Futures terminology. Explain the meaning and probable significance for international business of the
following contract specifications:
Specific-sized contract: Trading may be conducted only in pre-established multiples of currency units. This
means that a firm wishing to hedge some aspect of its foreign exchange risk is not able to match the contract size
with the size of the risk.
Standard method of stating exchange rates. Rates are stated in “American terms,” meaning the U.S. dollar value
of the foreign currency, rather than in the more generally accepted “European terms,” meaning the foreign
currency price of a U.S. dollar. This has no conceptual significance, although financial managers used to viewing
exposure in European terms will find it necessary to convert to reciprocals.
Standard maturity date. All contracts mature at a pre-established date, being on the third Wednesday of eight
specified months. This means that a firm wishing to use foreign exchange futures to cover exchange risk will not
be able to match the contract maturity with the risk maturity.
Collateral and maintenance margins. An initial “margin,” meaning a cash deposit made at the time a futures
contract is purchased, is required. This is an inconvenience to most firms doing international business because
it means some of their cash is tied up in a non-productive manner. Forward contracts made through banks for
existing business clients do not normally require an initial margin. A maintenance margin is also required,
meaning that if the value of the contract is marked to market every day and if the existing margin on deposit falls
below a mandatory percentage of the contract, additional margin must be deposited. This constitutes a big
nuisance to a business firm because it must be prepared for a daily outflow of cash than cannot be anticipated.
(Of course, on some days the cash flow would be in to the firm.)
Counterparty. All futures contracts are with the clearing house of the exchange where they are traded.
Consequently a firm or individual engaged in buying or selling futures contracts need not worry about the credit
risk of the opposite party.