New futures margin rates aimed at helping short-selling curbs

The Hong Kong Futures Exchange (HKFE) has announced new margin rates for the Hang Seng 100 Futures as part of its efforts to curb short selling. The full rate for initial margins, effective from Friday week, will be $13,000 per contract and $10,400 for a maintenance margin. The new spread rate for initial margins will be $1,500 per contract per side and $1,200 per contract per side for maintenance margins. The HKFE said these were minimum rates and that member firms should set their margins as individual clients required.