Tag: Interest Rate Swaps

Understanding Forward Rate Agreements

Introduction
Forward Rate Agreements (FRAs) are essential financial instruments used by businesses and investors to hedge against interest rate risks. In simple terms, an FRA is a contract between two parties to exchange a predetermined interest rate on a specified notional amount for a future period. Let’s delve deeper into the intricacies of FRAs and how they play a crucial role in managing financial uncertainties.

What are Forward Rate Agreements?
FRAs are derivative contracts where one party agrees to pay a fixed interest rate, known as the FRA rate, while the other party pays a floating interest rate based on a reference rate, such as LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate). These agreements enable parties to lock in a future interest rate, providing protection against adverse interest rate movements.

How do Forward Rate Agreements Work?
Let’s illustrate with an example: Company A expects to borrow $1 million in six months at a floating interest rate. However, they are concerned about potential interest rate hikes. To mitigate this risk, Company A enters into an FRA with Company B, agreeing to pay a fixed rate of 4% for borrowing $1 million in six months. If the actual floating rate