Commodity trading in India has evolved into one of the most dynamic segments of the financial market. From gold and crude oil to agricultural products like soybeans and cotton, commodities offer investors an opportunity to diversify beyond equities and bonds. But before you dive in, it’s crucial to understand three fundamental concepts that govern this space — margin, lot size, and leverage.
These terms may sound technical, but they form the very foundation of how you trade and manage risk in commodities. Let’s break them down in the simplest way possible.
When you trade commodities on exchanges like MCX (Multi Commodity Exchange) or NCDEX (National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange), you don’t have to pay the full contract value upfront. Instead, you only pay a margin — a small percentage of the total value — to take a position.
This system enables traders to participate in large trades even with limited capital.
Example:
Let’s say gold futures are trading at ₹65,000 per 10 grams and the contract size is 1 kg (1000 grams).
This ₹3,25,000 acts as a security deposit, allowing you to control a position worth ₹65 lakh. However, if the price moves against you, your losses could quickly eat into this margin — hence risk management becomes crucial.
Regulatory Note:
Margins in India are governed by SEBI to ensure fair play and adequate risk coverage for all participants.
Each commodity traded on an exchange has a standardized lot size, which ensures uniformity in contracts. The lot size represents the minimum quantity that can be traded for that specific commodity.
Example:
So, if crude oil is trading at ₹7,000 per barrel, one lot equals ₹7,00,000 (₹7,000 × 100).
The lot size not only defines your trade volume but also directly impacts your margin requirement and risk exposure. Larger lot sizes mean bigger potential profits — but also greater potential losses.
Leverage is the power of margin. It allows you to control large positions using smaller capital. Simply put, leverage magnifies your market exposure.
Formula:
Leverage = Total Contract Value ÷ Margin Requirement
Example:
If the total contract value is ₹65 lakh and your margin is ₹3.25 lakh, then:
Leverage = 65,00,000 ÷ 3,25,000 = 20x
This means every ₹1 you invest controls ₹20 worth of commodity exposure. While leverage can multiply your gains, it can also amplify losses if prices move in the opposite direction. Hence, understanding how to manage leverage is key to surviving in the volatile world of commodities.
Real-World Scenario:
In 2024, when global crude oil prices fluctuated due to OPEC decisions, highly leveraged traders on MCX faced both exceptional profits and heavy margin calls within hours. This highlights why risk management and discipline are essential in leveraged trading.
Think of lot size as the scale of your trade, margin as the capital you commit, and leverage as the multiplier that connects them. Together, they determine how much exposure you have and how much risk you’re
A good trader balances all three — ensuring that leverage is used wisely, margins are maintained, and lot sizes match risk capacity.
Always check the latest margin circulars issued by your broker or the exchange before trading.
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1. Is commodity trading suitable for beginners?
Yes, with proper education and guidance. Start small, use minimal leverage, and trade through trusted brokers like Swastika Investmart.
2. What happens if I can’t maintain margin requirements?
Your broker may issue a margin call, and if unmet, your position could be squared off to limit risk.
3. How is margin decided in commodity trading?
It’s set by exchanges based on volatility, liquidity, and SEBI regulations.
4. Can I use leverage in all commodities?
Yes, but the leverage ratio varies across commodities and is subject to exchange and SEBI norms.
5. Are profits from commodity trading taxable?
Yes, profits are treated as business income under the Income Tax Act and must be reported accordingly.
Understanding margin, lot size, and leverage isn’t just about mastering formulas — it’s about mastering your risk and reward balance. These three elements form the backbone of every commodity trade and determine your long-term success in the markets.
With Swastika Investmart’s reliable research, advanced trading tools, and investor-first approach, you can make smarter, more confident trading decisions in the Indian commodity space.
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