http://www.interactivebrokers.com/php/webhelp/Screens/Account_Information.htm
222: I have question on account information on commodity
222: I have enough cash in my account
222: today I open NQ 1 contract
222: in account infor, available fund on commodity column shows -$510
222: what does that mean
222: why is it negtive
Mary N: available funds = securities equity with loan value or commodities net liquidation value - initial margin requirement
Mary N: that is the figure used to determine whether you may open a new position
222: available fund on security column is mare than 90K
222: more than
Mary N: if you need to further open new positions on commodities side, the available funds on securities side should also be swept to the commodities side in real time to fulfill the needs
Mary N: most of the times, we try to keep as much available funds on securities side as possible
222: but what -$510 tell me on commodity column
Mary N: that means the commodities net liquidation value - commodities initial margin = -510
222: I am still confused
222: does it means I cannot open the next position becose it is negtive
Mary N: if the overall available funds is positive
Mary N: then it should be fine
Mary N: because the securities available funds will be swept to the commodities side when you open new position on the commodities side (e.g., futures)
Mary N: please also let me post you a useful link for the explanation of the account information terms
Mary N: http://www.interactivebrokers.com/php/webhelp/Screens/Account_Information.htm
222: thanks
Mary N: you are welcome
222: one more
222: at that time, the price is great than I opened
222: why it turn -510
Mary N: it is because after you open the position
222: after gain a little I closed
Mary N: some of the funds will be swept back to the securities side, as the maintenance margin is less than the initial margin
222: now it is 10
Mary N: that's why only the part of the funds necessary to maintain the position will be kept on commodities side
222: ok
222: I will digest what your type
222: that is all my question
Mary N: you may check the link that i sent you for more information
