Forward Market

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Definition of 'Forward Market'

A forward contract is a financial contract in which two parties agree to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price on a specific future date. The forward price is the price agreed upon at the time the contract is entered into. The forward contract is said to be at the money if the forward price is equal to the spot price.

The forward market is a market for trading forward contracts. The forward market is an over-the-counter market, which means that it is not traded on an exchange. The forward market is used to hedge against price risk. For example, a company that produces wheat may enter into a forward contract to sell wheat at a predetermined price in the future. This will protect the company from a decline in the price of wheat.

The forward market is also used for speculation. A speculator is a person who trades in the forward market in the hope of making a profit. A speculator may buy a forward contract on an asset that they believe will increase in value in the future.

The forward market is a complex market with a number of risks associated with it. One of the risks of the forward market is that the counterparty to the contract may default. This means that the counterparty may not be able to fulfill their obligations under the contract. Another risk of the forward market is that the asset may not perform as expected. This could lead to a loss on the forward contract.

The forward market is a useful tool for managing price risk and for speculation. However, it is important to understand the risks associated with the forward market before entering into a forward contract.

Here are some additional details about the forward market:

* The forward market is a decentralized market, which means that there is no central exchange where forward contracts are traded. Instead, forward contracts are traded over-the-counter (OTC).
* The forward market is used to trade a wide variety of assets, including commodities, currencies, and interest rates.
* The forward market is a relatively illiquid market, which means that it can be difficult to find buyers and sellers for forward contracts.
* The forward market is a risky market, and there is a risk of default by the counterparty to the contract.
* The forward market is a complex market, and it is important to understand the risks involved before entering into a forward contract.

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