.. .. .. ..

International Banking

: 080100.62 - 080500.62 - 040100.62 - 010400.62 - 230700.62 -

2010

__________ .. ____ ___________ 2010 .

.. .. .. ..

International Banking
: 080100.62 - 080500.62 - 040100.62 - 010400.62 - 230700.62 -

2010 .

2010

81(76)=111
81 2 -923
: .. , .. ,

36 .. .. ..

..
:: International Banking , 080100.62 , 080500.62 , 040100.62 , 010400.62 , 230700.62 . . .: , , 2010. 95. International banking , . (sections A,B,C) , (section D) , . , .
81(76)=111
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International Banking , ..

6090/16. Times New Roman . ..___. . ___-2010. .

,2010

Unit 1 Bank organization

Vocabulary notes
1.

2. 3.

4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

to be determined to be determined by objectives ; to conduct to conduct business , ; bank development bank ; merchant bank ( . ; . ); profit to yield profit , ; to assess to assess changes in smth. (); products to match products to needs ; to be akin to smth. to be akin to smth , , ; operatives large /small scale operatives - / ; aims to achieve operating aims ; operations to establish extensive international operations , ; banks to acquire banks ; network to extend ones branch network ; relationships to stable correspondent relationships ;

14. operations to develop profitable joint operations , ; 15. organization chart 1. ; 2. ; 16. division , , , , ; line division ; Banking Division ; Private Banking Division ; Treasurers Division 1. ; 2. ; operative division 1. ; 2. ; administrative division , , ; Financial and Information Systems Division ; Corporate planning division ; Corporate Finance Division ; Investment Management Division , ; Leasing Division ; Dealing Division ; 17. management Investment portfolio management , ; 18. bonds government and municipal bonds ; 19. bullion 1. , ; 2. , ; 20. finance (s) public finance (s) ; 21. personnel , , , ; 22. premises ; ;

23. analysis economic analysis ; 24. department Controllers Department - ; Corporate Tax Department ; Systems Data Processing Department ; 25. planning strategic planning , ; 26. administration credit policy administration ; 27. background to give the background ; 28. to operate to operate independently ; 29. subsidiary a wholly-owned subsidiary ( ); 30. activities to sell off ones non-banking related activities , , ; 31. services to cover a full range of international banking services ; cost centre services - ; 32. structure in terms of management structure ( ) ; 33. matters to look after administrative matters ;

34. control group financial control ; 35. loan syndicate loan , ; 36. overdraft overdraft , ; 37. credits documentary credits ; 38. options currency options ; 39. notes floating rate notes ; 40. deposit certificates of Deposit ; 41. futures financial futures 1. ; 2. ; 3. ; 42. to provide to provide advice to ; 43. merger , ; 44. take over , ; 45. acquisition , ; 46. divestment ; 47. fund pension fund ; offshore funds ( , , ); 48. trust investment trust (); 49. leasing leasing packages for lessors and lessees ; 50. market unlisted securities market .

Briefing
The way in which a bank is organized and operates is determined by its objectives and by the type of economy in which it conducts its business. A bank may not necessarily be in business to make a profit. Central banks, for example, provide a country with a number of services, while development banks exist to increase the economic growth of a country and raise the living standard of its population. On the other hand, the aim of commercial banks is to earn profits. They therefore provide and develop services that can be sold at a price that will yield a profit. A commercial bank which provides the same range of services year after year is less likely to be successful than one which assesses changes in the demand for its products and which tries to match products to its customers' needs. New services are constantly being introduced and developed by commercial banks, and the full-service philosophy of many banks means that they are akin to financial supermarkets, offering a wide variety of services. However, not every bank may want to offer every kind of financial service. Many banks offer a combination of wholesale and retail banking. The former provides large-scale services to companies, government agencies and other banks. The latter mainly provides smaller-scale services to the general public. Both types of banking, however, have three essential functions, which are: deposits payments credits These three functions are the basis of the services offered by banks. They make it possible for banks to generate profits and to achieve their operating aims. Several factors have combined to make banking an international business. These include the growth of multinational companies and of international capital markets, the increased competition between the banks themselves, and important improvements in communications and transportation. The major banks of the world have established extensive international operations by acquiring banks in other countries, by extending their own branch network abroad and by establishing correspondent relationships with foreign banks so as to develop profitable joint operations. The

operations of these major commercial banks are dynamic and rapidly changing, and their organization is of a global nature. Read the briefing. Check your comprehension and answer the following questions: 1. How do functions of various types of banks differ? (Compare the services of central, development and commercial banks.) 2. Which commercial bank is supposed to be more successful, why? 3. What essential functions of both types of banking form the basis of services offered by banks? 4. The combination of which factors made baking an international business? 5. How do the organization and operation of the bank depend on its objectives? 6. For what purposes do development banks exist? 7. Why and when do commercial banks develop new services? 8. What is wholesale (retail) banking? 9. How can banks establish extensive international operations?

