Foreign Currency Derivatives Research Articles

The Role of Financial Instruments in Corporate Exchange Rate Risk Management

As international investment increases with the process of economic globalization, managing exchange rate risk efficiently has become one of the most significant strategies for companies to reduce risk and make more profits. Due to the need to consider numerous internal and external factors, risk management is a sophisticated decision that executives need to make effectively. On the basis of accentuating the magnitude of hedging exchange rate risk for corporations and combining previous research findings and theoretical analysis, this research introduces some pragmatic approaches for firms to choose and utilize suitable financial instruments in hedging exchange rate risk, such as the rational use of financial instruments to hedge risks, the use of short-term and long-term foreign currency derivatives to reduce exchange rate risks, and the impact of board structure on hedging activities. The content of the analysis can provide companies with a deeper understanding of the ways to select and utilize the most appropriate financial instruments for risk management, thus improving corporate efficiency and achieving corporate objectives. The study would act as an available tool for corporations to improve efficiency and achieve their goals.

Currency Exposure and The Determinants of Corporate Hedging Practice Among Malaysian Non-Financial Firms

This study involves a two-stage analysis. Firstly, the study examines currency exposure and corporate hedging practice (proxied by foreign currency derivative (FCD)) among Malaysian non-financial firms from 1995-2016. It is found that 35.75% of the sample firms are significantly affected by the exposure. The use of FCD is also found to be significantly effective in managing the level of currency exposure. Secondly, the study further investigates the determinants of the use of FCD by incorporating both firm-specific and macroeconomic factors. The study finds almost all the firm-specific factors (liquidity, price-earning ratio, asset growth, and foreign sales) and macroeconomic factors (current account, trade, and inflation) as significant determinants behind the firms’ decision to use FCD. Interestingly, the use of FCD is also driven by specific financial events. Due to the nature of the crisis period, the effect of FCD use is only significant during the Asian financial crisis rather than the peg period and global financial crisis. The novelty of this study lies in the inclusion of the macroeconomic determinants of the FCD use. Hence, the detailed analyses may guide the decision-making process of FCD use as the analysis tackles the exposure and FCD use issues in several aspects with the inclusion of the economic information content.

The dynamic effect of corporate financial hedging on firm value: The case of Indian MNCs

This paper explores the effect of financial instruments for exchange rate hedging on a firm's value in the presence of non-operating profit or loss from foreign exchange transactions. This study uses Tobin's Q ratio as a proxy for firm value and a two-step generalized method of moments (GMM) model to estimate the effect of financial hedging. Our dynamic panel analysis using extensive data on 61 Indian multinational corporations (MNCs) in 2009–2020 shows that financial hedging instruments, such as foreign currency derivatives (FCD) and foreign currency–denominated debt (FDD), enhance firm value by 16.91% and 10.21%, respectively. The results of the robustness test confirm the findings.

CITIC Pacific Hedging Strategy Analysis In 2008

At 2008 CITIC Pacific incurred a huge loss of 51.5 million US dollars from its foreign currency derivatives contracts. The reason for such a huge loss is the misuse of a complex derivative called Knock Out Discount Accumulator (KODA). This article focuses on the mechanisms of such derivatives as well as how such mechanisms make CITIC Pacific take a huge loss. In this article, we find that the cumulative option contract has been widely recognized as one of the most effective hedging strategies against foreign exchange risk. However, the cumulative option entered by CITIC Pacific is unreasonable. We propose some suggestions for the firm to follow in order to help hedge the risk. Besides, what international trade companies can learn from this case is also talked about.

Impact of Foreign Currency Derivatives on Firm Performance: Evidence on Shari’ah and non-Shari’ah Compliant Firms

