency pairs and major indices;
- Non-major currency pairs are any combination that includes a currency not listed above, e.g. USD.CNH
- Major indices are IBUS500; IBUS30; IBUST100; IBGB100; IBDE40; IBEU50; IBFR40; IBJP225; IBAU200
- 10% for non-major equity indices; IBES35; IBCH20; IBNL25; IBHK50
- 20% for individual equities
1.2 Applied Margins - Standard Requirement
In addition to the ESMA Margins, IBKR (UK) establishes its own margin requirements (IB Margins) based on the historical volatility of the underlying, and other factors. We will apply the IB Margins if they are higher than those prescribed by ESMA.
Details of applicable IB and ESMA margins can be found here.
1.2.1 Applied Margins - Concentration Minimum
A concentration charge is applied if your portfolio consists of a small number of CFD positions, or if the two largest positions have a dominant weight. We stress the portfolio by applying a 30% adverse move on the two largest positions and a 5% adverse move on the remaining positions. The total loss is applied as the maintenance margin requirement if it is greater than the standard requirement.
1.3 Funds Available for Initial Margin
You can only use cash to post initial margin to open a CFD position. Realized CFD profits are included in cash and are available immediately; the cash does not have to settle first. Unrealized profits however cannot be used to meet initial margin requirements.
1.4 Automatic Funding of Initial Margin Requirements (F-segments)
IBKR (UK) automatically transfers funds from your main account to the F-segment of your account to fund initial margin requirements for CFDs.
Note however that no transfers are made to satisfy CFD maintenance margin requirements. Therefore if qualifying equity (defined below) becomes insufficient to meet margin requirements, a liquidation will occur even if you have ample funds in your main account. If you wish to avoid a liquidation you must transfer additional funds to the F-segment in Account Management.
2 Margin Close Out Rule
2.1 Maintenance Margin Calculations & Liquidations
ESMA requires IBKR to liquidate CFD positions latest when qualifying equity falls below 50% of the initial margin posted to open the positions. IBKR may close out positions sooner if our risk view is more conservative. Qualifying equity for this purpose includes cash in the F-segment (excluding cash in any other account segment) and unrealized CFD P&L (positive and negative).
The basis for the calculation is the initial margin posted at the time of opening a CFD position. In other words, and unlike margin calculations applicable to non-CFD positions, the initial margin amount does not change when the value of the open position changes.
2.1.1 Example
You have EUR 2000 cash in your CFD account. You want to buy 100 CFDs of XYZ at a limit price of EUR 100. You are first filled 50 CFDs and then the remaining 50. Your available cash reduces as your trades are filled:
| Cash | Equity* | Position | Price | Value | Unrealized P&L | IM | MM | Available Cash | MM Violation | |
| Pre Trade | 2000 | 2000 | 2000 | |||||||
| Post Trade 1 | 2000 | 2000 | 50 | 100 | 5000 | 0 | 1000 | 500 | 1000 | No |
| Post Trade 2 | 2000 | 2000 | 100 | 100 | 10000 | 0 | 2000 | 1000 | 0 | No |
*Equity equals Cash plus Unrealized P&L
The price increases to 110. Your equity is now 3000, but you cannot open additional positions because your available cash is still 0, and under the ESMA rules IM and MM remain unchanged:
| Cash | Equity | Position | Price | Value | Unrealized P&L | IM | MM | Available Cash | MM Violation | |
| Change | 2000 | 3000 | 100 | 110 | 11000 | 1000 | 2000 | 1000 | 0 | No |
The price then drops to 95. Your equity declines to 1500 but there is no margin violation since it is still greater than the 1000 requirement:
| Cash | Equity | Position | Price | Value | Unrealized P&L | IM | MM | Available Cash | MM Violation | |
| Change | 2000 | 1500 | 100 | 95 | 9500 | (500) | 2000 | 1000 | 0 | No |
The price falls further to 85, causing a margin violation and triggering a liquidation:
| Cash | Equity | Position | Price | Value | Unrealized P&L | IM | MM | Available Cash | MM Violation | |
| Change | 2000 | 500 | 100 | 85 | 8500 | (1500) | 2000 | 1000 | 0 | Yes |
3 Negative Equity Protection
The ESMA Decision limits your CFD-related liability to the funds dedicated to CFD-trading. Other financial instruments (e.g. shares or futures) cannot be liquidated to satisfy a CFD margin-deficit.*
Therefore assets in the security and commodity segments of your main account, and non-CFD assets held in the F-segment, are not part of your capital at risk for CFD trading. However, all cash in the F-segment can be used to cover losses arising from CFD trading.
