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Re:GameStop Is Rage Against the Financial Machine by gknoy on Wednesday January 27, 2021 @06:25PM (#25935602)
How does that even work, though? If I've bought a stock for $200, how could I end up owing more than what I already paid? I feel like I don't understand what situation you're describing.
Re:GameStop Is Rage Against the Financial Machine by ohyes on Wednesday January 27, 2021 @06:43PM (#25935761)
Margin accounts.

You buy the stock for $200 but of the $200, $100 is money that you've borrowed. Because the stock is now at $350 your assets cover the margin easily. but if the suddenly becomes liquid and gaps down to $2, you owe $100 and only have $2 dollars in assets with which to cover your margin loan. You get a margin call and the bank force sells your stock then takes your car, your house, etc to cover the $98 you still owe.

Re:GameStop Is Rage Against the Financial Machine by drited on Thursday January 28, 2021 @08:04AM (#25941235)
If part of the 200 paid for your long position in the share was paid for with a margin loan, then you may only have put 40 of equity in the account with the remaining 160 paid for with a loan. You're exposed to a maximum loss of 200.
Re:GameStop Is Rage Against the Financial Machine by djbebs on Wednesday January 27, 2021 @06:44PM (#25935770)
If you borrowed money to buy it (margin)