Unit - 4 FERM
Unit - 4 FERM
Unit - 4 FERM
Exchange Dealings
"Exchange dealings" typically refers to transactions or interactions where goods, services, or
assets are exchanged between parties. It encompasses various forms of trade and commerce,
including buying and selling of goods, provision of services in exchange for payment, or
swapping of assets.
In a broader sense, exchange dealings can include any voluntary exchange of value between two
or more parties. This exchange can take place in various contexts, such as:
1. Commercial Transactions: Buying and selling of goods or services between businesses
or between businesses and consumers.
2. Financial Markets: Trading of financial instruments such as stocks, bonds, currencies,
commodities, and derivatives on exchanges or over-the-counter markets.
3. Barter Transactions: Direct exchange of goods or services without the use of money,
where each party provides something of value to the other.
4. Contractual Agreements: Exchange of promises or obligations between parties, such as
in contracts for goods, services, employment, or real estate.
5. International Trade: Exchange of goods and services across national borders, involving
import and export activities between countries.
Concept of Exchange Dealings:
Exchange dealings refer to transactions or interactions between parties where goods, services, or
assets are exchanged for something of equivalent value. This concept is fundamental to various
economic systems and is the basis of trade and commerce. Here's a breakdown of some key
aspects:
1. Mutual Benefit: Exchange dealings typically involve two or more parties, each seeking
to obtain something they value more highly than what they are giving up. This mutual
benefit is what drives voluntary exchange in market economies.
2. Barter and Money: Historically, exchange dealings often involved direct barter, where
goods or services were directly traded for other goods or services without the use of
money. However, as economies grew more complex, money emerged as a medium of
exchange, facilitating smoother and more efficient transactions.
3. Market Mechanisms: Exchange dealings occur within markets, which serve as the
platforms where buyers and sellers come together to exchange goods, services, or
financial instruments. Markets can be physical locations (such as a traditional
marketplace) or virtual platforms (such as online marketplaces).
4. Price Mechanism: Prices play a crucial role in exchange dealings by conveying
information about the relative scarcity of goods or services and enabling efficient
allocation of resources. Prices adjust based on supply and demand dynamics, signaling to
market participants where resources are most valued.
5. Specialization and Division of Labor: Exchange dealings enable specialization and the
division of labor, where individuals or businesses focus on producing goods or services in
which they have a comparative advantage and then trade with others for goods and
services they need. This specialization leads to increased efficiency and overall economic
growth.
6. Contracts and Legal Frameworks: Exchange dealings are often governed by contracts
or agreements that outline the terms and conditions of the exchange, including the
quantity, quality, price, and delivery of the goods or services involved. Legal frameworks
provide enforceable rules and regulations that protect the rights of parties involved in
exchange dealings.
7. Globalization: In today's interconnected world, exchange dealings are not limited by
geographical boundaries. Globalization has facilitated the exchange of goods, services,
and capital on a global scale, leading to increased international trade and economic
interdependence.
Exchange Position:
A "dealing position" or "exchange position" typically refers to the net exposure or inventory
of financial instruments (such as stocks, bonds, currencies, or commodities) that a trader,
investor, or financial institution holds at any given time.
Here's a breakdown:
1. Net Exposure: It represents the overall directional exposure a trader or institution has in
the market. For example, if a trader holds long (buy) positions in certain assets and short
(sell) positions in others, the net exposure is the difference between the long and short
positions.
2. Risk Management: Monitoring the dealing position is crucial for risk management
purposes. It helps traders and institutions assess their market risk exposure and make
informed decisions about portfolio adjustments or hedging strategies to mitigate potential
losses.
3. Trading Strategy: Dealing positions are influenced by trading strategies employed by
individuals or institutions. For instance, a market-making firm may maintain neutral
dealing positions by simultaneously buying and selling assets to profit from bid-ask
spreads, while a directional trader may take long or short positions based on market
analysis and forecasts.
