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Basic Question 2 of 11

A forward contract carries an obligation to perform the terms of a contract. This is not like ______.

A. a cash transaction, because a service is carried out, but like on option because it is a deferred choice
B. an option, because a service is performed, but like a cash transaction because it is completed today
C. an option, because the buyer has the choice to exercise, but similar to a cash transaction in that a service is performed
D. a hedging transaction, because a commitment has been undertaken with the forward contract

User Contributed Comments 6

User Comment
jainrajeshv Anybody can explain this
alzaids A forward contract carries an obligation to perform the terms of a contract. While the option is the right, but not the obligation, to excersize. So a forward is not like an option in that you are bound by an agreement to fulfil.
fmhp Thanks for the summary alzaids.
To-be-CFA Alzaids got it, bang on!
ankurwa10 I think alzaids is right but the wording of answers is horrible. I understand what option C wants to say, but it gives the impression that forward contract is unlike an option "because it gives the buyer the choice" instead of meaning that it is in fact the option that gives the buyer the 'choice'.

but what does service is performed mean? the wording is silly again
ankurwa10 Also, on a conceptual level, if you analyse option D, forward contract can and are used for hedging as well, right? For example, hedging against price rise. (futures) of course i make a commitment to buy say USD at a certain quote at a later date. How does forward become exclusive from a hedging transaction. please explain?
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Thanks again for your wonderful site ... it definitely made the difference.
Craig Baugh

Craig Baugh

Learning Outcome Statements

define forward contracts, futures contracts, swaps, options (calls and puts), and credit derivatives and compare their basic characteristics

CFA® 2024 Level I Curriculum, Volume 5, Module 2.