Hedging options and forward contracts, especially for recurring transfers, can help you lock in a great exchange rate.
What does it mean to “hedge” your options?
The investment community uses “hedging” to describe protecting or lowering your risk of loss on a trade. There are a few tools you can use to hedge your risk in the foreign exchange and currency transfer market: forward contracts, limit orders and stop-loss orders.
Contract options
Forex transactions can be completed in two ways: by using a spot contract or using a forward contract.
Spot contracts
A spot contract is just that — a rate that a bank or money transfer service quotes on the spot at the moment of your exchange. If you’re sending a one-off transfer, you’re using a spot contract. The rate you’re offered is often a margin above the interbank or mid-market rate, marked up a bit so the provider can pocket the difference. You’ll typically get a better spot contract with an independent money transfer service than you will with a bank.
Forward contracts
Unlike a spot contract, a forward contract allows you to lock in a favourable exchange rate for future purchases, protecting you against unexpected fluctuations in exchange rates. Ideal for businesses or those making recurring transfers, these agreements usually guarantee you a rate from 30 days to up to two years. They typically require a deposit with the balance due once the contract is executed.
table The mid-market rate is what your money’s actually worth on the global market compared to another currency. It’s the midpoint between worldwide supply and demand for that currency — and the rate banks and transfer services use when they trade among themselves. Use this rate as a baseline to compare against the rates provided by your bank or transfer service. With it, you’ll discover which companies offer the best rates.
Order options
Exchange rates constantly fluctuate, and most foreign exchange providers offer order services that smooth out the predictability of these fluctuations. Order options are best for those who have a good handle on predictions and know when it’s a good time to buy.
Limit orders
With a limit order, you specify your ideal exchange rate. When the market reaches that rate, it’s locked in and you’re contacted to authorise the completion of your transfer.
A stop-loss order is nearly the opposite of a limit order: instead of specifying an ideal rate, you indicate a rate you want to avoid dropping below. If the market falls to that rate, your currency is purchased automatically, giving you the potential to profit when the market rises again. Many people use limit orders and stop-loss orders together.
If you need to send regular transfers overseas — weekly, monthly or quarterly payments to the same recipient — many services will allow you to lock in even better rates with lower fees.
As with any money transfer transaction, be sure to compare your options so you can get the best rates and fees for your money.
How can I hedge with an online forex broker?
To begin hedging your forex trades, you’ll need to:
Determine your options. Learn whether your broker offers such hedging tools as forward contracts, limit orders and stop-loss orders or find one that does.
Assess your risk tolerance. No trade carries zero risk, so you’ll need to determine how much risk you’re willing to take.
Choose two currencies to trade. Consider pairing the “majors” — for example, dollars and pounds — against the euro.
Contact a forex broker. If you’re a new client or will make ongoing exchanges, ask if you’re eligible for any bonuses or perks. Then get to hedging your trades.
Compare international money transfers
Table: sorted by a combination of service offering and the amount your recipient will receive
Use our comparison calculator to assess transfer fees, exchange rates and other details for sending funds overseas with our money transfer affiliates.
Disclaimer: Exchange rates change often. Confirm the total cost with the provider before transferring money.
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