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Derivatives in Plain Words by Frederic Lau, with a ... - HKU Libraries

Derivatives in Plain Words by Frederic Lau, with a ... - HKU Libraries

Derivatives in Plain Words by Frederic Lau, with a ... - HKU Libraries

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ates, the forward rate for the period 24/7/97 to 24/10/97 can be calculatedas follows:The discount<strong>in</strong>g factors are:DF/ = - = 0 9773, DF2 = — = 0.9601(I + 6.239% x I36 /365) (I + 6.645% x 228 /3 6 s)The forward rate is calculated us<strong>in</strong>gL(228-365JDF 2which gives r = 7.1 I %.MOVEMENTS OF THE YIELD CURVEBefore we move on to other types of derivatives, there is one f<strong>in</strong>al conceptto be <strong>in</strong>troduced here. We often hear from the news that "central banksare cutt<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>in</strong>terest rates". Have you ever wondered what exactly thismeans? It does not imply that the central bank has cut the <strong>in</strong>terest ratesacross all maturities <strong>by</strong> the same marg<strong>in</strong>. If so, the curve would always move<strong>in</strong> a parallel fashion. In reality only one reference rate (usually an overnightrate) is changed. The effect on the rates <strong>with</strong> long maturities is usuallydifferent from that of the short maturities. There are three important waysthat the yield curve can move:1) Parallel shift - the whole curve moves up or down <strong>by</strong> the same marg<strong>in</strong>.2) Change of slope - the curve moves <strong>in</strong> opposite direction around a pivotpo<strong>in</strong>t. (The curve "steepens" or "flattens".)3) Change of convexity - rates of different maturities move <strong>by</strong> differentmagnitudes. (The curve "twists".)Forwards and Futures

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