4. Market Volatility: Fluctuations in market prices can affect dealing positions and overall
portfolio performance. Traders may adjust their positions in response to market volatility,
changing economic conditions, or geopolitical events to capitalize on opportunities or
minimize risks.
5. Regulatory Compliance: Financial institutions are often subject to regulatory
requirements regarding capital adequacy and risk management. Monitoring dealing
positions helps ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines and limits on exposure to
certain assets or market risks.
Some Examples:
1. Stock Trading:
• Example: A trader holds 1,000 shares of Company A and 500 shares of Company
B. Their dealing position in the stock market is long 1,500 shares (1,000 shares of
Company A + 500 shares of Company B).
• If the trader sells 200 shares of Company A, their dealing position becomes long
1,300 shares (800 shares of Company A + 500 shares of Company B).
2. Foreign Exchange (Forex) Trading:
• Example: A currency trader is long 100,000 Euros and short 120,000 US dollars.
Their dealing position in the forex market is short 20,000 US dollars.
• If the trader closes the short position in US dollars, their dealing position becomes
long 100,000 Euros.
3. Commodity Futures Trading:
• Example: A commodities trader has a long position in 10 contracts of crude oil
futures and a short position in 5 contracts of gold futures. Their dealing position
in the commodities market is long 5 contracts of crude oil futures.
• If the trader closes the short position in gold futures, their dealing position
remains long 10 contracts of crude oil futures.
4. Options Trading:
• Example: An options trader has bought 10 call options on Company X stock and
sold 5 put options on Company Y stock. Their dealing position in the options
market is long 10 call options.
• If the trader buys an additional 5 put options on Company Y stock, their dealing
position becomes long 10 call options and short 5 put options.
5. Bond Trading:
• Example: A bond investor holds $1,000,000 face value of government bonds and
$500,000 face value of corporate bonds. Their dealing position in the bond market
is long $1,500,000 face value of bonds.
• If the investor sells $200,000 face value of government bonds, their dealing
position becomes long $1,300,000 face value of bonds.
Meaning of cash position with examples
The "cash position" refers to the amount of cash or cash equivalents that an individual, business,
or investment portfolio holds at a specific point in time. It represents the liquidity or readily
available funds that can be used for transactions, investments, or expenses. Here are some
examples to illustrate the concept of cash position:
1. Personal Finance:
• Example: John has $5,000 in his checking account, $2,000 in his savings account,
and $500 in his wallet. His total cash position is $7,500 ($5,000 + $2,000 + $500).
2. Business Operations:
• Example: XYZ Company has $50,000 in its checking account, $20,000 in petty
cash, and $30,000 invested in short-term treasury bills. The company's total cash
position is $100,000 ($50,000 + $20,000 + $30,000).
3. Investment Portfolio:
• Example: An investor holds $25,000 in cash in their brokerage account, $10,000
in a money market fund, and $15,000 in highly liquid stocks that can be quickly
sold. The investor's total cash position is $50,000 ($25,000 + $10,000 + $15,000).
4. Corporate Finance:
• Example: ABC Corporation reports a cash position of $1 million in its quarterly
financial statements. This includes cash in bank accounts, short-term investments,
and cash equivalents held for operational needs and strategic investments.
5. Financial Planning:
• Example: A financial planner assesses a client's cash position to ensure they have
sufficient liquidity to cover emergency expenses, upcoming bills, and short-term
financial goals before allocating funds to long-term investments.
6. Risk Management:
• Example: A company maintains a healthy cash position to mitigate operational
risks, withstand economic downturns, and take advantage of strategic
opportunities without relying heavily on external financing.
Mirror Account
A "mirror account" is a type of investment account that replicates the trades or investment
strategies of another account, known as the "master account." The mirror account mirrors or
duplicates the transactions made in the master account in real-time or with a slight delay. This
concept is commonly used in trading, particularly in the context of copy trading or social trading
platforms. Here's a closer look at the meaning and concept of mirror accounts with examples:
Meaning and Concept:
1. Replication: A mirror account is designed to replicate the trading activities of a master
account. When trades are executed in the master account, the same trades are
automatically executed in the mirror account, maintaining proportional positions.
