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Derivatives in Plain Words by Frederic Lau, with a ... - HKU Libraries

Derivatives in Plain Words by Frederic Lau, with a ... - HKU Libraries

Derivatives in Plain Words by Frederic Lau, with a ... - HKU Libraries

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4INTEREST RATE FUTURES AND FORWARD RATE AGREEMENTSIn the last chapter we have looked at some theories about the yield curve.In this chapter, we will look at some applications. The simplest k<strong>in</strong>ds of<strong>in</strong>terest rate derivatives are futures and forward rate agreements (FRAs).These two types of contracts are essentially identical; one major differenceis that a futures contract is an exchange-traded contract and has fixed termsfor the notional amount, length of contract, expiry date etc. whereas an FRAis an over-the-counter (OTC) contract which is a b<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g agreement betweentwo parties. Another difference is that, as <strong>with</strong> other exchange-tradedproducts, a m<strong>in</strong>imum marg<strong>in</strong> payment is required for the futures contract,whereas the actual payment for the FRA would only be settled at the expirydate. Other than these differences, the two types of <strong>in</strong>struments are priced<strong>in</strong> the same way.For <strong>in</strong>stance, today is 24/1/97 and assume that we have the follow<strong>in</strong>g termstructure of <strong>in</strong>terest rate: 6-month rate of 5%, 9-month rate of 5.5%. Whatis the 3-month forward rate <strong>in</strong> 6-months' time, us<strong>in</strong>g today's market rate?.5%-5.5%-today 6 month 9 month' This chapter was written <strong>by</strong> Mr Chau KO-/O/CForwards and Futures

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