What does margin represent in a client transaction?

• A. The market value of a security only
• B. The amount paid by a client when using credit to buy a security
• C. The total amount invested by a client
• D. The profit made from a security sale

Answer: (B)

Margin in a client transaction is best understood as the amount that a client pays when using borrowed funds, or credit, to purchase a security. It signifies the portion of the purchase price that the client must cover from their own resources. In the context of margin trading, clients typically borrow money from a brokerage to buy more securities than they could solely with their own capital. This leads to a leveraging effect, allowing them to potentially increase their returns but also involves higher risk.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of what margin represents. The market value of a security refers to its current trading price and does not reflect the payment or borrowing aspects involved in buying it. The total amount invested by a client includes both the margin and any borrowed funds, making it a broader term that does not specifically define margin. Lastly, profit from a security sale pertains to the financial gains realized after selling a security, which again is not directly related to the concept of margin.