2. Real-time or Delayed Mirroring: Depending on the platform or service provider,
mirroring can occur in real-time, meaning trades are executed simultaneously in both
accounts, or with a slight delay to prevent issues like slippage or market manipulation.
3. Investment Strategy: Mirror accounts allow investors to adopt the investment strategies
of more experienced or successful traders without having to actively manage their own
portfolios. It provides an opportunity for less experienced investors to benefit from the
expertise of others.
4. Risk Management: Mirror accounts enable investors to diversify their portfolios and
manage risk by spreading investments across multiple strategies or traders. Additionally,
investors can set risk parameters or limits to control the level of exposure in their mirror
accounts.
5. Transparency: The performance of the master account is typically transparent and
visible to investors with mirror accounts. This transparency allows investors to evaluate
the track record, performance, and risk profile of the strategy or trader they are mirroring.
Examples:
1. Copy Trading Platforms: Platforms like eToro, ZuluTrade, and CopyTrader offer
mirror trading services where investors can automatically replicate the trades of selected
traders or trading algorithms. For example, Investor A can allocate funds to mirror the
trades of Trader B, whose performance they wish to emulate.
2. Managed Accounts: Some investment firms or money managers offer managed account
services where clients can mirror the trades made by professional portfolio managers.
Clients open mirror accounts that replicate the trades executed in the master account
managed by the firm.
3. Algorithmic Trading: In algorithmic trading, mirror accounts can be used to replicate
the trades generated by trading algorithms or automated trading systems. For instance, an
investor may set up a mirror account to execute trades based on signals generated by a
specific trading algorithm.
4. Social Trading Networks: Social trading platforms facilitate the sharing of trading
ideas, strategies, and performance among users. Investors can choose to mirror the trades
of other users within the network based on their track record and risk preferences.
Value Date:
The "value date" refers to the date on which a financial transaction becomes effective and the
parties involved are entitled to the benefits of that transaction. It's also known as the "settlement
date." The value date is crucial in banking, especially for transactions involving the transfer of
funds or securities between different parties. Here's an explanation with an example:
Meaning: In banking and finance, the value date is used to determine when funds or securities
are credited or debited to an account. It's the date from which interest accrues, and it's also the
date used to calculate the payment of interest or dividends. The value date may differ from the
transaction date due to factors like processing time, time zones, and banking holidays.
Example: Let's say you initiate a wire transfer of $10,000 from your bank account on Monday,
May 20th. However, due to processing times and banking procedures, the value date for this
transaction may be set for the next business day, Tuesday, May 21st.
In this example:
• Transaction Date: Monday, May 20th
• Value Date: Tuesday, May 21st
On the value date, the $10,000 would be debited from your account, and if the transfer is to
another account, it would be credited to the recipient's account. This is the date when the
financial institution recognizes the transaction and updates the account balances accordingly.
Similarly, in securities transactions, the value date represents the date when ownership of
securities is transferred from the seller to the buyer. For example, if you purchase stocks on
Monday, May 20th, the value date might be set for the following business day, Tuesday, May
21st, when the ownership of the stocks is officially transferred to your account.
Understanding the value date is important for ensuring accurate accounting, interest calculations,
and timely settlement of financial transactions. It helps to avoid confusion regarding when funds
become available or when ownership of securities changes hands.
Exchange profit and loss
"Exchange profit and loss" typically refers to gains or losses resulting from fluctuations in
exchange rates when dealing with foreign currencies or assets denominated in foreign currencies.
