Session 17: Derivatives Reading 69: Forward Markets and Contracts
LOS h: Describe the characteristics of currency forward contracts.
Macklin Metals has received 80 million pounds sterling. The company plans to spend $120 million on a project in the United States in 90 days. Macklin inters into a cash settlement currency forward to exchange the pounds for U.S. dollars at a rate of $1.50 per pound in 90 days. If the exchange rate is $1.61 per pound at the settlement date, the cash settlement Macklin will pay or receive is closest to:
Under the contract, Macklin receives: 80 million pounds × $1.50 = $120.0 million At market rates, Macklin would receive: 80 million pounds × $1.61 = $128.8 million Macklin must pay the difference, $8.8 million ($128.8 million ? $120 million), as the cash settlement to the counterparty.
|