Forward Contracts, FX Swaps, and Currency Options
Forwards Vs. Futures This section addresses the simplest hedging scenario: a 100% hedge ratio for a single foreign currency exposure. Both futures and forward contracts can be utilized to achieve full currency hedges, but institutional investors typically prefer forward contracts…
Active Trading Strategies and Tactical Trading Decisions
When managers pursue active trading strategies, they expose themselves to risk. This risk is due to their market views, which may not always be accurate. Additionally, increased transaction costs add to the challenges they face. As a result, managers need…
Formulating a Currency Management Program
In this section, we will analyze a portfolio from a high-level perspective to make significant strategic choices that will lead to its success. It’s crucial to appreciate that hedging and the factors listed below operate on a spectrum. While the…
Strategic Choices in Currency Management
The approach to managing currency risk in a portfolio varies widely among participants. Some choose not to take action, believing that long-run returns will eventually mean- revert. On the other end of the spectrum, some participants see an active management…
Currency Movement on Portfolio Risk and Return
The section on currency management will start with a concise review of foundational concepts. Subsequently, it will assume that the candidate possesses a strong understanding of these concepts throughout the rest of the section. Foreign Currency Exchange: Review \( \textbf{Note:…
Using Derivatives to Achieve Targeted Equity
Equity Swaps Equity swaps offer a valuable solution for clients who wish to capitalize on the appreciation of their stocks but are not yet ready to sell. This situation may arise due to concerns about increasing tax costs from selling….
Using Derivatives in Asset Allocation
Changing Asset Allocation with Futures Issue: A portfolio manager in Greece currently manages a portfolio with a 60% allocation to equity and a 40% allocation to fixed income. However, the manager has a bullish outlook on stocks and a bearish…
Volatility Derivatives and Variance Swaps
Volatility as an Asset Class Volatility is considered a distinct asset class by many market participants due to its characteristics. Research has indicated that volatility tends to increase during periods of market turbulence. There is an inverse relationship between volatility…
Overseeing Risk Related to Equity
Equity Swaps Equity swaps provide an attractive solution for portfolio managers seeking to adjust their equity exposure. These swaps offer a quick, cost-effective, and efficient method to achieve the desired changes. Portfolio exposure to equities is commonly assessed using portfolio…
Controlling Currency Exposure
Currency Swaps Currency swaps allow investors to hedge against or profit from fluctuations in foreign currency prices. These swaps involve the exchange of different currencies associated with specific interest rates. Additionally, the notional principal amounts in a currency swap can…