It occurs when the value of one currency changes relative to another currency between the time
of acquisition and disposal of an asset or liability. Here's an explanation with examples:
Meaning: Exchange profit and loss arise due to changes in exchange rates between the
transaction date and the settlement date of a foreign currency transaction. If the exchange rate
moves in favor of the investor or trader, they realize an exchange profit. Conversely, if the
exchange rate moves against them, they incur an exchange loss.
Examples:
1. Import and Export Transactions:
• Suppose a US-based company imports goods from Japan. It agrees to pay 100,000
Japanese Yen to its Japanese supplier. At the time of agreement, the exchange rate
is 1 USD = 100 JPY. So, the cost of goods is $1,000 (100,000 JPY ÷ 100).
• However, by the time the US company settles the payment, the exchange rate has
changed to 1 USD = 110 JPY. Now, the cost of goods in US dollars is $909.09
(100,000 JPY ÷ 110).
• The US company realizes an exchange profit of $90.91 ($1,000 - $909.09) due to
the appreciation of the US dollar against the Japanese Yen.
2. Foreign Currency Investments:
• An investor buys 10,000 Euros for $12,000 when the exchange rate is 1 USD =
0.8333 EUR.
• Later, the investor sells the 10,000 Euros when the exchange rate has changed to 1
USD = 0.9091 EUR. They receive $10,909.09.
• The investor incurs an exchange loss of $1,090.91 ($12,000 - $10,909.09) due to
the depreciation of the US dollar against the Euro.
3. Foreign Currency Loans:
• A company borrows 1 million Japanese Yen when the exchange rate is 1 USD =
100 JPY. The loan amount in US dollars is $10,000.
• When the company repays the loan, the exchange rate has changed to 1 USD =
110 JPY. Now, the repayment amount in US dollars is $9,090.91.
• The company realizes an exchange profit of $909.09 ($10,000 - $9,090.91) due to
the appreciation of the US dollar against the Japanese Yen.
R returns
The concept of "R returns" typically refers to the return on investment adjusted for risk. In
finance, it's common to evaluate investments not only based on their absolute returns but also
considering the level of risk undertaken to achieve those returns. The "R" stands for "risk," and
"R returns" essentially reflect how much return an investor earns per unit of risk taken. Here's an
explanation with examples:
Concept: R returns are calculated by dividing the excess return of an investment (i.e., the return
above a risk-free rate) by the risk undertaken, often measured by the standard deviation of
returns. This ratio provides a measure of the efficiency with which an investment generates
returns relative to the level of risk assumed. Higher R returns indicate that an investment is
delivering more return per unit of risk.
Formula: 𝑅 returns=Excess return/ Risk Where:
• Excess return = Actual return - Risk-free rate
• Risk = Standard deviation of returns (a measure of volatility or riskiness)
Example: Suppose an investor is considering two investment options: Option A and Option B.
Option A has an average annual return of 10% with a standard deviation of returns of 15%, while
Option B has an average annual return of 8% with a standard deviation of returns of 10%. Let's
assume the risk-free rate is 3%.
1. Calculating Excess Return:
• For Option A: Excess return = 10% - 3% = 7%
• For Option B: Excess return = 8% - 3% = 5%
2. Calculating R Returns:
• For Option A: 𝑅 returns𝐴=7%15%=0.467
• For Option B: 𝑅 returns𝐵=5%10%=0.500
In this example, Option B has higher R returns compared to Option A, indicating that it delivers
more return per unit of risk. Even though Option A has a higher average return, it also carries
higher volatility, leading to a lower R returns ratio.
R returns provide a useful metric for investors to assess the risk-adjusted performance of
investments and compare different investment opportunities. It helps investors make informed
decisions by considering both the returns generated and the level of risk associated with those
returns.
Settlement of Transactions: Swift
In the context of foreign exchange markets, settlement of transactions refers to the process of
exchanging currencies and transferring funds between parties involved in a trade. One of the key
systems used for facilitating this settlement process is the Society for Worldwide Interbank
Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT).
