How to Use Leverage Safely in Forex
What Is Leverage and How Does It Work in Forex?
Leverage is a loan provided by your broker that lets you trade larger amounts than your deposit. For example, with 1:100 leverage, a $100 deposit controls $10,000 in the market. In Mozambique, brokers often offer leverage from 1:30 to 1:500, but higher leverage increases risk. Always use leverage that matches your risk tolerance and account size.
How to Calculate Leverage Risk
To use leverage safely, calculate your position size based on your account balance and stop-loss level. For a Mozambique trader with a $500 account, using 1:50 leverage means a 2% market move could lose $500. Use a risk calculator to keep each trade risk under 2% of your account. For example, if you risk $10 per trade, set a stop-loss that limits loss to that amount.
Setting a Stop-Loss and Take-Profit
Always set a stop-loss order for every trade. In Mozambique, where internet connectivity can be unstable, a stop-loss protects you from sudden market gaps. For instance, if you trade USD/MZN, a 50-pip stop-loss on a 0.1 lot with 1:100 leverage limits loss to $50. Take-profit orders lock in gains automatically.