Pricing and Valuation of Forward Commitments

Why is Pricing and Valuation of Forward Commitments Important?
Understanding how to price and value forward commitments is crucial for CFA Level 2 candidates as it is a key concept in the Derivatives section. Mastering this topic will help you better understand the mechanics of forward contracts and how they are used in financial markets for hedging, speculation, and arbitrage.

What are Forward Commitments?
Forward commitments are agreements between two parties to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price on a future date. These contracts are typically customized to meet the specific needs of the counterparties involved. Examples of forward commitments include forward contracts, futures contracts, and swaps.

How do Forward Commitments Work?
Forward commitments work by locking in a price for a future transaction, thereby mitigating the risk of price fluctuations. The buyer and seller agree on the asset, quantity, price, and settlement date. At the expiration of the contract, the buyer is obligated to purchase the asset from the seller at the agreed-upon price, regardless of the current market price.

How to Price and Value Forward Commitments?
To price a forward contract, you need to consider the spot price of the underlying asset, the risk-free interest rate, the time to expiration, and any cash flows associated with the asset (such as dividends or storage costs). The general formula for pricing a forward contract is:
Forward Price = Spot Price × (1 + Risk-Free Interest Rate)^{Time to Expiration} - Present Value of Cash Flows

To value a forward commitment, you need to calculate the present value of the expected future cash flows. This involves discounting the future cash flows at an appropriate discount rate, which typically includes a risk premium to account for the uncertainty associated with the contract.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Pricing and Valuation of Forward Commitments
1. Be familiar with the pricing formula and understand how each component affects the forward price.
2. Practice calculating forward prices and contract values using various scenarios and inputs.
3. Pay attention to the timing of cash flows and ensure that you are discounting them correctly.
4. Consider the impact of dividends, storage costs, and other factors that may affect the pricing and valuation of forward commitments.
5. Read the question carefully and identify the specific type of forward commitment being discussed (e.g., forward contract, futures contract, or swap).
6. Show your work and use clear, concise explanations when answering open-ended questions.