Section A A1
Look through the following short report concerning the reorganization of a bank. Name the division for which each person (Bernard Rogers, Lucy John and David Lacey) will be responsible. Add all the details which are given about the responsibilities of the divisions. The Allied Bank is reorganizing its operations into three business sectors: corporate banking and international banking operations will be headed by Bernard Rogers, who is currently Director of International Banking Operations and Deputy General Manager; the finance operations sector, including foreign exchange operations, short-term money market operations and accounting, will be headed by Lucy John, while David Lacey has been named Deputy General Manager with responsibility for the branch network and retail banking sector.

Look at the words in the left-hand column and match them with the words from the right-hand column. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. operations sectors headed currently including named A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. reports at present activities sales covering appointed led offices areas

A2
You are going to hear Ed Walker, an Assistant Vice-President of a large American bank, talking about the structure of his bank to Francoise Caie, a French banker. Before you listen to the conversation, look at these questions which you will answer after you have listened for the first time. 1. Is Ed: a) explaining the banks organizational structure? b) discussing the banks organizational structure? 2. Does Ed: a) give a basic outline of the banks organizational structure? b) give a detailed analysis of the banks organizational structure?

A3
Listen again to what Ed says about the structure of his bank. As you do so, complete the following organization chart. Firstly, write in the boxes the names of the divisions. Then under the boxes add details of the responsibilities of each of the divisions.

10

Chairman of the Board

President

Executive Committee

Banking Division
Group 1 The Americas Group 2 Europe Group 3 Africa, Asia, Middle East

A4
Look at the words in the box, all of which are from this section. Check any words that you do not know with a partner. Then, working together, match the words with the correct definition from the list below. credit policy annual report premises domestic comptrollers department investment portfolio management bullion line divisions personnel reorganized consumers strategic planning commercial paper municipal bonds

1. A report presented each year, giving details of the company's activities and financial performance during the previous financial year.

11

2. Formed or structured in a new way. 3. Sections of a company which deal with different products or services from each other. 4. People who buy goods or services. 5. In your own country, not abroad. 6. Management of a client's collected investments. 7. Short-term documents usually sold by big US corporations, promising to pay a specified sum of money on a particular date. They may be sold again by the buyer. 8. Documents issued by a local government authority, promising to repay loans at a certain time. 9. Bars of gold or silver. 10. Employees, staff. 11. Buildings and surrounding land. 12. A department which controls the internal finances of a company. 13. Deciding the main aims of an organization. 14. Plans for the lending of money.

Section B B1
You are going to hear Clive Regis, the Director of a London merchant bank, being interviewed about his bank's organization. As you listen, look at these headings. Which ones does he talk about and in which order? Structure of the parent company Brief history of the bank Range of services provided Recent changes

B2
Listen again to what Clive says about the organization of the bank. As you do so, write in the boxes below the names of the six divisions to which he refers and list their main areas of responsibility.

12

Administration Division

B3
Look at the terms in the left-hand column. Match each one with its correct definition in the right-hand column. 1. 2. merchant bank clearing bank A The selling-off of interests. B A very large loan for one borrower, arranged by several banks. C Money overdrawn on accounts to agreed limits. banks

3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

wholly-owned subsidiary accounting loan syndicated loan overdraft documentary credit

D Documents promising to pay sums of money at specified times. E Money placed in countries with very low taxes. F The joining of two or more companies into one.

G A bank which is a member of a central organization through which cheques are presented for payment. H Activities where one bank acts as an agent for another bank.

8.

correspondent banking

13

9.

currency option

I.

A contract where the buyer has right to demand purchase or sale of a specified currency, but no obligation to do so. A bank mainly concerned with the financing of international trade.