Hedging practices among Shari’ah compliant firms (ShC) are still not well explored and firms in Malaysia is very much lag behind in derivatives usage against firms in the developed countries. This study investigates the influence of financial derivatives usage on the value of Shari’ah and non-Shari’ah compliant firms (non-ShC) in Malaysia and compares the influence of derivatives usage on the value between the two categories of firms. To meet its objective, Generalized Method-of-Moment estimator (System-GMM) is employed on a set of panel data from 2000-2017. This study covers 200 firms engaged in derivatives which 59 firms are ShC firms and 141 are non-ShC firms. This study finds financial derivatives contribute positively to the value of Shari’ah compliant but negatively to the non-ShC firms. This study concludes that ShC performed better than its counterpart in risk management using derivatives. The findings enrich the current literature on the Islamic financial market and contribute to a better understanding relating to hedging activities. This study offers new evidence on risk management using derivatives in both Shari’ah and non-ShC firms and the importance of industrial diversification on firm value. This study suggests that the non-involvement in non-ShC firm’s activities contributes to the lower risk profile hence a more effective risk management of the Shari’ah compliant firms. Keywords: Risk management, derivatives, hedging, firm value, Shari’ah and non-Shari’ah compliant firms. ABSTRAK Amalan lindung nilai di kalangan firma patuh Shari’ah (ShC) masih belum diterokai dengan baik dan firma di Malaysia sangat ketinggalan dalam penggunaan derivatif berbanding firma di negara maju. Kajian ini mengkaji kesan penggunaan derivatif kewangan terhadap nilai firma patuh Shari’ah dan tidak patuh Shari’ah (bukan-ShC) di Malaysia. Kajian ini juga membandingkan kesan penggunaan derivatif ke atas nilai di antara kedua-dua kategori firma. Bagi mencapai objektif kajian, Generalized Method-of-Moment (System-GMM) diapplikasikan ke atas data panel dari 2000-2017. Kajian ini meliputi 200 firma yang terlibat dalam derivatif di mana 59 firma adalah firma ShC dan 141 adalah firma bukan ShC. Kajian ini mendapati bahawa penggunaan derivatif kewangan memberi kesan positif terhadap nilai firma patuh Shari’ah tetapi negatif ke atas firma tidak patuh Shari’ah. Kajian ini membuat kesimpulan bahawa firma patuh Shari’ah adalah lebih baik dari firma tidak patuh Shari’ah dari segi pengurusan risiko menggunakan derivatif. Kajian ini menawarkan bukti baharu mengenai pengurusan risiko menggunakan derivatif dalam kedua-dua firma Shari’ah dan bukan ShC dan kepentingan kepelbagaian industri terhadap nilai firma. Kajian ini berpendapat bahawa ketidakterlibatan dalam aktiviti firma bukan ShC menyumbang kepada profil risiko yang lebih rendah justeru pengurusan risiko yang lebih berkesan bagi firma patuh Shari’ah. Kata kunci: Pengurusan risiko; derivative; lindung nilai; firma patuh Shari’ah dan tidak patuh Shari’ah.

Corporate risk management: An empirical evidence on foreign currency derivatives’ use by Malaysian nonfinancial firms

During the last decade, the issue of using financial hedging instruments get attention of top management specially of nonfinancial firms due to the increase in cross-border trade and variations in foreign exchange rates. As Malaysia is an open economy with high exchange rate fluctuations, this study test different corporate hedging theories in the Malaysian context and investigated factors that can better explain the use of foreign currency derivatives. We found weak evidence for underinvestment theories as well as ‘Risk Management Committee’, but strong evidence for financial distress theories. We also find support for size and market-openness hypothesis but weak support for the liquidity hypothesis. However, in the robustness test, all proxies of underinvestment theory and Risk Management Committee is found to be significant when the model is run after excluding SIZE variable. Finally, our results run counter to the conjecture that high exchange rate exposure firms are more inclined towards derivative usage.

Non-linear relationship between foreign currency derivatives and firm value: evidence on Sharīʿah compliant firms

PurposeThis study examines the impact of hedging on firm value of Sharīʿah compliant firms (SCFs) in a non-linear framework.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs the system-GMM for dynamic panel data to examine the influence of derivatives usage on firm value (Tobin's Q, ROA and ROE). The sample comprised of 59 non-financial SCFs engaged in derivatives from 2000 to 2017 (18 years). The Sasabuchi-Lind-Mehlum (SLM) test for U-shaped is performed to confirm the existence of the non-linear relationship.FindingsThis study concludes that hedging significantly contributes to firm value of SCFs based on the non-linear framework. This study suggests that, first, the non-linear relationship occurs due to the different degree of derivatives usage and risk. Second, firms practice selective hedging to maintain the upside potential of firm value.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has important implications. First, the importance of risk management via derivatives to increase firm value, second, the evidence of selective hedging from the non-linear relationship between derivatives and firm value and third, the need for quality reporting on derivatives engagement by firms in line with the required accounting standard on derivatives.Originality/valueThis study fills the gap in the literature in relation to the risk management strategies of SCFs in three aspects. First, re-examines the relationship using recent data. Second, examines the relationship in the non-linear framework as the limited studies found in the literature on Malaysian firms are only based on linear relationship. Third, determines whether hedging undertaken by firms is optimal as this can only be addressed using the non-linear framework. This study is robust to the various definitions of firm value (Tobin's Q, ROA and ROE) and non-linear methodologies.

