Derivatives are always constructed with prevailing market rates. Contracting a swap receiving the fixed rate will imply receiving the current fixed rate for the selected maturity. Contracting a swap receiving the variable rate will imply receiving the current rate for the selected short maturity of the variable rate. Therefore, derivatives influence both the nature of interest rates and the level of interest rates paid or received, hence the earnings (P&L) as well. Both impacts have to be assessed carefully before entering into a derivative transaction.