For those who trade the Comex/Nymex SI large silver contract, margin is (surprise, surprise) going up. Effective tomorrow Thur 2/28 at close of business for normal "non-member" customers:
Old -- $6,075 ($1,215 per 1000oz)
New -- $6,750 ($1,350 per 1000oz)
As to the rate your broker requires, your mileage may vary. If silver remains volatile thru the May contract (an historically strong period) I wouldn't be surprised to see another margin increase. And, as usual, the ZI large silver contract on the eCBOT has considerably lower margin requirements with the trade-offs being liquidity and trading hours. The action is in the SI, but you pay for the privilege.