Chapter 1: Introduction to Derivatives Flashcards
How are Forwards Traded?
Using what platform?
OTC
What is Usually Paid for the Right to an Option?
What is the cost to the holder?
A premium
What are the 3 Ways Futures can be Used?
Why are they used?
- Speculation
- Hedging
- Arbitrage
Why Might an Investor Who Speculates a Rise in Market Prices, Use Futures?
As opposed to a regular buy/hold?
As they can be highly geared (leveraged), where small expenditure can give large exposure.
High risk, high reward.
What is a Perfect Hedge?
A risk free position.
What is the “Basis”?
In respect of portfolios?
How closely a portfolio is linked to an Index.
What is Intertemporal Arbitrage?
YOU WERE OUT O… ……. THERE!!
When the prices between the one month and six month LME zinc contracts are “Out of line”.
What is Geographical Arbitrage?
Between two identical contracts across multiple exchanges, are priced differently.
What is Value-Chain Arbitrage?
Being very Crude!!
As between the prices of crude oil and refined products.
What is a Future?
Definition
Legal agreement between two parties to make or take delivery of a specific quantity and quality of a specified asset on a fixed future date at an agreed price today.
What are the Futures Exchanges?
- ICE Futures (Europe)
- CME Group (US)
- Shanghai Futures Exchange (China)
What is the Contract Specification?
Where the terms of each contract are standardised in a legal document.
What do Exchnages Specify for Futures?
Out of the negotiators hands.
Minimum permitted movement in price and the method of quotation.
What is the Price Movement and Quotation for Wheat Futures?
Weed smoking gardener lad.
- Quote is a “Per Bushel” basis
- Minimum movement is 0.25 of a cent ($0.0025)** full tick size**
- Each contract represents 5,000 bushels, so the full tick value is $12,50
What is the Fixed Future Date Often Reffered to as?
Contract month.
What is Meant When a Contract is Fungiable?
Identical to and substituable with others traded on the same exchange.
What Does Fungiability and Standardisation Provide?
- Easy to Trade
- Liquidity
What are the Main Advantages of Futures?
- Fungiability
- Counterparty risk removed by novation
- Low broker fees, due to liquidity and saftey
What is the Risk to the Seller of the Future Limited to?
It isnt. It is unlimited.
What is a Forward?
Definition.
Legally binding agreements to make or take delivery of a specified quantity of a specific asset at a certain time in the future for a pirce that is agreed today.
What are the Main Benefit of Forwards over Futures?
For an Investor.
- Customisability.
- They may not be marked to market daily, casuing lower admin. ie. an investor wont need to top up his account frequently to meet price changes as often.
What is the Main Disadvantages of Fowards?
What does this lead to?
- Counterparty risk and default risk
- Lower liquidity due to non fungiability
- Leads to higher fees for OTC Forwards.
How is a Forward Price Agreed?
Using the spot price of the underlying.
What is a Contract for Difference?
Allows investors ro benefit from capital gains from a particular underlying index, stock, currency or commodity without having to physically own or pay for it.
What is a Key Feature of a CFD?
They do not have a set maturity.
Why are CFDs Cost Efficient?
2 reasons
As they pay no stamp duty, nor a brokers fee.
What is a Typical Margin Deposit Required by Brokers for a CFD?
For leveraged positions
10-30% of the contracts value
Are Most CFDs Intra-day Trades?
Yes as most positions are held overnight and incur an interest charge.
What are the Two Key Differences Between Spread Betting and CFDs?
There are 2.
- CFDs do not have a fixed maturity / expiration date.
- Spread betting in the UK is considered gambling and therefore isnt taxed. CFDs are subject to capital gains tax
How are Brokers Compensated for Spread Betting?
Through the price they quote, not commission.
Where has Spread Betting Been Banned?
Think population.
US, China, India and most of Europe.
What Contract Does the More Popular Form of Spread Betting Utilise?
Short term interest rate contract.
What are the 2 Types of Spread Bet?
Down Bet and Up Bet.
What is an Option?
Definition, think Intro.
Gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy (call) or sell (put) a particular asset at a particular price, on or before a specified future date.
What is an Option on Future?
Gives the holder the right but not the obligation, to become the buyer (call) or seller (put) of a specified futures contract.