Spoken like a truly outdated European Socialist. Notice how Germany is now demanding that EU members pass a 'constitutional' balanced budget amendment for each country's government ?
Given where markets have progressed in terms of technology and access - please stop trading now.
Take what is left of your account and do something else.
Another reason to trade a technical model designed for spreads, and shitcan the fundamental approach ( if you are one of the few fundamental traders with an intact trading account this year ).
An ugly year for the fundamentalists.
IB, TOS, Velocity, etc. etc.
They do not have a clue.
Every client I take on who clears them - switches.
You need a more serious institutional strength broker who will take a $25K account: MF, Advantage, Crossland, RJ O'Brien, RCG, CTS, etc.
I have a client trading trading live money who just reported he is up 41 % year-to-date, after suffering an 8 % drawdown in July.
And he's a newbie.
What planet are you from ?
Those are Mahi Mahi, or Dolphin - they have a two year lifespan, and are considered by conservationists to be a renewable resource.
Tuna and Sharks and most any other fish, you have a point.
Based upon today's settlement, the initial performance bond margin for a 1:1 Crude Oil Calendar Spread is $405
http://www.cmegroup.com/clearing/margins/intras.html#e=NYM&a=CRUDE+OIL&p=NY-CL
Change your fucking broker.
Retail brokers do not have a clue regarding correct margining for...