Question

Sally Ferguson, CFA, is a hedge fund manager. Ferguson utilizes both futures and forward contracts in the fund she manages. Ferguson makes the following statements about futures and forward contracts:
Statement 1: A futures contract is an exchange traded instrument with standardized features.
Statement 2: Forward contracts are marked to market on a daily basis to reduce credit risk to both counterparties.

Are Ferguson's statements correct?

(A) Only one of these statements is correct.
(B) Both statements are correct.
(C) Neither statement is correct.

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is letter "B": Both statements are correct.

Explanation:

A futures contract is a type of forward contract between a buyer and a seller of an asset. They agree to exchange goods and money at a future date but at a price and quantity determined today. Futures contracts are standardized, regulated, and free of counterparty risk. In difference to other forward contracts, futures contracts are traded in secondary markets such as the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the Intercontinental Exchange.

A forward contract is an agreement to buy and sell an asset at a future date. The price of the asset is fixed at the time the contract is executed. They are similar to a futures contract but forward contracts do not trade in an exchange.