Higher Margin Requirement (HMR)
At IC, we continuously review our trading conditions to ensure they remain transparent, responsible, and aligned with changing market conditions.
As part of this commitment, we are introducing Higher Margin Requirement (HMR) periods across selected products. These periods are designed to help manage increased market volatility and risk during specific trading conditions and major economic events.
This update forms part of our broader leverage framework, providing clients with greater visibility into how leverage and margin requirements may temporarily change during periods of elevated market activity.
What are HMR Periods?
HMR periods are predefined time windows during which:
- Leverage is temporarily reduced
- Margin requirements are increased
- Updated leverage tiers apply to new positions opened during the HMR period
These measures are intended to reflect the increased volatility and reduced liquidity that may occur around major market events, market close periods, and weekend openings.
HMR conditions apply only to positions opened during the HMR period. Existing positions will generally retain the leverage at which they were opened, unless otherwise specified under the Company’s policies.
When the HMR period ends, your margin is automatically recalculated based on the prevailing mark-to-market value at that time, which may result in higher or lower margin compared to when the positions were originally opened.
When do HMR Periods Apply?
End of Day
HMR conditions apply:
- Daily, starting 30 minutes before market close
- Until 15 minutes after the market opens
Weekend
HMR conditions apply:
- Every Friday, starting 1 hour before market close
- Until Monday, 30 minutes after market open
Major Economic News Releases
HMR conditions apply:
- From 15 minutes before
- Until 1 minute after high-impact economic announcements
The major events currently covered include:
- Central Bank Rate Decisions
- Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP)
- CPI
- Core CPI
- Crude Oil Inventories
Please note that these events are indicative and not exhaustive. The Company reserves the right to apply HMR conditions at its discretion in response to market volatility or changing market conditions.
Forex CFDs – HMR Leverage Tiers
During HMR periods, the following leverage tiers apply to Forex CFDs:
| Instrument | 0–25 Lots | 25–50 Lots | 50–100 Lots | 100+ Lots |
| Forex | 1:500 | 1:200 | 1:200 | 1:200 |
Metals CFDs – HMR Leverage Tiers
Gold (XAU)
| Position Size | HMR Leverage |
| 0–25 Lots | 1:500 |
| 25–50 Lots | 1:200 |
| 50–100 Lots | 1:100 |
| 100+ Lots | 1:50 |
Silver (XAG)
| Position Size | HMR Leverage |
| 0–25 Lots | 1:200 |
| 25–50 Lots | 1:100 |
| 50–100 Lots | 1:50 |
| 100+ Lots | 1:20 |
Margin requirements during HMR periods are calculated progressively based on the applicable leverage tier.
As a result, larger positions may require significantly higher margin during HMR periods compared to normal market conditions.
Why are HMR Periods Important?
Periods surrounding major market events may experience:
- Increased volatility
- Rapid price movements
- Wider spreads
- Reduced market liquidity
Clients are encouraged to monitor their available margin carefully and ensure sufficient funds are maintained in their accounts during HMR periods.
If you have any questions, please reach out to our support team. We’re always here to assist you.
Kind Regards,
IC
