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    What Is a Forward Contract?

    Jul 16, 2017 (Upd: Feb 5, 2024)  
     

    In this guide we take a look at FX Forward Contracts and when they are a good idea to manage your currency market risk.

    An FX forward contract is a tool for hedging against adverse movements in foreign exchange rates.

    Simply, it is an agreement made today to change money at a fixed, known exchange rate at some time in the future. The ‘forward rate’ used will be today’s exchange rate adjusted slightly by the ‘forward points’ – an adjustment necessary to account for interest rate differences between the two currencies in play.

    The main motivation for using an FX forward has always been to lock in advantageous exchange rates. Once locked in, money can be changed at a time of your choosing – up to three-years in the future with certain providers.

    Forward contracts are extremely common in business and increasingly are being used by non-business users expecting to receive or pay large sums in foreign currency, such as those buying or selling property overseas.

    Forwards are considered ‘over the counter’ derivatives and, according to the Bank for International Settlements’ most recent survey, make up around 14% of the total $5 trillion per day in FX trade volume.

    A Very Forward Example

    Marie is from the US but is buying an apartment in Singapore. She’ll be sending funds to complete payment of SGD 600,000 in one-month’s time. If the money were sent today she’d be paying USD 426,000 given today’s SGD/USD exchange rate of 0.71.

    Marie is worried that the value of the Singapore dollar might appreciate between now and the day she sends funds. If, for example, the SGD/USD rate were to rise to 0.74 in a month’s time, she’d face a payment of USD 444,000, or USD 18,000 more than what she’d pay today.

    Marie enters into a one-month forward contract to buy SGD 600,000 with US dollars at a forward rate equal to today’s exchange rate plus/minus the forward points, which in
    Marie’s case is: 0.71 + 0.0023 = 0.7123.

    One month later…

    Marie completes her payment with a transfer of USD 427,380 at the agreed rate of 0.7123.

    Marie considers herself lucky because the Singapore dollar did strengthen and with today’s best value FX provider Marie is quoted USD 442,500. Marie has saved USD 15,120!

    Best Exchange Rates

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    Forward Deposits

    To protect the counter-party, upon entering into a forward contract you will need to pay a deposit – typically 10-20% of the total funds.

    The deposit may vary depending on the currencies in question. Forwards involving the more stable currencies of the major developed nations, such as euros into British pounds, may require lower deposits than forwards involving emerging market currencies or currencies which have less active participation (are less ‘liquid’), such as euros into the Brazilian real or the South Korean won.

    Other Characteristics of FX Forwards

    Best Exchange Rates’ Trusted Forward Providers

    If you believe that a forward contract is suitable for you, we highly recommend using one of our trusted FX specialist partners OFX.

    Both companies are experts at what they do, which is to facilitate international payments with minimal fuss and without bogus fees or margins.

    What Is a Forward Contract? posted under: Guides  

    Disclaimer: Please note any provider recommendations, currency forecasts or any opinions of our authors or users should not be taken as a reference to buy or sell any financial product.