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Margin Call

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Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Margin Call'

A broker's demand on an investor using margin to deposit additional money or securities so that the margin account is brought up to the minimum maintenance margin. Margin calls occur when a you account value depresses to a value calculated by the broker's particular formula.

This is sometimes called a "fed call" or "maintenance call".
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Margin Call'

You would receive a margin call from a broker if one or more of the securities you had bought (with borrowed money) decreased in value past a certain point. You would be forced either to deposit more money in the account or to sell off some of your assets.

Related Definitions

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    Broker's Call

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