Equity Contract means a contract which is valued on the basis of the value of underlying equities or equity indices and includes related derivative contracts.
Forward Contracts can broadly be classified as 'Fixed Date Forward Contracts' and 'Option Forward Contracts'. In Fixed Date Forward Contracts, the buying/selling of foreign exchange takes place at a specified future date i.e. a fixed maturity date.
The forwards vs. futures distinction lies in their trading methods, as forwards are traded over the counter while futures are traded on an exchange. Futures contracts are traded on exchanges and are standardized and regulated.
Let's consider an example to understand how a Forward Rate Agreement works. Suppose Party A enters into a 6-month FRA with Party B. The notional amount is $1 million, and the reference interest rate is 5%. The forward rate agreed upon is 6%.
Today, forward contracts can be for any commodity, in any amount, and delivered at any time. Due to the customization of these products they are traded over-the-counter (OTC) or off-exchange. These types of contracts are not centrally cleared and therefore have a higher rate of default risk.
Use Tax Form 6781 For Open Section 1256 Contracts Use tax form 6781, Part I to report the gains and losses on open Section 1256 contracts. A straddle is when you hold contracts that offset the risk of loss from each other. You might realize a loss when you sell part of a straddle position.