Record a forward contract on the contract date on the balance sheet from the seller's perspective. On the liability side of the equation, you would credit the Asset Obligation for the spot rate. Then, on the asset side of the equation, you would debit the Asset Receivable for the forward rate.
Record a forward contract on the contract date on the balance sheet from the seller's perspective. On the liability side of the equation, you would credit the Asset Obligation for the spot rate. Then, on the asset side of the equation, you would debit the Asset Receivable for the forward rate.
Forward contracts carry several risks, primarily counterparty risk, as they are private agreements without an intermediary or exchange backing them. If one party defaults, the other may incur losses. Additionally, forwards lack the liquidity of exchange-traded contracts, making them harder to exit.
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.
Forward Contract Pros and Cons ProsCons Lock in a beneficial exchange rate for a future date Forward Contracts are binding and cannot be terminated Protection from adverse exchange rate fluctuations Could miss out on advantageous exchange rate movements1 more row •