As Negative Equity Protection represents additional risk to IBKR, we will charge retail investors an additional financing spread of 1% for CFD positions held overnight. You can find detailed CFD financing rates here.
*Although we cannot liquidate non-CFD positions to cover a CFD deficit, we can liquidate CFD positions to cover a non-CFD deficit.
4 Incentives Offered to trade CFDs
The ESMA Decision imposes a ban on monetary and certain types of non-monetary benefits related to CFD trading. IBKR does not offer any bonus or other incentives to trade CFDs.
CFD Accounting Methods: Open Trade Equity vs. Variation Margin
Risk Warning
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage.
68.7% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with IBKR (UK).
You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
INTRODUCTION
Open Trade Equity (OTE) and Variation Margin (VM) are two methods by which brokers report CFDs to clients. While account equity and position P/L are identical under the two methods, they are represented differently for statement reporting purposes. An overview of each method is provided below for a sample position.
SAMPLE POSITION
Assume a position in which the client has a starting cash balance of $2,500 and purchases 100 CFD contracts of hypothetical contract "ABC" at a price of $100. Further assume that the closing price of ABC is $100 on Day 1, $110 on Day 2, $95 on Day 3 and $105 on Day 4.
VM MODEL
In the VM model we calculate variation margin as the difference between the closing price of the day and the closing price on the previous day with the difference applied to cash.
The realized profit is the difference between the price at which you opened the position and the price when closed, however, as both the Trade and Position Variation are booked to cash, the Cash Balance equals Account Equity.
In this example:
| Day 1 | Day 2 |
Day 3 |
Day 4 |
|
| Price | $100 | $110 | $95 | $105 |
| Traded Size | 100 | 0 | 0 | (100) |
| Position VM |
$0 | $1,000 | ($1,500) | $0 |
| Trade VM | $0 | $0 | $0 | $1,000 |
| Realized P&(L) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $500 |
| Starting Cash | $2,500 | $2,500 | $3,500 | $2,000 |
| Ending Cash | $2,500 | $3,500 | $2,000 | $3,000 |
| Account Equity | $2,500 | $3,500 | $2,000 | $3,000 |
OTE MODEL
In the OTE model, the accumulated P&L is carried as OTE, which is the difference between the closing price of the day and the price at which you opened the position. OTE is a component of equity, but not cash. Equity therefore is Cash + OTE, and consistent with the VM model above.
The realized profit is again the difference between the price at which you opened the position and the price when closed it, however, since the running P/(L) is booked as OTE it is only the applied to the Cash Balance once realized.
| Day 1 | Day 2 |
Day 3 |
Day 4 |
|
| Price | $100 | $110 | $95 | $105 |
| Traded Size | 100 | 0 | 0 | (100) |
| OTE |
$0 | $1,000 | ($500) | $0 |
| Realized P&(L) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $500 |
| Starting Cash | $2,500 | $2,500 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Ending Cash | $2,500 | $2,500 | $2,500 | $3,000 |
| Account Equity | $2,500 | $3,500 | $2,000 | $3,000 |
Futuros IBKR OTC sobre metales LME – Datos y preguntas frecuentes
El siguiente artículo tiene la intención de proporcionar una introducción general a los futuros extrabursátiles (OTC) con base en la LME emitidos por IBKR.
Nota: Los residentes de Estados Unidos, Canadá, Hong Kong e Israel no pueden operar en futuros LME OTC de IBKR.
