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What is foreign exchange rate?
Foreign exchange rate, also known as Forex, is an over-the-counter market that is used to determine the exchange rate for global currencies. This type of trading has been around since the 1920s. It is a highly sophisticated and complex system that has the ability to make or break global economies. In order for foreign exchange currencies to be traded, two or more countries must agree to exchange their respective currency pairs. The exchange rate that is agreed upon is known as the spot rate. The spot rate is the rate at which two currencies can be exchanged at any given moment in time.
In addition to the spot rate, there are also derivative contracts which are known as forwards and futures. These contracts allow traders to hedge against foreign exchange risk. By using these types of contracts, traders can protect themselves from sudden drops in currency values or from potential losses due to changes in exchange rate. By using one of these contracts, a trader does not have to risk his or her entire capital, but can instead use a portion of their capital to protect themselves from any losses.
What is International Accounting Standard 7 Statement of Cash Flows (IAS 7)?
International Accounting Standard 7 Statement of Cash Flows (IAS 7) is an accounting standard which is set out in paragraphs 1-61 in the International Accounting Standard Board (IASB). These paragraphs outline the requirements to be followed when preparing the Cash Flow Statement. This document requires companies to provide necessary information on their cash flow position for the purpose of reporting the performance of their business for the period. The Statement of Cash Flows consists of three parts: operating, investing and financing activities. It gives an overview of the movement of cash in, out or between accounts as well as any transactions that are not cash related.
This statement is used to provide investors, creditors and other interested parties with information on how well the company is performing and whether it has enough cash to manage its day-to-day operations. In addition, through analyzing historical trends in cash flow, investors and creditors can make more informed decisions when considering lending and investing into businesses. The Statement of Cash Flows is also an important tool for auditors, as it gives them important information that they can use to check the accuracy of the financial statements.
How can currency hedging mitigate the risks created by FX market volatility?
Currency hedging is the practice of reducing the chances of making losses due to fluctuations in the FX market by buying and selling various currencies. These transactions are made based on the expected movements of different currencies. By using currency hedging, the risk of losses due to changes in the FX market is minimized. Hedging can also help companies to reduce earnings volatility and protect the value of future cash flows.
It is important to note that currency hedging is, in fact, a part of a company’s overall strategy and risk management plan. While it may help to reduce losses, it does not guarantee against them. It is always recommended that companies consult with a financial professional to ensure they are taking the right steps in order to mitigate the risks posed by the FX market. In addition, it is important to remember that hedging does not guarantee profits, it can only reduce losses.
Understanding the Statement of Cash Flows
Cash flows from operations, investing and financing activities provide a more robust analysis of the business when added to the balance sheet and income statement. The Statement of Cash Flows documents transactions that the company has made during the reporting period, helping to illustrate how money has been earned and used. Also referred to as “cash flow statements”, they are critical for improving understanding of the company’s financial health and operating activities.
Components of Cash Flows
The Statement of Cash Flows is composed of three separate sections. The first tracks how much cash is generated from operating activities, such as the sale of services or goods. The second section discloses how much cash was used in investing activities, such as the purchase of equipment or investments in other companies. Finally, the third segment discloses cash used in financing activities, such as raising debt or issuing new shares.
The statement not only helps to explain what happened in each of those categories during the period, but it also shares the net change in cash flow (or the net contribution of each activity). Adding this together, you can get a clearer picture of the company’s performance over the reporting year.
Review of Cash Flows
The Asset Management team typically reviews the financing component of the Statement of Cash Flows in detail. This section tracks important cash flows related to share and debt issuances, pay-outs of dividends, and activity related to debt servicing. Within this area, careful scrutiny is applied to how much interest was paid and where the funds for these payments have come from. It is important to establish whether the interest payments are in line with the borrowing costs that the company expects and whether the company has sufficient funds to service the debt as agreed.
The team also reviews the investments section of the statement. Here, the management team will check to see if investments made match the company’s growth strategy and if the returns on the investments made were in line with expectations. For example, if the company has invested in a new manufacturing plant, the team will review the associated income vs. costs.
The Reno Management team also reviews the Statement of Cash Flows to ascertain the company’s liquidity and working capital positions. This includes monitoring cash on hand, accounts receivable, and accounts payable activity. Here, the statement refers to components from the balance sheet as well, such as last fiscal year’s accounts receivable and accounts payable, which are recorded as $245,000 and $65,500 respectively.
By taking a comprehensive view of the Statement of Cash Flows, the management team can assess a company’s financial health and determine whether the cash generated from operations, investing and financing activities was enough to support the company’s growth plans in the year.
