TQBTHEQUANTBATEMAN
TQB/ learn/ fx/ fx forwardEN · DARK
FXfoundationinstrument

FX Forward

A future exchange rate implied by two funding curves.

Reviewed 2026-08-10TheQuantBateman Research2 linked labs
01Intuition

Read the contractual cash flows first.

Forward points compensate for the interest-rate differential, not an expected spot move.

ONE-LINE DEFINITION

A future exchange rate implied by two funding curves.

02Mathematics

Express payoff and present value precisely.

F0,T=S0e(rd−rf)TF_{0,T}=S_0e^{(r_d-r_f)T}
Notation and units

Decimal rates and volatilities, year-fraction time and continuous compounding unless stated otherwise.

03Assumptions

Make conventions part of the contract.

01

Contract dates, calendars, settlement, notionals and payoff currency are part of the valuation input.

02

Discounting and projection conventions must match the collateral and quotation framework.

03

The displayed payoff omits legal terms and lifecycle events unless stated otherwise.

“An unstated convention is a future reconciliation break.”— THEQUANTBATEMAN
04Market use

Locate the quote and replication instruments.

Hedging, carry, basis analysis and option forwards.

Intuition→Mathematics→Implementation→Desk risk
05Desk view
FRONT OFFICE VIEW

Map cash-flow changes into hedge risk.

Reconcile the contractual payoff before reading the FX risk. Small date or convention changes can move cash flows before any model parameter moves.

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06Related

Continue to the nearest instrument or model.