Spot

The most common type of foreign exchange trade, it refers to the next value date which is usually plus two days; i.e. a trade placed today will be settled in two days time. You can have same or next day delivery dependant on the currency and time of day.

Forward Contract

This is a contract with a fixed exchange rate for an agreed period of time. The currency is purchased today for delivery in the future usually 12 months. The forward price is calculated by using the difference between the two currencies’ interest rates. If you are purchasing a currency from a country with a higher interest rate the forward price will be the spot price plus a premium. If you are purchasing currency from a country with a lower interest rate the forward price will be the spot price less a discount. There is usually a deposit required for a forward contract.

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Draw Down

This term is used to describe the early delivery of part or all of a forward contract, there will be a slight adjustment in the exchange rate for the early delivery.

Roll Over

This is similar to a draw down, but an extension of the forward contract for all or part of the total amount, again there will be slight adjustment to the exchange rate.

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Time Option

This is a type of contract where the currency is purchased today with a fixed rate and the delivery can be taken at any time between two pre arranged dates.

Stop Loss

This is an order placed in the market below the current market price. It is used to control risk so when the market gets to the price of the order, the order is automatically triggered. It will act as a protective order guaranteeing the price

Limit Order

This is similar to a stop loss but is placed above the market; this will be used to get a better price for the currency exchange. A limit order will often be used in conjunction with a stop loss to set a boundary for the price no matter how volatile the market is.

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