Question

In: Finance

Financial institutions use derivatives instruments to hedge their asset–liability risk exposures. The financial institutions` goal is...

Financial institutions use derivatives instruments to hedge their asset–liability risk exposures. The financial institutions` goal is to reduce the value of their net worth that is at risk due to adverse events.

  • What are the reasons why a financial institution may choose to hedge its portfolio selectively?
  • Substantiate your response with examples.

Solutions

Expert Solution

Financial institutions reduce the risk of their investments by hedging. The term hedging refers to the use of financial instruments in such a way that the fluctuations in the market will not influence the value of the investment. The portfolio of a financial institution is the combination of several assets and liabilities. A financial institution may hedge their portfolio selectively by choosing only those investments that have high risk. The price movements of the assets that are influenced by the market should be hedged so that the financial institution does not face loss. The main purpose of hedging selectively is to offset the risk of loss.

Example: A financial institution may reduce their risk by investing in forward contracts and future contracts.


Related Solutions

"Derivatives" Please respond to the following: The use of derivatives within financial institutions is considered to...
"Derivatives" Please respond to the following: The use of derivatives within financial institutions is considered to have contributed the financial crisis in 2008. Assess how the use of derivatives contributed to significant losses in the financial industry, indicating how such losses may be mitigated in the future. Provide a rationale for your response. Some economists and bankers believe that derivatives make the market safer. Agree or disagree with this statement, providing support for your position. Please provide one citation/reference for...
Some companies refrain from using financial derivatives to manage their foreign exchange exposures. They consider derivatives...
Some companies refrain from using financial derivatives to manage their foreign exchange exposures. They consider derivatives such as forwards, futures and options as speculative. They also believe the long-term effect is the same regardless of whether a firm hedges since hedging results in gains sometimes and losses other times. Do you agree with these companies? Why or why not? If you are faced with currency exposures in your business, will you hedge? If so, how will you hedge?
Forwards, futures and options have been used by financial institutions for many years to hedge risk...
Forwards, futures and options have been used by financial institutions for many years to hedge risk before swaps were invented. If a financial institution already had these hedging instruments, then why they need swaps? In your answer please include a discussion of the differences and similarities of: forwards, futures, options and swaps.
NatWest like virtually all financial institutions has as a key focus, asset and liability management. They...
NatWest like virtually all financial institutions has as a key focus, asset and liability management. They wish to ensure that there is an adequate spread between return on assets and the cost of funds, liabilities. They are also concerned with the interest rate sensitivity of assets and liabilities as well as their respective liquidity. A key asset for NatWest is in the form of 30-year mortgages with floating interest rates that adjust on an annual basis. NatWest obtains most of...
NatWest like virtually all financial institutions has as a key focus, asset and liability management. They...
NatWest like virtually all financial institutions has as a key focus, asset and liability management. They wish to ensure that there is an adequate spread between return on assets and the cost of funds, liabilities. They are also concerned with the interest rate sensitivity of assets and liabilities as well as their respective liquidity. A key asset for NatWest is in the form of 30-year mortgages with floating interest rates that adjust on an annual basis. NatWest obtains most of...
Is the use of currency derivatives advisable or are they purely speculative instruments?
Is the use of currency derivatives advisable or are they purely speculative instruments?
The use of XBRL creates some risk exposures for organizations; those risk exposures should be addressed...
The use of XBRL creates some risk exposures for organizations; those risk exposures should be addressed via various forms of internal control. Use the COSO internal control framework to develop a plan specific to the risks associated with XBRL. Ensure that you discuss all five elements of the COSO framework
Describe financial institution risk exposures and how to manage these risks. Hint: risk exposures show themselves...
Describe financial institution risk exposures and how to manage these risks. Hint: risk exposures show themselves both within quoted interest rates and on financial institution’s balance sheets. The institutions try to manage those risks both on and off the balance sheet. Given the COVID-19 environment, your answer should definitely include a discussion of how default risk has become more apparent in the last couple of months.
Describe financial institution risk exposures and how to manage these risks. Hint: risk exposures show themselves...
Describe financial institution risk exposures and how to manage these risks. Hint: risk exposures show themselves both within quoted interest rates and on financial institution’s balance sheets. The institutions try to manage those risks both on and off the balance sheet. Given the COVID-19 environment, your answer should definitely include a discussion of how default risk has become more apparent in the last couple of months.
Suppose a company is looking to hedge a risk in the derivatives market. What, fundamentally, is...
Suppose a company is looking to hedge a risk in the derivatives market. What, fundamentally, is the difference between hedging in the futures market vs. the options market? Which would you choose for a given situation? Provide examples.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT