What is the forced liquidation mechanism of HTX contracts? What happens if the margin is not enough?

HTX's forced liquidation mechanism protects traders and the platform by closing positions when margin levels drop below the maintenance requirement, preventing unlimited losses.

May 17, 2025 at 10:21 am

The forced liquidation mechanism of HTX contracts is a crucial aspect of trading on the platform, designed to manage risk and protect both the trader and the exchange. This mechanism comes into play when a trader's position experiences significant losses, and their margin falls below a certain threshold. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of the forced liquidation mechanism, what happens if the margin is not enough, and how traders can navigate these situations.

Understanding Forced Liquidation

Forced liquidation is a process initiated by the exchange when a trader's position reaches a point where the margin is insufficient to cover potential further losses. This mechanism is designed to prevent traders from incurring unlimited losses and to maintain the stability of the platform. When a position is liquidated, the exchange automatically closes the position to mitigate further risk.

How Forced Liquidation Works on HTX

On HTX, the forced liquidation mechanism is triggered when the margin level of a position falls below the maintenance margin requirement. The margin level is calculated as the ratio of the account's equity to the used margin. If this level drops below the set threshold, the system will initiate the liquidation process.

• Maintenance Margin Requirement: This is the minimum margin level required to keep a position open. If the margin level falls below this requirement, the position is at risk of being liquidated.
• Liquidation Price: This is the price at which the position will be liquidated. It is calculated based on the entry price, the amount of leverage used, and the maintenance margin requirement.

When the market price reaches the liquidation price, HTX will automatically close the position to prevent further losses. The proceeds from the liquidation are used to cover the losses, and any remaining funds are returned to the trader's account.

What Happens If the Margin Is Not Enough?

If the margin in a trader's account is not sufficient to cover the losses incurred during trading, the position will be liquidated. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of what happens:

• Monitoring Margin Levels: HTX continuously monitors the margin levels of all open positions. If the margin level falls below the maintenance margin requirement, the system flags the position for potential liquidation.
• Liquidation Trigger: When the market price hits the liquidation price, the system automatically triggers the liquidation process.
• Position Closure: The exchange closes the position at the current market price. This action is taken to prevent further losses that could exceed the available margin.
• Loss Coverage: The proceeds from the liquidation are used to cover the losses. If the proceeds are not enough to cover the full amount of the losses, the trader's account balance will be reduced accordingly.
• Remaining Funds: Any remaining funds after covering the losses are returned to the trader's account.

Impact of Forced Liquidation on Traders

Forced liquidation can have significant implications for traders. Understanding these impacts can help traders better manage their positions and mitigate risks.

• Loss of Position: The most immediate impact is the loss of the trading position. Once liquidated, the trader no longer holds the position and cannot benefit from any subsequent favorable market movements.
• Financial Impact: Liquidation can result in financial losses, as the position is closed at the liquidation price, which may be less favorable than the entry price.
• Account Balance: The trader's account balance may be reduced if the liquidation proceeds are insufficient to cover the losses. This can affect the trader's ability to open new positions or continue trading.

Strategies to Avoid Forced Liquidation

While forced liquidation is an inherent risk in leveraged trading, there are strategies that traders can employ to minimize the likelihood of their positions being liquidated.

• Monitor Margin Levels: Regularly check the margin levels of your positions. If the margin level is approaching the maintenance margin requirement, consider adding more funds to your account or reducing your position size.
• Use Stop-Loss Orders: Implementing stop-loss orders can help limit potential losses. A stop-loss order automatically closes a position when the market price reaches a specified level, preventing further losses that could lead to liquidation.
• Reduce Leverage: Using lower leverage can reduce the risk of liquidation. Higher leverage increases the potential for both gains and losses, making positions more susceptible to liquidation.
• Diversify Positions: Spreading your investments across multiple positions can help mitigate the risk of any single position being liquidated. Diversification can provide a buffer against market volatility.

Practical Example of Forced Liquidation on HTX

To illustrate how forced liquidation works on HTX, let's consider a practical example. Suppose a trader opens a long position on Bitcoin with a leverage of 10x, using $1,000 as the initial margin. The entry price is $50,000, and the maintenance margin requirement is 50%.

• Initial Margin: $1,000
• Position Value: $10,000 (10x leverage)
• Entry Price: $50,000
• Maintenance Margin Requirement: 50%

If the price of Bitcoin drops to $45,000, the position value becomes $9,000 (10,000 * 45,000 / 50,000). The unrealized loss is $1,000, and the account equity is now $0 ($1,000 initial margin - $1,000 unrealized loss). The margin level is now 0% ($0 equity / $1,000 used margin), which is below the maintenance margin requirement of 50%.

At this point, the liquidation price is calculated as follows:

• Liquidation Price: Entry Price - (Entry Price * Maintenance Margin Requirement / Leverage)
• Liquidation Price: $50,000 - ($50,000 * 0.50 / 10) = $47,500

If the market price reaches $47,500, the position will be liquidated. The exchange will close the position at $47,500, resulting in a loss of $2,500 ($50,000 - $47,500). Since the initial margin was only $1,000, the trader's account balance will be reduced to $0, and the remaining $1,500 loss will be absorbed by the exchange.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I prevent forced liquidation once it has been triggered?

No, once the forced liquidation process has been triggered, it cannot be stopped. The exchange automatically closes the position to prevent further losses. However, traders can take proactive steps to avoid reaching the liquidation threshold in the first place.

Q2: What happens if the market price rebounds after my position is liquidated?

If the market price rebounds after your position is liquidated, you will not benefit from the favorable price movement. Once a position is liquidated, it is closed, and you no longer hold the position. This underscores the importance of managing risk and avoiding liquidation.

Q3: How can I calculate the liquidation price of my position?

The liquidation price can be calculated using the formula: Liquidation Price = Entry Price - (Entry Price * Maintenance Margin Requirement / Leverage). This calculation helps you understand at what price your position will be liquidated, allowing you to manage your risk accordingly.

Q4: Does HTX charge any fees for forced liquidation?

HTX may charge fees for forced liquidation, which are typically outlined in the platform's fee structure. These fees are intended to cover the costs associated with managing the liquidation process and maintaining the stability of the platform. It's important to review the fee schedule before trading to understand the potential costs involved.