Hedging, managerial ownership and firm value

PurposeThis study investigates the impact of derivatives as risk management strategy on the value of Malaysian firms. This study also examines the interaction effect between derivatives and managerial ownership on firm value.Design/methodology/approachThe study examines 200 nonfinancial firms engaged in derivatives for the period 2012–2017 using the generalized method of moments (GMM) to establish the influence of derivatives and managerial ownership on firm value. The study refers to two related theories (hedging theory and managerial aversion theory) to explain its findings. Firm value is measured using Tobin's Q with return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) as robustness checks.FindingsThe study found evidence on the positive influence of derivatives on firm value as proposed by the hedging theory. However, the study concludes that managers less hedge when they owned more shares based on the negative interaction between derivatives and managerial ownership on firm value. Hedging decision among managers in Malaysian firms therefore does not subscribe to the managerial aversion theory.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focuses on the derivatives (foreign currency derivatives, interest rate derivatives and commodity derivatives) and managerial ownership that is deemed relevant and important to the Malaysian firms. Other forms of ownership such as state-/foreign owned and institutional ownership are not covered in this study.Practical implicationsThis study has important implications to managers and investors. First is on the importance of risk management using derivatives to increase firm value, second, the influence of derivatives and managerial ownership on firm value and finally, the quality reporting on derivatives exposure by firms in line with the required accounting standard.Originality/valueThere is limited empirical evidence on the impact of derivatives on firm value as well as the influence of managerial ownership on hedging decisions of Malaysian firms. This study analyzes the influence of derivatives on firm value during the period in which reporting on derivatives in financial reports is made mandatory by the Malaysian regulator, hence avoiding data inaccuracy unlike the previous studies on Malaysia. This study therefore fills the gap in the literature in relation to the risk management strategies using derivatives in Malaysia.

Foreign currency derivative usage and firm value in Bangladesh: comparative analysis between exporters and non-exporters under exchange rate movements

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of foreign currency derivative (FCD) usage on firm value. In specific, the authors study the significance of the relationship between FCD usage and firm value for exporters and non-exporters, respectively, with consideration of conditions of exchange rate movements.Design/methodology/approachAs the main empirical test, this paper utilizes the multivariate Tobin's Q model for a panel dataset of 125 non-financial firms, which have been continuously listed on the Dhaka Stock Exchange from 2010–2018. The authors divide the sample firms into two groups: exporters and non-exporters based on theoretical background and estimate the relationship between FCD usage and the firm value measured by Tobin's Q for each firm group. Also, as a complementary test, the Fama–French three-factor model is used to estimate the effect of FCD usage on the monthly portfolio returns of the firms when exchange rate levels and volatility are considered.FindingsFirst, the effect of FCD usage on firm value significantly exists in the Bangladeshi non-financial firms from 2010–2018. Specifically, the FCD effect on firm value is negative (hedging discount) for exporters, whereas the FCD effect is positive (hedging premium) for non-exporters. Second, the multivariate analyses suggest the hedging discount (premium) for exporters (non-exporters) is consistent only when the domestic currency appreciates (depreciates). Third, the FCD effect on firm value is consistently positive for non-exporters when exchange rate volatility is higher.Research limitations/implicationsFurther studies could be conducted with the detailed data of the firms' hedging performance, if they are available. Particularly, the cost and revenue data associated with hedging would help identify evident reasons for exporters' hedging discounts in Bangladesh. Moreover, the best hedging option for maximizing the Bangladeshi firm value could be analyzed with the detailed FCD type data, such as futures, options and swaps. Further refinement of these data would improve institutional capability for substantive growth in frontier markers.Practical implicationsThis paper provides practical implications for corporate managers in charge of managing foreign exchange risk in Bangladesh. First, closer accounting observation is much necessary for the firms to accurately evaluate whether the FCD usage is beneficial in their cash flows because the exporters come to have two large costs: entering foreign markets and carrying FCD program. Second, for better value from using FCDs, the exporters should learn how to utilize appropriate financial derivatives. FCD usage is beneficial when the exporters are fully aware of what their real risks are and the role of appropriate derivatives within its portfolio strategy.Social implicationsA policy reducing the costs of either foreign market entry or FCD usage would be helpful for lessening the FCD discount effect. Also, a long-term policy that enables the born-to-exporters to establish substantive positions in the home market would be helpful for enhancing the cash inflow capability, thereby causing the firm value structure to be strengthened.Originality/valueThe paper has originality because it bridges the gap in the literature. First, the authors find a new empirical result regarding the significant FCD effect on a frontier market, although the FCD effect deals with the small and secondary risk in the previous literatures. Second, finding the contrasting FCD effect between the exporters and non-exporters sheds lights on the importance of firm-specific characteristics for precisely evaluating the FCD effect on firm value. Third, we find that the significant FCD effect is prominent by condition of exchange rate movements, which has been overlooked in prior literature.

