Futures margin (formally known as performance bond) is mandated by the regulators. Brokers are free to require more for their own protection, but they may not require less. The trader's exact margin requirement varies continually under SPAN and is very hard to estimate.
I don't know if IB has preferred customers, but I wouldn't be surprised if very small accounts are disfavored in some way. IB does automated enforcement of it's rules, so violators get no warning. My own experience has been that at much over 50% margin utilization, the account is so hot that proper risk management becomes unworkable.
[rwk]
--- "Patrick Connell" <patrickoberconnell@...> wrote:
I transferred to IB about a month ago for the commissions. I trade futures and am disappointed with the Margin Requirement increase from Intraday to Overnight at 12:45 Pacific Time on the E-Mini's. But also on any commodities 15 minutes before the pit closes. I got slammed my first day trading because I wasn't prepared for it, but regardless it's frustrating considering how much volume and volatility there is the last 15 minutes before the bell. I didn't run into this issue with TD/Think or Swim, I also gave Trade Station a call and they don't increase the Margin Requirement's until 1:15 on the E-Mini's. IB doesn't have anything in writing on their website in regards to what time exactly they change the Margin Requirements from Intraday to Overnight, I was wondering if possibly they provide preferential treatment to certain customers... Anybody have any input?
