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Accounting for Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts

FOREIGN EXCHANGE FORWARD CONTRACTS An enterprise having exposure to multiple currencies by virtue receivable and payables (e.g. import and export) is likely to be worried about the exchange rate fluctuations that may result in gains and losses in the future. In order to hedge its position and to avoid the losses due to foreign exchange rate changes, the enterprise may enter into a forward exchange contract to manage the amount of the reporting currency required or available at the settlement date of transaction. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial reporting Standards (IFRS) provides that the difference between the forward rate and the exchange rate at the date of the transaction should be recognised as income or expense over the life of the contract. Further the profit or loss arising on cancellation or renewal of a forward exchange contract should be recognised as income or as expense for the period. Example: Suppose MSD Ltd needs USD 500,0...

Foreign Exchange Dictionary (FOREX)

A Aggregate RiskTotal amount of exposure a bank has with a customer for both spot and forward contracts. American Option An option which may be exercised at any valid business date through out the life of the option. Appreciation Describes a currency strengthening in response to market demand rather than by official action. Arbitrage A risk-free type of trading where the same instrument is bought and sold simultaneously in two different markets in order to cash in on the difference in these markets. Around Used in quoting forward "premium / discount". Ask Price Ask is the lowest price acceptable to the buyer. Asset In the context of foreign exchange is the right to receive from a counterparty an amount of currency either in respect of a balance sheet asset (e.g. a loan) or at a specified future date in respect of an unmatched forward Forward or spot deal. At Best An instruction given to a dealer to buy or sell at the best rate that is currently avail...

China's relations with US

The reason why China is fast becoming a preferred investment destination and is a toigh competitor for India are not as obvious as it seems. Economic giant US is also not as dominating for China as it is for most other nations in the world. The fact that Chinese goods are sold at a low price across the world is not only because China has been able to able to leverage on the scale and cheap labour backed by solid manufacturing infrastructure. The reasons are more than what meets the eye. The fact is that Chinese yuan is kept at an artificially low level, giving it an unfair advantage in selling its exports. Based on this exchange rate, the US goods looks artificially inflated in price while Chinese goods look artificially deflated in price. US exports to China in 2008 were $69.7 billion (exports to India were $25.7 bn) while the Imports were $337.8 billion (Imports from India were $17.682 bn). China has not been letting its currency appreciate in a free market as it feels that...

Forex Glossary

A Aggregate Risk Total amount of exposure a bank has with a customer for both spot and forward contracts. American Option An option which may be exercised at any valid business date through out the life of the option. Appreciation Describes a currency strengthening in response to market demand rather than by official action. Arbitrage A risk-free type of trading where the same instrument is bought and sold simultaneously in two different markets in order to cash in on the difference in these markets. Around Used in quoting forward "premium / discount". Ask Price Ask is the lowest price acceptable to the buyer. Asset In the context of foreign exchange is the right to receive from a counterparty an amount of currency either in respect of a balance sheet asset (e.g. a loan) or at a specified future date in respect of an unmatched forward Forward or spot deal. At Best An instruction given to a dealer to buy or sell at the best rate that is currently avail...