How can I preview the margin impact of new orders and closing positions in TWS and Mosaic?

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) offers several ways to preview the margin impact of new orders and closing positions in both Trader Workstation (TWS) and Mosaic platforms. This feature helps you understand how your orders will affect your account's margin requirements before execution.

For New Orders:

1. In TWS:
   1. Right-click on a Buy or Sell order line.
   2. Select "Check Margin Impact" from the menu.
   3. View the order details in the "Change" column on the Initial Margin line.
2. In Mosaic:
   1. Create the order in the Mosaic Order Entry window.
   2. Hover your mouse over the small white arrowhead next to "Submit".
   3. Click on "Check margin Impact" then View the order details and impact in the "Change" column.

For Closing Positions (TWS and Mosaic):

1. 1. Right-click on any data line with a position.
   2. Go to Contract Info, then click on "Show Margin Impact".
   3. A pop-up will open displaying the impact on your margin requirements in the "Change" column 

Interpreting the Results:

In the "Change" column on the Initial Margin line:

• • A positive number indicates an increase in margin requirements.
  • A negative number indicates a decrease in margin requirements.

Additional Tools:

• Risk Navigator "What If" feature: Use this to model position changes and their impact on margin.
• Daily Margin Report: Review this in Account Management/Client Portal for a comprehensive view of your margin status.

It's important to note that these previews help you understand the potential impact on your margin requirements before submitting an order or closing a position.

Additional Information

• Set Margin Alerts
• Understanding System Colors
• Real Time Margin Monitoring