Introducción
Los futuros LME OTC de IBKR proporcionan a los clientes un acceso sintético a la Bolsa de Metales de Londres (LME), un mercado inter pares generalmente no disponible para inversores no miembros.
Los futuros LME OTC son contratos derivados OTC con IBUK como contraparte. Los futuros LME OTC referencian el futuro LME correspondiente en términos de precio, tamaño de lote, tipo y especificación, pero no son ellos mismos un contrato registrado. La entrega física no está permitida.
Los futuros LME OTC de IBKR se operan a través de su cuenta de margen y, por lo tanto, usted puede introducir posiciones largas así como posiciones cortas apalancadas. Las tasas de margen son iguales a las establecidas por el LME. Al igual que otros futuros, están basados en el riesgo (SPAN) y son, por lo tanto, variables. Los márgenes actuales varían entre el 6% y el 9%, dependiendo del contrato.
Contratos
IBKR ofrece futuros OTC con vencimientos en el 3er. miércoles para los siguientes metales:
| Metal | Símbolo IB | Precio USD/ | Multiplicador |
| Aluminio primario de alto grado | AH | Ton. métrica | 25 |
| Cobre, grado A | CA | Ton. métrica | 25 |
| Níquel primario | NI | Ton. métrica | 6 |
| Plomo estándar | PB | Ton. métrica | 25 |
| Estaño | SNLME | Ton. métrica | 5 |
| Zinc especial de alto grado | ZSLME | Ton. métrica | 25 |
Vencimientos del 3rd. miércoles
La LME incluye una variedad de contratos adaptados a las necesidades de los operadores físicos y los operadores de cobertura. Los principales entre ellos son contratos diarios a plazo de 3 meses, utilizados por los operadores físicos para que coincidan exactamente con las coberturas de sus necesidades.
Los contratos del 3er. miércoles son contratos mensuales, como los futuros, y, como tales, se adaptan mejor a las necesidades de los operadores financieros. Como el nombre sugiere, vencen el 3er. miércoles de cada mes y, aunque se liquidan físicamente en el LME, son estrictamente liquidados en efectivo en IBKR. Los contratos del 3er. miércoles se han vuelto extremadamente populares y equivalen al 65% del interés abierto en la LME.
Cotizaciones y datos de mercado
IBKR ofrece cotizaciones en tiempo real de la LME (datos de mercado L2) y no ensancha la cotización. Cada orden de cliente tiene primero una cobertura en la bolsa y la orden LME OTC es ejecutada al precio de la cobertura.
Flujos de caja
La variación diaria de margen y de PyG realizadas para los futuros LME OTC de IBKR se liquida en efectivo diariamente, al igual que para los futuros estándar. Por el contrario, los flujos de caja para el contrato subyacente LME solo se liquidan después de que el contrato haya vencido.
Márgenes
Los requisitos de margen para los futuros LME OTC de IBKR son iguales a los requisitos para el contrato subyacente en la LME. La LME utiliza el análisis de cartera estándar de riesgo (Standard Portfolio Analysis of Risk - SPAN) para calcular el margen.
Al igual que para otros futuros, las tasas de margen se establecen como un valor absoluto por contrato y, normalmente, se actualizan de forma mensual.
Permisos de Negociación
Usted deberá configurar permisos para Metales del Reino Unido en Gestión de Cuenta.
Datos de mercado
Necesitará una suscripción de nivel II (L2) a la Bolsa de Metales de Londres (LME), actualmente de 1.00 GBP.
Recursos LME OTC
Lista de productos y enlaces a detalles de contrato
Comisiones
Requisitos de margen
Preguntas frecuentes
¿Qué debo hacer para empezar a operar en futuros LME OTC?
Debe configurar permisos de negociación para Metales de Reino Unido en Gestión de Cuenta. Si tiene una cuenta IB LLC, o una cuenta IB UK mantenida por IB LLC, nosotros configuraremos un nuevo segmento de cuenta (identificado con su número de cuenta actual más el sufijo "F"). Una vez confirmada la configuración, usted podrá comenzar a negociar. No necesita depositar fondos en el segmento F por separado; los fondos se transferirán automáticamente desde su cuenta principal para cubrir los requisitos de margen.