SWIFT is a messaging network used by financial institutions worldwide to securely and
efficiently exchange information about financial transactions. It enables banks and other
financial institutions to communicate instructions for transferring funds, executing trades, and
confirming payments. SWIFT messages contain standardized codes and formats that facilitate
clear communication and automation of transaction processing.
Here's how the SWIFT system works in the settlement of forex transactions, along with
some examples:
1. Trade Confirmation: After parties agree on a forex trade, they exchange SWIFT
messages to confirm the details of the transaction, including the currency pair, exchange
rate, trade amount, and settlement date.
Example: Bank A agrees to buy 1 million USD from Bank B at an agreed-upon exchange rate of
1.20 EUR/USD, with settlement scheduled for the next business day. Both banks exchange
SWIFT messages confirming the trade details.
2. Payment Instructions: Once the trade is confirmed, payment instructions are sent via
SWIFT messages to initiate the transfer of funds between the parties' accounts held at
correspondent banks.
Example: Bank A sends a SWIFT message instructing its correspondent bank in the United
States to debit its account and transfer 1.2 million EUR to Bank B's correspondent bank in
Europe.
3. Settlement Confirmation: Upon receiving the payment, Bank B sends a SWIFT
message confirming the receipt of funds and acknowledging the completion of the
transaction.
Example: Bank B sends a SWIFT message to Bank A confirming the receipt of 1 million USD
in its account and acknowledging the settlement of the forex trade.
4. Reconciliation and Reporting: Financial institutions use SWIFT messages for
reconciliation and reporting purposes, helping them track and reconcile transactions
efficiently.
Example: Both Bank A and Bank B use SWIFT messages to update their internal systems,
reconcile their accounts, and generate reports on forex transactions for regulatory compliance
and risk management purposes.
Chips
In the context of financial transactions, CHIPS stands for the Clearing House Interbank
Payments System. It is a real-time gross settlement system used for the clearing and settlement of
large-value payments denominated in US dollars.
Here's an explanation of CHIPS and examples of its use in the settlement of transactions:
1. Clearing House Interbank Payments System (CHIPS): CHIPS is operated by The
Clearing House, a banking association in the United States. It provides a secure and
efficient platform for banks and financial institutions to settle large-value payments in
USD. CHIPS operates on a real-time gross settlement (RTGS) basis, meaning each
payment is settled individually and immediately, without netting.
2. Settlement Process: When a bank initiates a payment through CHIPS, the transaction is
processed in real-time. Funds are transferred from the sender's account to the receiver's
account at their respective banks. CHIPS ensures that the payment is settled promptly,
reducing settlement risk and facilitating timely transactions.
3. Examples of CHIPS Usage:
• Interbank Transfers: Banks use CHIPS to settle interbank transfers of large
amounts of USD. For example, when Bank A needs to transfer $10 million to
Bank B, it can initiate the payment through CHIPS for immediate settlement.
• Corporate Payments: Corporations may use CHIPS to settle large-value
payments, such as for acquisitions, investments, or supplier payments. For
instance, a multinational corporation may use CHIPS to transfer funds from its
USD account in one bank to the account of a supplier in another bank.
• Government Transactions: Government agencies may utilize CHIPS for settling
payments related to bonds, securities, or other financial transactions. For example,
when a government entity issues bonds, it may receive payments from investors
through CHIPS for efficient settlement.
4. Benefits of CHIPS:
• Real-Time Settlement: CHIPS enables real-time settlement of large-value
payments, reducing settlement risk and ensuring timely transactions.
• High Security: CHIPS provides a secure platform for financial institutions to
exchange payment instructions and settle transactions.
• Liquidity Management: Banks can manage their liquidity more effectively by
settling payments immediately through CHIPS, optimizing their cash positions
and reducing funding costs.
