Instrumenty pochodne jako narzędzie ograniczania ryzyka walutowego w polskich przedsiębiorstwach

Abstract

Increasing involvement of companies from Poland in international markets leads to greater currency risk exposure in these entities. This forces enterprises to use appropriate hedging strategies to reduce this risk. The purpose of this paper is to assess the prevalence of currency risk faced by Polish companies and to analyse the extent in which over-the-counter derivatives and stock exchange derivatives are used to protect companies against this risk. The authors present a review of the literature and relevant statistical data published by the National Bank and the Central Statistical Office of Poland. Based on this database, the authors demonstrate that the use of derivatives depends on the levels and fluctuations of currencies, as well as the involvement of Polish companies in international markets, especially in terms of external trade. Moreover, the analysis proves that forward contracts are the most frequently used derivatives to reduce exposure to foreign exchange risk. This is because the conditions of this type of transactions can be adjusted to the requirements and needs of enterprises. These instruments are also easier to use than other derivatives. The added value of this paper is a comprehensive analysis of the exchange rate risk in Polish companies in 2007-2016, accompanied by a presentation of the scale on which derivatives are used to hedge against currency risk.