[bozzio]

I'm trying to figure out the buying power for a Pattern Day Trader. I know it's 4 to 1 with $25,000 equity min, but I need to know if more about maintenance margin excess. I read that this is calculated by previous day's close. If I always close out all positions before the end of each trading day, then my buying power would be 4 to 1 of my equity at the end of the day? Would the maintenance margin excess only come into play if I held a position overnight or are currently holding a position at the beginning of the new trading day?

So $30,000 would be $120,000 in buying power

Or do you have do have 25% maintenance margin in reserve at all times regardless if you are holding any positions?

Therefore $30,000-$7,500 maintenance = $22,500 so $90,000 in buying power.

Thanks

[WorldTrader]

Bozzio,
I trade emini Futures. Pattern Day Trader rules don't apply. If I want to hold them overnight, which I only do on longer Swing Trades, then the margen is higher. It depends upon your broker. Who is your broker and what are you looking to trade?
BW