¿Cómo se reflejan mis operaciones y posiciones en futuros LME OTC en mis extractos?
Sus posiciones se mantienen en un segmento de cuenta separado, identificado por su número de cuenta primaria con el sufijo “F”. Puede elegir ver el extracto de actividad para el segmento F por separado o consolidado para su cuenta principal. Puede realizar la selección en la ventana de extracto de Gestión de Cuenta.
¿Qué protecciones de cuenta se aplican cuando se opera en futuros LME OTC?
Los futuros LME OTC son contratos con IB UK como su contraparte y no se operan en un mercado regulado y no se compensan en una cámara de compensación central. Como IB UK es la contraparte de sus operaciones, usted se expone a los riesgos comerciales y financieros, incluido el riesgo de crédito, asociados con la relación con IB UK. Tenga en cuenta que todos los fondos de los clientes están siempre totalmente segregados, incluidos los clientes institucionales. IB UK es un participante en el esquema de compensación de servicios financieros del Reino Unido (Financial Services Compensation Scheme "FSCS"). IB UK no es miembro de U.S. Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”).
¿Puedo operar en futuros LME OTC por teléfono?
No. En casos excepcionales, podríamos aceptar procesar las órdenes de cierre por teléfono, pero nunca las órdenes de apertura.
IBKR OTC Futures on LME Metals – Facts and Q&A
The following article is intended to provide a general introduction to LME-based OTC Futures issued by IBKR.
Note: Residents of the US, Canada, Hong Kong, and Israel cannot trade IBKR LME OTC Futures.
Introduction
IBKR LME OTC Futures provide clients synthetic access to the London Metal Exchange, a peer to peer exchange not generally available to non-member investors.
The LME OTC Futures are OTC derivative contracts with IBUK as the counterparty. The LME OTC Futures reference the corresponding LME future in terms of price, lot size, type and specification but are themselves not registered contracts. Physical delivery is not permitted.
IBKR LME OTC Futures are traded through your margin account, and you can therefore enter long as well as short leveraged positions. Margin rates equal those established by the LME. Like other futures they are risk-based (SPAN), and therefore variable. Current margins range between 6 and 9% depending on the contract.
Contracts
IBKR offers OTC Futures on the 3rd Wednesday expirations for the following metals:
| Metal | IBKR Symbol | Price USD/ | Multiplier |
| High Grade Primary Aluminium | AH | Metric Ton | 25 |
| Copper Grade A | CA | Metric Ton | 25 |
| Primary Nickel | NI | Metric Ton | 6 |
| Standard Lead | PB | Metric Ton | 25 |
| Tin | SNLME | Metric Ton | 5 |
| Special High Grade Zinc | ZSLME | Metric Ton | 25 |
3rd Wednesday Expirations
The LME features a range of contracts adapted to the needs of physical traders and hedgers. The principal among them are daily 3-month forwards used by physical traders to precisely match their hedges to their needs.
The 3rd Wednesday contracts are monthly contracts, like futures, and as such better adapted to the needs of financial traders. As the name suggests, they expire on the 3rd Wednesday of each month and, although physically settled on the LME, are strictly cash-settled at IBKR. The 3rd Wednesday contracts have become increasingly popular and account for 65% of open interest on the LME.
Quotes and Market Data
IBKR streams quotes from the LME (L2 market data) and does not widen the quote. Every client order is first hedged on exchange and the LME OTC order filled at the price of the hedge.
Cash Flows
Daily variation margin and realized P&L for the IBKR LME OTC Futures are cash-settled daily, like a standard future. By contrast, cash flows for the underlying LME contract are only settled after the contract has expired.
Margins
The margin requirements for the IBKR LME OTC Futures equal the requirement for the underlying contract on the LME. LME uses Standard Portfolio Analysis of Risk (SPAN) to calculate Initial Margin.
