What defines margin trading?

Margin trading is defined as borrowing funds from a broker to trade financial assets, which allows investors to increase their purchasing power and potentially amplify their returns. By using borrowed capital, traders can access larger positions than what their available cash would allow. This method involves leveraging investments, where profits (and losses) can be significantly magnified, making margin trading a strategy often used by experienced investors who are familiar with the associated risks.

The other options do not accurately describe margin trading. Investing with cash only, without leverage, is fundamentally different, as it involves using personal funds without the additional borrowing component that characterizes margin trading. Trading stocks that have low volatility pertains to a specific risk profile and does not encompass the concept of borrowing funds for greater investment potential. Lastly, buying securities through public offerings is a method of acquiring assets but does not relate to the practice of margin trading, which specifically involves leveraging funds from a brokerage.