Financial derivatives and firm value: What have we learned?

Despite an enormous amount of research on the relationship between financial hedging and firm performance, the literature provides so far no clear-cut findings on whether the use of derivatives results in higher firm valuation. Using a meta-analysis of 51 studies, this research explains whether the absence of a consensus is due to different country specificities and hedging types. The findings show that the use of foreign currency derivatives, alone or along with other types of derivatives, drives firm value positively. They also show that hedging presents an economic advantage for all firms, especially those from common law and developed countries.

Maximum Likelihood Estimation of Continuous-time Diffusion Models for Exchange Rates

Five diffusion models are estimated using three different foreign exchange rates to find an appropriate model for each. Daily spot exchange rates expressed as the prices of 1 euro, 1 British pound and 100 Japanese yen in US dollars, respectively denoted by USD/EUR, USD/GBP, and USD/100JPY, are used. The maximum likelihood estimation method is implemented after deriving an approximate log-transition density function (log-TDF) of the diffusion processes because the true log-TDF is unknown. Of the five models, the most general model is the best fit for the USD/GBP, and USD/100JPY exchange rates, but it is not the case for the case of USD/EUR. Although we could not find any evidence of the mean-reverting property for the USD/EUR exchange rate, the USD/GBP, and USD/ 100JPY exchange rates show the mean-reversion behavior. Interestingly, the volatility function of the USD/EUR exchange rate is increasing in the exchange rate while the volatility functions of the USD/GBP and USD/100Yen exchange rates have a U-shape. Our results reveal that more care has to be taken when determining a diffusion model for the exchange rate. The results also imply that we may have to use a more general diffusion model than those proposed in the literature when developing economic theories for the behavior of the exchange rate and pricing foreign currency options or derivatives.

Determinants of Hedging and their Impact on Firm Value and Risk: After Controlling for Endogeneity Using a Two-stage Analysis

Purpose – In this study, we investigate determinants of hedging with derivatives and its effect on firm value and firm risk for Korean firms. Design/methodology – To avoid the endogeneity problem pointed out in previous studies, we use a two-stage analysis by using gains and losses from derivatives as instrument variable for hedging with derivatives. Findings – Our analysis on the determinants of hedging shows that firms that are more leveraged and less profitable, and with more growth opportunities are likely to hedge through derivatives. Additionally, large firms, firms less diversified into industry, and firms more diversified geographically are likely to use derivatives. Our two-stage analysis shows that indicators of hedging with derivatives have an insignificant effect on firm value, and the indicator of futures/forwards use and of swaps use have significant negative effect on firm value. Whereas, the extent of hedging with derivatives has positive effect on firm value for all types of foreign currency derivatives, which suggests that moderately low hedgers use derivatives inefficiently, but extensive hedgers use derivatives properly. With regard to firm risk, hedging with derivatives increases market-based risk, but decreases accounting-based risk. Thus, we conclude that Korean firms use derivatives to manage operational volatility rather than to manage market risk, and accounting-based risk reduction through hedging is not directly translated into higher firm value. Originality/value – This is not the first study to investigate hedging behavior of Korean firms, but the sample period that that this study analyzed is the longest and various method are used to control the endogeneity problem. We investigate not only total foreign currency derivatives but also by types of derivatives, including futures/forwards, options, and swaps.

Does the CEO elite education affect firm hedging policies?

This paper studies the relationship between CEO elite education and firm hedging decisions. It uses the particular specificities of the French post-secondary educational institutions to examine the effect of CEO educational background on the use of foreign currency derivatives. The results show a positive and significant relationship between education quality and derivatives use. Neither the level nor the type of education has any significant effect. The results also show that the use of derivatives enhances firm performance only when CEOs are from elite institutions. These results are robust to a battery of tests that involve alternative estimation techniques, the use of different subsamples, additional control variables, and control for endogeneity and selection bias.

