What risks are involved in forward market
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A forward market is an over-the-counter platform where parties agree to trade assets or financial instruments at a future date for a predetermined price.
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A forward market is a platform where buyers and sellers agree to trade assets, financial instruments, or commodities at a future date and price. Unlike traditional stock or derivatives markets, forward markets operate over-the-counter (OTC), allowing parties to customise contract terms. Forward contracts are often used for hedging – protecting against future price changes – or for speculation. In India, the Forward Markets Commission oversees these markets, ensuring fair practices and monitoring transactions.
A forward market is where people agree to buy or sell things like commodities, currencies, or financial assets at a set price on a future date. It’s basically a way to fix prices now and avoid unexpected costs later. Unlike standard futures contracts, forward contracts are more flexible. You can decide the quantity, delivery date, and price – whatever works for both parties.
Businesses use forward markets to manage financial risks. Let’s say a company thinks the price of crude oil will go up in the next few months. Instead of taking a chance, they can lock in today’s price with a forward contract. That way, even if prices rise, they still get the agreed rate. Forward contracts are over-the-counter (OTC) deals, so they’re not as strictly regulated as standard exchanges, but they offer more room to customise the deal.
Now that you know the meaning of forward market, lets understand its features:
You decide how much to trade, when to settle, and the price – it’s all up to you and the other party.
You can settle with cash or by delivering the asset itself.
Locking in prices now can help protect against future price jumps.
SEBI doesn’t monitor forward contracts, so there’s more flexibility but also more risk.
You don’t need to deposit a margin, but there’s a higher risk if the other party can’t pay.
Type | Description |
Flexible Forward | Allows parties to exchange money before or on the maturity date, providing flexibility in timing. |
Closed Outright Forward | The exchange rate is fixed at the spot rate plus a premium, securing the price for both parties. |
Non-Deliverable Forward | No physical delivery takes place; only the price difference is settled in cash. |
Long-Dated Forward | Similar to short-dated contracts but with extended maturities, ranging from several months to years. |
Contracts can be tailored to meet specific requirements in terms of quantity, delivery date, and asset type.
Forward contracts help businesses hedge against price fluctuations, protecting them from potential financial losses.
Since forward contracts are OTC instruments, they offer greater flexibility compared to standardised futures contracts.
By locking in current prices for future delivery, businesses can manage cash flow more effectively and reduce exposure to market volatility.
The meaning of future market helps you understand how it is different from the futures market. The following table sums up the other key differences between the two in detail:
Feature | Forward Market | Futures Market |
Contract Type | Customised agreements | Standardised contracts |
Regulation | Unregulated, OTC market | Regulated by SEBI and exchanges |
Settlement | Delivery or cash settlement | Mostly cash settlement |
Margin Requirement | Not required | Mandatory |
Risk | Higher due to lack of regulation | Lower due to margin and clearing |
The Forward Markets Commission (FMC) used to be the go-to regulator for forward contracts and commodity trading in India. In 2015, it merged with SEBI to bring all market regulation under one roof. Now, SEBI handles both forward and futures markets, focusing on fair trading and transparency.
Before the merger, FMC set the rules, issued licenses, and kept an eye out for market manipulation. It also worked to educate traders about risks and how to handle forward contracts safely. Today, SEBI continues those responsibilities, aiming to keep trading fair and reduce the chances of fraud.
Forward markets let you lock in prices for future deals. You agree today to buy or sell assets – like commodities, currencies, or stocks – at a set price on a future date. It’s a way to protect yourself from price changes.
Unlike futures markets, forward markets aren’t strictly regulated. You can customise the contract terms, deciding how much to trade, when to settle, and what price to agree on. While that flexibility is great, it also means more risk. If the other party backs out or can’t pay, you’re left without much protection.
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A forward market is an over-the-counter platform where parties agree to trade assets or financial instruments at a future date for a predetermined price.
Forward contracts work on the basis of an agreement that fixes the sale price of an asset. According to the agreement, the involved parties agree to sell or buy the asset as per fixed price on the specified future date. The contract can be customised to meet specific needs.
The main types include flexible forward, closed outright forward, non-deliverable forward, and long-dated forward contracts.
Forward markets deal in customised OTC contracts, while futures markets trade standardised contracts regulated by exchanges.
Forward markets allow parties to lock in prices for future transactions, reducing exposure to market volatility and providing flexibility in contract terms.
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