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Forward Pricing

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A forward price can be described as a predetermined price related to an underlying asset that is to be paid on a future date. The forward price is a price that is decided by both the buyer and seller mutually in a forward contract.

When the forward contract starts, the forward price is set in a manner where the initial value of the contract is zero. However, with the changes in the asset price taking shape, the forward price will also move up and down accordingly, which will further end up affecting the forward contract’s value.

Though forward and futures contracts may seem alike, there are certain differences that do exist between them. For example, while futures contracts are bought and sold on public exchanges, forward contracts are basically private agreements. Another difference is that while the settling of futures contracts takes place daily, forward contracts settle only once the contract ends. To add to this, future contracts usually have basic, standard terms. However, the terms of a forward contract can be customized according to what the parties involved want.

What is Forward Pricing?

The forward price of a forward contract is determined by the ongoing spot price of the underlying asset. However, that alone does not get to determine the forward price as factors like interest, storage fees, etc, also add to it.

When the forward contract starts, its value is zero, which means that neither the buyer nor the seller made any profits or incurred any losses till then. However, as time moves, the value of the contract will increase or decrease based on the market conditions.

Another concept that you need to understand when trying to know what forward pricing is: the Zero-Sum Game. Here’s an example to explain it better to you. Let us Imagine two investors where the first investor, say Investor A, takes a long position, anticipating a rise in the price. The second investor, say investor B, takes the short position, anticipating a fall in the prices.

Now, if the price goes up, Investor A ends up making a profit, but Investor B incurs a loss—and vice versa. This is why most forward contracts are zero-sum at settlement, because when one investor gains, another one incurs losses.

It is also extremely important that investors figure out whether or not a forward contract is even right for them. You see, unlike a futures contract, forward contracts are private agreements between two parties. What this essentially means is that the terms of the contract can be tailored according to the needs of the parties, the contracts are not easily accessible to retail investors as they are not publicly traded, and they can be difficult to track as they are private contracts and they are riskier because there is no centralised exchange for it.

If you are looking to invest in forward contracts, it is important that you gauge all the pros and cons related to it.

Forward Price Formula

To calculate the forward price, one needs to follow the formula listed below:

S x e (rxt) = Forward Price

In the formula:

  • S = Current spot price of the underlying asset

  • e = The mathematical irrational constant

  • r = The risk-free rate that is used for the contract's period of existence

  • t = The delivery date in years

Forward Pricing vs. Spot Pricing

There is one major difference between forward pricing and spot pricing. The forward pricing is a predetermined value that is to be delivered by a future delivery date and is related to an underlying financial asset or currency. The forward price is agreed upon by both the seller and the buyer. The spot price, on the other hand, is the current market price of an asset.

Applications of Forward Pricing in Investments

Forward pricing plays a crucial role in helping investors navigate through the ups and downs of the market. With the forward price in the forefront, investors can lock in a future price for an asset. This concept provides a more predictable future for the contract and makes financial planning easier. This holds true especially for assets like currencies since the price swings in these assets can be unpredictable.

This is where forward contracts step onto the playing field. In a forward contract, buyers and sellers agree on a set price for an asset mutually. Once the contract reaches its maturity or the due date, the transaction is carried out at this very price even if the market is completely going in the opposite direction of it, at that moment.

Conclusion

In the simplest way possible, the forward price is a price that both buyers and sellers of a forward contract agree upon. This is the price at which an asset will be delivered on a future date. The forward contract, in the beginning, starts with zero value but this changes as the market conditions start to shift.

Forward price can be used by investors to hedge against market uncertainty and so by locking in the prices, they are able to avoid potential losses.

However, before investing in a forward contract, it is important to gauge all of its flaws and advantages to ensure that you steer clear of any potential losses.

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