Chaps
CHAPS, which stands for Clearing House Automated Payment System, is a same-day sterling
electronic funds transfer service used for transferring large sums of money within the United
Kingdom. It's operated by the Bank of England. Here's an explanation of CHAPS and examples
of its use in the settlement of transactions:
1. Clearing House Automated Payment System (CHAPS): CHAPS is a high-value
payment system that allows for the near-instantaneous transfer of funds between
participating banks in the UK. It operates on a real-time gross settlement (RTGS) basis,
meaning each transaction is settled individually and immediately, without netting.
2. Settlement Process: When a bank initiates a CHAPS payment, the transaction is
processed and settled in real-time, with funds transferred from the sender's account to the
recipient's account at their respective banks. CHAPS ensures secure and timely
settlement of high-value transactions.
3. Examples of CHAPS Usage:
• Property Transactions: CHAPS is commonly used for the settlement of property
transactions, such as the purchase of a house. When completing a property
purchase, the buyer's solicitor may use CHAPS to transfer the agreed-upon
purchase price to the seller's solicitor on the completion date.
• Corporate Payments: Businesses use CHAPS for various high-value payments,
including supplier payments, payroll processing, and settling invoices. For
example, a company may use CHAPS to make a large payment to an overseas
supplier or to transfer employee salaries.
• Financial Market Transactions: CHAPS plays a significant role in financial
markets for settling large-value transactions, such as securities trading, foreign
exchange deals, and interbank transfers. Financial institutions use CHAPS for
efficient and secure settlement of these transactions.
4. Benefits of CHAPS:
• Speed: CHAPS offers same-day settlement, allowing for near-instantaneous
transfer of funds between banks.
• Security: CHAPS transactions are processed securely, reducing the risk of fraud
or errors.
• Certainty: CHAPS provides certainty of payment, as funds are transferred in
real-time, minimizing delays or uncertainties associated with traditional payment
methods.
Fed Wires
Federal Reserve Wire Network (Fedwire) is a real-time gross settlement (RTGS) system
operated by the Federal Reserve Banks in the United States. It enables financial institutions to
electronically transfer funds and settle transactions in US dollars. Fedwire is a critical component
of the US payment system, facilitating the efficient and secure movement of large-value
payments. Here's an explanation of Fedwire and examples of its use in the settlement of
transactions:
1. Federal Reserve Wire Network (Fedwire): Fedwire is a highly reliable and secure
electronic payment system that allows for the real-time transfer of funds between
participants, including banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. It operates on
a gross settlement basis, meaning each transaction is settled individually and
immediately, without netting.
2. Settlement Process: When a financial institution initiates a payment through Fedwire,
the transaction is processed and settled in real-time. Funds are transferred from the
sender's account at one bank to the recipient's account at another bank. Fedwire ensures
the timely and secure settlement of high-value transactions, providing certainty of
payment to participants.
3. Examples of Fedwire Usage:
• Interbank Transfers: Fedwire is commonly used by banks to settle large
interbank transfers, such as wholesale payments, securities transactions, and
foreign exchange deals. For example, when a bank needs to transfer a significant
sum of money to another bank for clearing and settlement purposes, it can use
Fedwire for immediate settlement.
• Government Payments: Federal agencies and government entities use Fedwire
for various payments, including disbursements, tax payments, and debt servicing.
For instance, the US Treasury utilizes Fedwire to distribute funds to government
agencies, make payments to vendors, and service government debt obligations.
• Corporate Transactions: Corporations rely on Fedwire for settling high-value
transactions, such as mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance deals, and
treasury operations. Companies may use Fedwire to transfer funds for
acquisitions, pay dividends to shareholders, or execute large-scale corporate
payments.
4. Benefits of Fedwire:
• Speed: Fedwire offers real-time settlement, allowing for immediate transfer of
funds between participants.
• Security: Fedwire transactions are processed securely and are irrevocable once
settled, reducing the risk of fraud or counterparty default.
• Liquidity Management: Fedwire enables efficient management of liquidity by
providing instant access to funds for settling payments and managing cash positions.