Financial Futures

Introduction

After managing commodity price risks, Theodore focuses on financial futures to further safeguard his business interests. 

Financial futures are standardized contracts to buy or sell financial instruments at a predetermined price on a specific future date. 

Unlike commodity futures, they are based on assets like currencies, interest rates, and stock indices. 

These contracts allow participants to hedge against risks from exchange rate fluctuations, interest rate changes, and market movements.

Currency Futures

Currency futures are contracts to exchange one currency for another at a specified future date and price. 

Major currency futures include contracts on the U.S. dollar, euro, Japanese yen, and British pound. 

Businesses engaged in cross-border transactions use currency futures to lock in exchange rates, protecting themselves from adverse currency movements. 

Traders also use these contracts to speculate on currency fluctuations based on economic indicators and geopolitical events.

Theodore Considers Currency Futures

Theodore plans to import €500,000 worth of engine parts from Germany in three months. 

With the current exchange rate at $1.10 per euro, his cost is $550,000. 

Fearing the euro may rise to $1.15, increasing his cost to $575,000, he buys euro futures contracts locking in the $1.10 rate. 

When the euro appreciates to $1.15, his futures position gains $25,000, offsetting the higher import cost. 

This hedge ensures his expenses remain at $550,000, protecting his budget from unfavorable currency movements.

Interest Rate Futures

Interest rate futures are contracts based on debt instruments like Treasury bills, notes, and bonds. 

They allow participants to hedge against the risk of interest rate fluctuations, which can affect borrowing costs and investment returns. 

For example, if a company expects interest rates to rise, it can use interest rate futures to lock in current rates. 

These contracts are essential for businesses and investors sensitive to changes in interest rates due to loans, bonds, or other interest-bearing assets.