Like for other futures, the margin rates are established as an absolute value per contract and usually updated monthly.
Trading Permissions
You will need to set up permissions for United Kingdom Metals in Client Portal.
Market Data
You will need a subscription for Level II London Metal Exchange, currently GBP 1.00.
LME OTC Resources
Product Listings & Links to Contract Details
Commissions
Margin Requirements
Frequently asked Questions
What do I need to do to start trading LME OTC Futures?
You need to set up trading permission for United Kingdom Metals in Client Portal. If you have an IB LLC or an IB UK account carried by IB LLC we will set up a new account segment (identified with your existing account number plus the suffix “F”). Once the set-up is confirmed you can begin to trade. You do not need to fund the F segment separately; funds will be automatically transferred from your main account to meet margin requirements.
How are my LME OTC Futures trades and positions reflected in my statements?
Your positions are held in a separate account segment identified by your primary account number with the suffix “F”. You can choose to view Activity Statements for the F-segment either separately or consolidated with your main account. You can make the choice in the statement window in Client Portal.
What account protections apply when trading LME OTC Futures?
LME OTC Futures are contracts with IB UK as your counterparty, and are not traded on a regulated exchange and are not cleared on a central clearinghouse. Since IB UK is the counterparty to your trades, you are exposed to the financial and business risks, including credit risk, associated with dealing with IB UK. Please note however that all client funds are always fully segregated, including for institutional clients. IB UK is a participant in the UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme ("FSCS"). IB UK is not a member of the U.S. Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”).
Can I trade LME OTC Futures over the phone?
No. In exceptional cases we may agree to process closing orders over the phone, but never opening orders.
Overview of Forex CFDs issued by IB Australia - Facts and Q&A
Overview:
The following article is intended to provide a general introduction to forex-based Contracts for Differences (CFDs) issued by IB Australia (IBA).
Background:
Transparent DMA Quotes: IBA ensures tight spreads and substantial liquidity as a result of combining quotation streams from 14 of the world's largest foreign exchange dealers which constitute more than 70% of market share in the global interbank market*. This results in displayed quotes as small as 0.1 PIP. IBA does not mark up the quotes, rather passes through the prices that it receives and charges a separate low commission.
*Source: Euromoney FX survey FX Poll 2016.
Carry Interest: Forex CFDs are rolled over reflecting the benchmark interest rate differential of the relevant currency pair. This is in principle similar to the TOM Next rolls used by other brokers, but offers greater stability as benchmark rates generally are less volatile than swap rates. In addition IBA applies a low financing spread that for major pairs starts at just 1.0% and can be as low as 0.5% for large balances. More volatile pairs have higher financing spreads.
The carry interest for IBA Forex CFDs is based on a currency-pair specific benchmark and a spread. The benchmark is the difference between the IBA benchmark rates for the two currencies. It is calculated as + BM Base currency – BM Quote currency.
For example, April 21, 2016 the GBP benchmark rate was 0.483%, the USD rate was 0.37%. The applicable benchmark rate is:
GBP.USD BM +0.48% - 0.37% = +0.113%
The applicable customer rate is Pair BM – IBA spread for long positions, BM + spread for short positions:
GBP.USD Long Rate +0.113% - 1.00% = -0.887%
GBP.USD Short Rate +0.113% + 1.00% = +1.113%
It is important to note that the long rate is applied as a credit, the short rate as a debit. Consequently for a long position a positive rate means a credit, a negative rate a charge. However for short positions a positive rate means a charge, a negative rate a credit.
Interest is calculated on the contract value expressed in the quote currency, and credited or debited in that currency if it is either AUD or USD. Interest in other currencies is converted into the base currency of your account and then credited or debited.
For example:
| Daily Interest | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position | GBP.USD Close | USD Value | Rate | USD | |
| GBP.USD | -20,000 | 1.43232 | -28,646.40 | 1.113% | -0.89 |
Interest on Forex CFD balances is calculated on a stand-alone contract basis, and not combined or netted with other currency exposures, including Spot FX. Although IBA does not directly reference swap rates, IBA reserves the right to apply higher spreads in exceptional market conditions, such as during spikes in swap rates that can occur around fiscal year-ends.
