This chapter provide an of derivatives. As we noted in the chapter, there are four major classes of derivatives: forward contracts, futures, options, and swaps. Following is a brief explanation of each. | Chapter 1 Web Extension 1B An Overview of Derivatives Topics in Web Extension Overview of derivatives Forward contracts Futures contracts Options Swaps Forward Contracts 2 parties to contract, each with a basic position: One party is “long” (buy). Obligates party to buy the underlying asset at some fixed price at a specified date in the future. One party is “short” (sell). Obligates party to sell the underlying asset at some fixed price at a specified date in the future. Terms Forward price Delivery date (expiration date) Forward contracts are common for currencies. Hedging Risk with Forward Contracts US wine importer might plan on purchasing French wine with euros in the fall. Could lock in the currency exchange rate for the fall by taking a long position in a euro currency forward contract. US computer manufacturer might plan on selling computers to German company in fall, with the payment in euros. Could lock in exchange rate by taking a short position in euro forward contract. Both parties have reduced risk by locking in the exchange rate. Problems with Forward Contracts Forward contracts are made directly between two parties, so there is the possibility of default (although banks often are one of the parties in each transaction, in effect acting as “middlemen”). Forward contracts are often designed for a specific need, so there is not a standardized contract, which makes it difficult to have a secondary market. Futures contract solve these problems. Futures Contracts Similar to forwards, except: Marking-to-market Many more assets- agriculture, livestock, metals, indexes, currencies, interest rates, energy Standardized contracts that trade on exchanges, such as CBOT Options Basic Positions Call / Put Long / Short (writer) Terms Exercise Price Expiration Date (can let expire unexercised) Assets- Stocks, indexes, currency, and futures CBOE Swaps Two parties agree to “swap” some particular obligation (usually associated with debt) Swap payments in one currency for | Chapter 1 Web Extension 1B An Overview of Derivatives Topics in Web Extension Overview of derivatives Forward contracts Futures contracts Options Swaps Forward Contracts 2 parties to contract, each with a basic position: One party is “long” (buy). Obligates party to buy the underlying asset at some fixed price at a specified date in the future. One party is “short” (sell). Obligates party to sell the underlying asset at some fixed price at a specified date in the future. Terms Forward price Delivery date (expiration date) Forward contracts are common for currencies. Hedging Risk with Forward Contracts US wine importer might plan on purchasing French wine with euros in the fall. Could lock in the currency exchange rate for the fall by taking a long position in a euro currency forward contract. US computer manufacturer might plan on selling computers to German company in fall, with the payment in euros. Could lock in exchange rate by taking a short position in euro forward contract. .
