Term

Leverage

Leverage uses borrowed funds to increase position size, amplifying both gains and losses.

Type:
markets
derivatives
Also known as:
margin
leverage trading
1
concept

Traders post collateral to open positions larger than their equity. Exchanges enforce maintenance margins and liquidate positions that breach risk limits.

Example 1.1

"With 5x leverage, a 10% adverse move wipes out the initial margin, triggering liquidation if not managed."

Example 1.2

"Cross margin shares collateral across positions; isolated margin ring-fences risk per position."

2
risk

Leverage increases volatility of P&L, requires disciplined risk management, and can cascade in stressed markets due to forced liquidations.

Example 2.1

"Stop-loss orders and conservative position sizing help contain tail risk."

Example 2.2

"Funding rates on perpetual swaps influence the cost of holding a leveraged position over time."

All terms and definitions may update as the Cryptionary improves.