Your MT5 or PXTrader 2.0 account operates under two types of margin requirements depending on the time of day: Standard Margin Requirements (SMR) and Higher Margin Requirements (HMR).
Margin Modes Overview
Standard Margin Requirements (SMR)
This is the default mode during normal trading hours. Margin is calculated based on the standard leverage applied to your account type.
Higher Margin Requirements (HMR)
Margin requirements are increased meaning that your leverage is reduced.
Applies only to positions opened (or exposure changed) during a specific time window for certain instruments.
When Does HMR Apply?
Due to session breaks:
Market | Monday - Thursday | Friday to Sunday | Margin Multiplier in MT5 | Max Leverage in PXTrader 2.0 |
XAU, XAG | 15 min before market close, up to 2 minutes after the market reopens | 1 hour before market close, up to 2 minutes after the market reopens | Margin x10 | 100 |
CRUDE, BRENT | 15 min before market close, up to 2 minutes after the market reopens | 1 hour before market close, up to 2 minutes after the market reopens | Margin x10 | 20 |
GASOIL | - | 1 hour before market close, up to 2 minutes after the market reopens | Margin x10 | 10 |
US30, US500, USTEC | - | 1 hour before market close, up to 2 minutes after the market reopens | Margin x2.5 | 200 |
FOREX | - | 1 hour before market close, up to 2 minutes after the market reopens | Margin x10 | 100 |
Due to economic events
5 minutes before and 1 minute after economic events like Interest Rate decisions, Consumer Price Index, Non-Farm Payrolls, etc.
Note: This timeframe may change.
Positions opened before the HMR window → remain on standard margin (SMR)
Positions opened during HMR → subject to higher margin
⚠️ Note: MT5 will still display standard margin values — the increase is applied in the background.
⚠️ Note: in PXTrader 2.0 high margin requirements will be applied immediately to all LIMIT pending orders once the HMR time starts. If there is not enough margin to maintain such LIMIT orders, they will be removed with the reason message - 'Rejected'
Example
If a trade normally requires $1,000 margin:
During SMR → you need $1,000 (with leverage 1:1000)
During HMR → you need $10,000 (with max leverage 1:100 or Margin Multiplier x10)
Once the HMR window ends, margin returns to normal.
Unlocking Positions During HMR
When you unlock (partially or fully close one side of a hedge) during the HMR window, the effect depends on whether your market exposure increases or decreases. Let's check the examples below.
1 lot of XAU/USD in MT5 = 100 oz
Case A: Unlocking Increases Exposure (Higher Risk)
Before unlocking:
Buy 1 lot + Sell 3 lots (XAU/USD)
Locked amount: 1 lot
Net exposure: Sell 2 lots
Margin: Calculated normally on 2 lots
Action:
You close the Buy 1 lot position during the HMR window.
After unlocking:
Remaining position: Sell 3 lots
Net exposure: Sell 3 lots (increased by 1 lot)
New exposure created: 1 lot
What happens:
The additional 1 lot is treated as new exposure
HMR applies → on that 1 lot only
Existing 2 lots remain on standard margin
If 1 lot normally requires $500 margin (with leverage 1:1000), the newly exposed 1 lot will require $5,000 (with max leverage 1:100 or Margin Multiplier x10) during HMR.
Case B: Unlocking Decreases Exposure (Lower Risk)
Before unlocking:
Buy 1 lot + Sell 3 lots (XAU/USD)
Net exposure: Sell 2 lots
Margin: Standard margin applied
Action:
You close 1 lot from the Sell position during the HMR window.
After unlocking:
Remaining position: Buy 1 lot + Sell 2 lots
Net exposure: Sell 1 lot (reduced from 2 lots)
What happens:
Your exposure is reduced
In MT5 Margin is released proportionally; In PXTrader 2.0 the Standard Margin is released first
No HMR penalty applies
MT5: When the total margin for 2 lots is $5,500 (1 lot opened under SMR at $500 + 1 lot opened under HMR at $5,000), closing 1 lot releases $2,750 back to free margin.
PXTrader 2.0: When the total margin for 200 oz of XAUUSD is $5,500 (1 lot opened under SMR at $500 + 1 lot opened under HMR at $5,000), closing 1 lot releases only $500 back to free margin.
HMR is designed as a risk management tool to protect both traders and the platform by reducing exposure during periods of increased uncertainty. Around market session breaks, prices can gap significantly, so temporarily increasing margin requirements helps limit the risks associated with highly leveraged positions. At the same time, it automatically reduces excessive leverage during volatile periods without requiring any manual intervention.
If you encounter any issues, please contact our support team for assistance.