Hedging and speculating are two sides of the same investment coin. But a lack of risk control in these derivative products can be dangerous.
Before Citic Pacific’s loss came to light, derivatives called “accumulators” were planted like land mines throughout the investment landscape. Among hedge funds and financial investors that signed these high-risk contracts exposure, hedging arrangements were made to lock in maximum risks.
Market analysts argue Citic Pacific signed an accumulator contract that not only set the highest gains but failed to include a floor for losses. The contract’s pricing model was complex and risks difficult to estimate. On the other hand, the Australian dollar’s value was rising when the contract was signed.
When the foreign exchange rate rose above 1 Australian dollar (AUD) to 0.87 U.S. dollars (USD), Citic Pacific made money.
Because the U.S. currency had weakened since the beginning of 2008, and market players tended to think the AUD would continue turning stronger, the accumulator became popular.
Under the deal, Citic Pacific would receive AUD against USD deliveries. Outstanding AUD leveraged