Detailed interest schedules can be viewed here.
Trading: IBA Forex CFDs can be traded either in classical TWS or in the IBA FX Trader, with over 20 available order types and algos. To find the contract you want to trade in classical TWS or FX Trader, enter the currency pair (i.e. EUR.USD) and choose Sec Type CFD in the Contract Selection pop-up.
Margin: IBA Forex CFD margins are determined for each currency pair on a per contract basis without regard to other Forex balances held in the account. Margins start as low as 2.5% of contract value for major currency pairs. Details for all currency pairs can be found here.
Commissions: IBA passes through the prices that it receives and charges a separate low commission. We do this in the interest of providing a transparent pricing structure instead of marking up our quotes and charging nothing in commissions as is the practice with many forex brokers. Commissions are tiered based on monthly traded value, and range from 0.20 basis points to 0.08 basis points.
Details are found here.
Trading Permissions: In order to trade Forex CFDs, you must set up the trading permission for Forex CFDs in Account Management. The suitability criteria are the same as those for Leverage FX. Share and Index CFDs are a separate trading permission.
Trading Example
Opening the position
You purchase 10 lots (200000) EUR.CHF CFDs at $1.16195 for CHF 232,390, which you then hold for 5 days.
| EUR.CHF Forex CFDs – New Position | |
|---|---|
| Reference Underlying Price | 1.16188 - 1.16195 |
| CFDs Reference Price | 1.16188 - 1.16195 |
| Action | Buy |
| Quantity | 200,000 |
| Trade Value | CHF 232,390.00 |
| Margin (3% x 232,390) | AUD 9,100 |
| Interest Charged (on CHF 232,390 over 5 days) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier I (Pair BM 0.42% - IB Spread 1%) | CHF 232,390.00 | -0.58% | (CHF 18.72) |
Closing the position
| Exit CFD Position | ||
|---|---|---|
| Profit Scenario | Loss Scenario | |
| Reference Underlying Price | 1.16840 - 1.16848 | 1.15539 - 1.15546 |
| CFDs Reference Price | 1.16840 - 1.16848 | 1.15539 - 1.15546 |
| Action | Sell | Sell |
| Quantity | 200,000 | 200,000 |
| Trade Value | CHF 233,680.00 | CHF 231,078.00 |
| Trade P&L | CHF 1,290.00 | (CHF 1,312.00) |
| Financing | (CHF 18.72) | (CHF 18.72) |
| Entry Commission 0.002% | (CHF 4.65) | (CHF 4.65) |
| Entry Commission 0.002% | (CHF 4.67) | (CHF 4.62) |
| Total P&L | CHF 1,261.96 | (CHF 1,339.99) |
| Total P&L @ AUD.CHF 0.770855 | AUD 1,637.09 | (AUD 1,738.32) |
CFD Resources
Below are some useful links with more detailed information on IBA’s CFD offering:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between IBA Forex CFDs and other forms of forex trading?
IBA Forex CFDs are differentiated mainly by their their exceptionally tight spreads resulting from that IBA a) combines quotation streams from 14 of the world's largest foreign exchange dealers which constitute more than 70% of market share in the global interbank market*. This results in displayed quotes as small as 0.1 PIP, and b) IBA does not mark up the quotes, rather passes through the prices that it receives and charges a separate low commission.
*Source: Euromoney FX survey FX Poll 2016.
IBA Forex CFDs also offer a unique financing model for positions held overnight. IBA uses a pair benchmark rate which is the difference between the benchmark rates for the two underlying currencies. This is in principle similar to the TOM Next rolls used by other brokers, but offers greater stability as benchmark rates generally are less volatile than swap rates.
Please see the Carry Interest section above for a detailed example.
Are there any market data requirements?
The market data for IBA Forex CFDs is the same as for Leverage FX. It is a global permission and free of charge.
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