Question

In: Finance

explain how forward contracts differ from futures contracts? As it relates to future contracts, explain your...

explain how forward contracts differ from futures contracts? As it relates to future contracts, explain your understanding of marking to market.

Solutions

Expert Solution

While both future and forward contracts involve the agreement to buy/sell the specified asset on a future date at a price agreed upon by the two parties, the major difference lie in the place of exchange. The futures takes place at an exchange while the forward is over the counter. A futures contract is settled on a daily basis as it is traded on the exchange while the forward is settled at end of the agreement date. The forward contract is primarily used by hedging interest group who mainly want to cut down the volatility of the underlying asset's price while the futures is mainly used by speculators who is interested more on betting the price moves.

Marking to market essentially means to set the daily gains or losses due to the change in market value of security. For futures,if the value of security appreciates, the buyer of the asset(long) collects money from the seller of the security(short) . Conversely, if the price of the security depreciates, the seller collects money from the buyer that is equal to change in value of the security.


Related Solutions

What is one way that futures differ from forward contracts? a. Futures represent an obligation to...
What is one way that futures differ from forward contracts? a. Futures represent an obligation to buy or sell the underlying asset at a specified price, while forwards do not. b. Futures are generally more customizable than forwards. c. Futures are typically settled only at expiration, while forwards are settled daily through marking to market. d. Futures are typically traded on exchanges, while forwards are usually traded over-the-counter.
How does using options differ from using forward or futures contracts, and what is the difference...
How does using options differ from using forward or futures contracts, and what is the difference between options on foreign currency and options on foreign currency futures?
Define forward and futures contracts and explain how they may be used in hedging and speculation....
Define forward and futures contracts and explain how they may be used in hedging and speculation. Explain, using numerical examples, the settlement mechanisms of forward and futures contracts and discuss how these are likely to affect the probability of, and loss from default.
1- The advantage of forward contracts over futures contracts is that they: A)are negotiated in the...
1- The advantage of forward contracts over futures contracts is that they: A)are negotiated in the over-the-counter market B)are standardized c)is more liquid D)have lower default risk 2)The current stock price of Boeing is selling for $75. If the exercise price of a call option is S70, the call option: A)should not be exercised . B)is at the money C)is out of the money . D)is in the money
Explain basic differences between the operation of currency forward contracts and currency futures contracts? In details...
Explain basic differences between the operation of currency forward contracts and currency futures contracts? In details with examples
What is the difference between the forward contracts and future contracts?
What is the difference between the forward contracts and future contracts?
Briefly describe currency spot and forward transactions.  Describe the primary advantages of forward contracts and futures contracts...
Briefly describe currency spot and forward transactions.  Describe the primary advantages of forward contracts and futures contracts in comparison to each other.
1. Discuss various types of derivatives contracts: options, futures, and forward contracts. 2. How might derivative...
1. Discuss various types of derivatives contracts: options, futures, and forward contracts. 2. How might derivative contracts come into play when purchasing products overseas and having them shipped to your business in the U.S. and vice verse?
Forward contracts and futures contracts have similar functions and different features. Among those features are the...
Forward contracts and futures contracts have similar functions and different features. Among those features are the fact that while forward contracts are closed out by specific performance, futures contracts are almost never closed out that way. Why not? Since the contracts are closed out in different ways, it is implied that the parties to these contracts have different goals. What types of entities get involved in each? How might their goals differ?
What are the assumptions that allow us to obtain the prices of futures and forward contracts...
What are the assumptions that allow us to obtain the prices of futures and forward contracts in the same way? What happens if these assumptions are not satisfied?
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT