Forward Contracts: Pricing| Hedging| Arbitrage Strategies

About Course

Introduction:
This course is designed to provide an in-depth exploration of forward contracts and their role in the financial markets. Forward contracts are vital tools used in hedging and managing risk across various assets, including commodities, interest rates, and foreign exchange. Students will learn about the pricing, computation, and practical applications of forwards in managing financial risks. The course also covers advanced topics such as the relationship between forwards and interest rates, market compounding, forward rate agreements (FRA), and foreign exchange risks.

Section 1: Introduction to Forwards

In this section, students will be introduced to the concept of forward contracts and their place in the world of derivatives. The lectures cover the basics of forwards, their usage, and the structural differences that set them apart from other financial instruments. By the end of this section, learners will have a clear understanding of what forward contracts are, how they are created, and their role in hedging and risk management strategies.

Section 2: Relationship Between Forwards and Interest Rates

This section delves into the intricate connection between forward contracts and interest rates. Beginning with payoff profiles of forward contracts, learners will be introduced to key concepts such as compounding, spot rates, bond pricing, and bootstrapping. Through practical examples, the course illustrates how forward rate agreements work and how they are influenced by duration and convexity. This section equips students with the knowledge to analyze forward contracts in the context of interest rate movements and market conditions.

Section 3: Determination of Forward Price

Here, students will explore the methods used to determine the price of forward contracts. The section discusses pricing scenarios with and without interim cash flows, as well as special cases like stock index forwards. Through detailed explanations and real-world examples, learners will gain a deep understanding of how forward prices are set and the factors that influence them, preparing them for practical applications in financial markets.

Section 4: Computation of Forwards

In this section, the computation of forward contracts is explored in greater detail, particularly with a focus on commodities. Students will learn about cash-and-carry arbitrage, lease rates, and storage costs, which are vital components when pricing commodity forwards. Various scenarios, such as overpriced or underpriced futures, are discussed, showing learners how to identify and exploit arbitrage opportunities. This section provides practical insights into how forwards work in commodity markets and how to compute their fair value.

Section 5: Foreign Exchange Risk and Computation of Forwards

The final section focuses on foreign exchange (FX) risk management using forward contracts. Students will learn about FX risk, on-balance-sheet and off-balance-sheet hedging techniques, and the principle of interest rate parity. Practical examples of FX forward contracts and their use in hedging foreign exchange exposure are provided. By the end of this section, learners will understand how to compute and apply forwards in managing FX risk, ensuring better risk management strategies in international finance.

Conclusion:

Upon completing this course, students will have mastered the fundamental and advanced concepts of forward contracts, their pricing, and computation. They will have gained practical skills in managing interest rate, commodity, and foreign exchange risks using forward derivatives. This course is essential for professionals in finance looking to deepen their understanding of forward contracts and their role in modern financial markets.

What Will You Learn?

Foundational Knowledge of Forwards: Students will learn the fundamental principles of forward contracts, including their definition, uses.
They will also understand the risk profiles and payoff structures of forwards.
Interest Rates and Forward Contracts: The relationship between forwards and interest rates will be explored in detail.
Students will understand how interest rates impact forward pricing, as well as how to calculate forward rates using methods such as bootstrapping, compounding
Forward Price Determination: Students will learn how forward prices are determined, both with and without interim cash flows
Commodity and Foreign Exchange Forwards: The course covers the pricing and characteristics of commodity forwards, including the role of carrying costs, lease
Risk Management and Hedging Techniques: Students will learn advanced risk management techniques using forwards, including both on-balance sheet
Arbitrage Strategies: Cash-and-carry arbitrage, a key strategy for identifying and profiting from mispriced forward contracts, will be explained.
By the end of the course, students will be able to confidently apply forward contracts in real-world financial settings, using them for hedging and risk

Material Includes

5 hours on-demand video
Access on mobile and TV

Requirements

Basic Knowledge of Finance: Familiarity with fundamental financial concepts such as time value of money, interest rates, and basic investment principles will help students grasp the more advanced topics discussed in the course.
Mathematical Proficiency: A strong foundation in mathematics, particularly in algebra and basic statistics, is essential for understanding the quantitative aspects of forward pricing, risk assessment, and derivatives calculations.
Introduction to Derivatives: While not mandatory, having prior exposure to derivatives markets (futures, options) can be beneficial. Courses or materials covering these topics will provide a helpful background that complements the content of this course.
Financial Instruments Familiarity: Students should have a general understanding of various financial instruments and how they are used in trading and investment strategies, as this knowledge will enhance their comprehension of forward contracts and their applications.
Desire to Learn: An eagerness to engage with complex concepts and apply them to real-world scenarios is vital. Students should come prepared to participate actively in discussions, case studies, and problem-solving exercises throughout the course.

Target Audience

Finance Students: Undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in finance, economics, or business who seek to enhance their knowledge of financial instruments and risk management strategies.
Finance Professionals: Individuals working in finance-related roles, such as investment analysts, portfolio managers, risk managers, and traders, who want to deepen their expertise in derivatives and improve their decision-making skills.
Investment Advisors and Consultants: Financial advisors looking to offer more comprehensive services to clients by understanding forward contracts and their implications in portfolio management and risk mitigation.
Corporate Finance Practitioners: Professionals involved in corporate finance, treasury management, or risk assessment who need to manage foreign exchange and interest rate risks effectively.
Compliance and Regulatory Professionals: Individuals working in compliance and regulatory roles who need to understand the mechanics and implications of financial derivatives within the regulatory framework.
Anyone Interested in Financial Markets: Enthusiasts and investors who wish to learn more about how derivatives work, how they can be used for hedging and speculation, and their impact on the broader financial markets.