SAN FRANCISC0 (MarketWatch) -- The CME Group Inc., the parent company of the main metals and energy exchanges in the U.S., on Wednesday announced an increase in margin requirements to trade gold. The money needed to trade gold contracts increased 27%. Initial margin requirements rose to $9,450 from $7,425 per 100-ounce contract; maintenance margin requirements rose to $7,000 from $5,500, both effective as of the close of trading on Thursday. The CME had increased margins for gold two weeks ago by 22%.
CME letter follows.