Do firms hedge with foreign currency derivatives for employees?

Using a sample of 3004 US firm-years with foreign sales, we provide the first evidence that a firm's employee treatment score is an important determinant of its fraction of foreign sales hedged with currency-based derivatives. The positive relation between employee treatment rating and currency hedging activity is driven by firms operating in competitive industries, businesses with relatively unique products or assets, and companies adopting aggressive business strategies. These results suggest that firms with foreign sales tend to factor employee benefits in their currency hedging policies when their acquisition, development, and retention of human capital are especially costly or highly valued.

Foreign currency risk hedging and firm value in China

The objective of our study is to investigate the association between the use of foreign currency derivatives and corporate value among Chinese firms by examining listed firms’ quarterly data from 2000 to 2013. We find that Chinese firms that engage in hedging activities with derivatives to reduce their foreign exchange exposure tend to have higher corporate value. This finding is shown to be consistent through a series of robustness tests. We also find that the incidence of such effects is higher among firms with greater profitability and investment opportunities. The use of foreign currency derivatives exerts a more prominent impact on firm value when the exchange rate depreciates and when the economy is booming. However, the link between derivative use and firm value is weaker during crisis periods. Moreover, an industrial analysis demonstrates that the value-enhancing effect varies across industries.

Foreign Currency Derivatives is an Effective Tool for Hedging Foreign Exchange Rate Exposure

Foreign Currency Derivatives is an Effective Tool for Hedging Foreign Exchange Rate Exposure

Foreign Currency Derivatives is an Effective Tool for Hedging Foreign Exchange Rate Exposure

Foreign Currency Derivatives is an Effective Tool for Hedging Foreign Exchange Rate Exposure

The determinants of currency derivatives usage among Indian non-financial firms

PurposeTheoretical studies suggest that hedging helps firms to reduce their financial distress costs and underinvestment problem especially if the markets are imperfect. Hence hedging, through the use of currency derivatives, is one of the important financial policies for firms. The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the determinants of derivatives usage by Indian firms using financial disclosures on currency derivatives by non-financial constituents of S&P CNX 500 for 2009.Design/methodology/approachWe manually collect the data on foreign currency derivatives from firms’ annual reports for 2009 and then follow Haushalter’s (2000) approach to examine the determinants of firms’ decision to hedge. A firm can make its hedging decision at once, deciding whether to hedge and how much to hedge. Given the nature of dependent variable that is censored, it is appropriate to use Tobit regression. A firm can also decide its hedging decision in two steps by deciding first on whether to hedge and later how much to hedge. The former is modelled by probit regression and later by conditional regression.FindingsOur empirical evidence suggests that forwards are the main instruments for managing currency risk followed by options and swaps. The objectives, in the order of priority, are reduction in exposure associated with foreign currency receivables, foreign currency long-term loans and foreign currency payables. Firm’s decision to hedge is positively related to size, foreign exchange exposure and leverage, while negatively related to liquidity and investment opportunities. We find evidence of higher derivative usage by firms with both higher currency risk and higher financial distress costs.Practical implicationsThe findings of this paper will help corporates, researchers and regulators to understand firms’ motives behind hedging.Originality/valueThis is the first empirical study that examines the determinants of firm’s decision to hedge and the extent of hedging in the context of emerging economies like India.

Does Foreign Currency Derivatives Affect the Variation of Currency Exposure? Evidence from Malaysia

Does Foreign Currency Derivatives Affect the Variation of Currency Exposure? Evidence from Malaysia

Beyond capital controls: Regulation of foreign currency derivatives markets in the Republic of Korea and Brazil after the global financial crisis

Within the management of capital flows, some emerging economies have been facing economic policy dilemmas after the global financial crisis, related to financial instrument operations, in a context of abundant liquidity in the advanced economies. However, neither the academic literature nor the financial institutions have paid sufficient attention to foreign currency (FX) derivatives regulation in emerging economies. This paper analyses the measures adopted by Brazil and the Republic of Korea. We find, first, that the breadth of regulation concerning FX derivatives operations depends on the actors involved and the type of contract used. Second, effective domestic institutions are needed to formulate and implement regulations. Third, countries should not limit their policy space through multilateral or bilateral agreements, and leave space for domestic financial regulation.