As Forex becomes more mainstream, the need for a risk-hedging vehicles will likely rise
Posted by Michelle Heath in Forex, Forex Trading, Market Commentary, Market-Depth, On the Forex Front, tags: allocation, alternative asset, correlation, currency futures, diversification, managed futures, stock market
It’s always reassuring when an industry leader releases information shedding positive light on the future of an alternative investment. Today, it was derivatives marketplace Chicago Mercantile Exchange, or CME Group, discussing the promising outlook of foreign currency futures.
Since the CME is arguably the biggest futures exchange out there, is it any surprise they’re touting FX futures contracts? No, not really, but the whole concept of currency futures is still pretty interesting nonetheless. I decided this fit as a nice follow-up to a post I wrote the other day on managed futures and risk mitigation in general, since these particular investments can get a little complex.
For anyone who’s unfamiliar with them, currency futures allow investors to exchange one currency for another on a future date at a specified price that is set at the time of the agreement. This allows investors the ability to make a purchase that will be executed sometime in the future for the price it would cost them today. In turn, they’re granted protection against exchange rate fluctuations, which could end up working for or against them depending on where the currency pair moves.
Derek Sammann, global head of foreign exchange and interest rates at CME Group, explains how, due to rapid economic globalization, cross-boarder asset flows show no sign of slowing down anytime soon. This provides both a growing opportunity for potential prosperity, as well as risk, for investors interested in tapping the $4 trillion a day foreign currency market.
As Forex continues to become a more mainstream alternative investment option, the need for a supplementary vehicle for hedging risk will inevitably rise. Currency futures are just one avenue investors can take to fill that need. Others come in the form of continuously developing advanced software controls within the realm of spot Forex trading. As various up and coming forms of alternative investments popularize, it is interesting to note what types of risk controls they will inspire and bring with them.
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