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Ask the Tutor ACCA FM

Forward Contract

MMichael1y ago
Dear Lisa, Please assist me with this: In Example 4 of Chapter 23 of the OpenTuition eBook, the exchange rates are quoted as: Spot $/£ 1.5326 – 1.5385 3m forward 0.62 – 0.51 c pm "pm" means premium - meaning the $ gets stronger, so £1 can only buy fewer dollars which means we SUBTRACT to get the 3m forward rate MY QUESTION IS: What difference will it make if, for example, the exchange rate is quoted as: Spot £/$ 1.5326 – 1.5385 3m forward 0.62 – 0.51 c pm (Please note: £ 1.5 = $ 1) Does this also mean the pounds get stronger so we SUBTRACT to get the 3m forward?
MMichael1y ago#1
Please also note that the £ is assumed to be the LOCAL currency throughout.
IAW3005IAW3005Tutor1y ago#2
If the ER is quoted as Spot £/$ 1.5326 – 1.5385 with a 3m forward of 0.62 – 0.51 c pm, so yes it indicates that the forward rate is quoted in terms of pounds per dollar. So if the forward is at a premium, it means that the dollar is expected to strengthen against the pound. Therefore, you would still subtract the forward premium to calculate the 3m forward rate. So in answer ……Yes , if the pounds are getting stronger, you would subtract the premium to determine the forward rate, similar to the original example where the dollar was quoted against the pound.
MMichael1y ago#3
Ok, Lisa. Thank you. But just for certainty: If the forward rate is quoted at a premium, the SECOND currency is quoted against that appreciates? Example 1: Spot $/£ 1.5326 – 1.5385 3m forward 0.62 – 0.51 c pm Here, the pounds (£) appreciates Example 2: Spot $/€ 1.5326 – 1.5385 3m forward 0.62 – 0.51 c pm Here, the euro (€) appreciates.
IAW3005IAW3005Tutor1y ago#4
If the forward rate is quoted at a premium, it indicates that the first currency (in this case, the dollar) is expected to strengthen against the second currency (the pound or euro). So when the forward rate is at a premium, it is the second currency that is depreciating in value relative to the first currency. In your examples, if the forward rate is quoted at a premium, it means that the dollar appreciates against the pound or euro. John makes this clear in his video on forward ct Don’t get into the scenario of what if’s, keep to the exam standards…. In summary, an examiner has an exam to write section A-C style questions. The exam is to make sure it’s good coverage of the syllabus as a whole. It is to test candidates ability, understanding and to see if they know enough, are technically competent and can deal with the stress of an exam. Not to trick you!
MMichael1y ago#5
That's an invaluable piece of advice. Thanks a lot, Lisa. The concept is fully understood. :)
IAW3005IAW3005Tutor1y ago#6
Great..l am pleased to hear that. :0-)
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