10. bonds 11. floating rate note

K An organization which collects and pools money from many small investors and invests it in securities for them. L A company entirely owned by another company. M A limited company formed to invest in securities. N A method of financing international trade where the bank accepts a bill of exchange from the exporter for the invoice amount, in return for receipt of the invoice and certain shipping documents. O The buying of a majority of the shares of companies. P Contracts to buy or sell currencies, bonds and bills, etc. at a stated price at some future time.

12. Eurodollar CD 13. financial futures 14. merger

15. takeover 16. divestment

17. USM flotation

Q Note on which interest rates are fixed periodically, and which can be traded on the market. R Document given for a deposit repayable on a fixed date, the

18. investment trust

14

currency being dollars which are deposited outside the USA. 19. unit trust 20. offshore funds S The keeping of financial records and their periodic examination.

T The starting of a new limited company, where the shares are not included in the official list on the Stock Exchange.

B4
Imagine that you are organizing a dinner party for 12 bank officials, including yourself. The other 11 people each work in different areas of banking, which are as follows: Financial control Investment management Documentary credits Planning Overdrafts Syndicated loans Correspondent banking Foreign exchange Corporate finance Accounting and audit Project finance

Draw up a seating plan for the guests and yourself, placing everyone at the table. When you have finished, compare your plan with that of a partner. Discuss any similarities and differences, and explain the reasons behind your plan.

Say if the statements are true or false. 1. Bernard Rogers describes the structure of his bank to David Lacey. 2. The Administrative Division covers administrative services as

15

well as personnel, premises and economic analysis. 3. The Corporate Planning Division includes Tax Department and Data Processing Department. 4. The Investment Management Division provides services to lessors and lessees. 5. Kai Larsen describes the organization of a Scandinavian savings bank.

Section C C1

So far we have heard about and looked at the structure of a large American bank and a British merchant bank. Now we are going to look at the work of a savings bank. Look at the following list of banking services. Put a tick () next to those that are traditionally associated with savings banks.

Currency options Personal loans Safe-deposit services Takeovers Deposit accounts Bullion Payment of standing orders Cheque paying services Leasing packages

16

C2

Now listen to Larsen describing the organization of the Scandinavian savings bank he works for and fill in the organization chart below. Listen twice if necessary.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR

C3
Look at the following extracts from Kai's description of the savings bank. Work with a partner and note down what you think the speaker says instead of the words in italics. Then listen to the section again and compare your answers with the words Kai actually uses. 1. ... to understand just what we are and that is a .. . (bank set up to accept deposits from members of the public) 2. ..in 1878 ... (setup, established) 3. In 1980 we with the two largest regional savings banks .... (joined together) 4. ... and effectively this now gives us a to serve the private customer ... (system of local offices over the whole country) 5. There's a Board of Directors, which is elected by the Board of .. (people responsible for administering money or property for the benefit of others) 6. ... to gain access to the (markets in which there are good profits)

17

7. ... markets dominated by the . . (banks which offer a wide range of services to the public, to companies and to other organizations) 8. 1970 ... (before) 9. ... couldn't accept deposits . the equivalent of ... (more than) 10 ... granted an international . of 45 million dollars ... (loan of money at a fixed rate of interest, involving a certificate of the debt) 11. ... and which had a . 50 per cent of which (an entire collection of loans ) 12. ... and expanding worldwide . (arrangements with banks who act for each other) 13. ... major investments in terms of .. (people who work here) 14. ... necessary for us to be able to . . (increase the range or extent of our operations)

C4
You are going to make a short presentation of your bank or company. Look through the list of points below and decide in which order you will use them in your presentation. Then compare your order with that of a partner and discuss any differences. Range or services Financial performance Structure Specialized products Geographical representation Section D Answer the following questions: 1. How many operative and servicing divisions is the bank of Ed Walker split into? Evaluate their functions. 2. Which geographic groups offer a full range of international services?

18

3. What are the cost centre services? What division performs these services? 4. What does Banking Division deal with? 5. Whom does Corporate Finance Division provide advice to? 6. What is the function of Leasing Division? 7. What is package? Make a short presentation of the structure of your bank or company. Act out the dialogues between: 1. Presenter and Ed. 2. Presenter and Clive. 3. Presenter and Kai.

D1
Quickly read the text below, which is taken from an annual report of one of the world's largest banks. Then choose the best heading from this list. The year in brief Financial review Global banking resources Notes to the accounts Foreign locations To service the needs of different client groups effectively, the Bank is organized into three broad groups: the Domestic Banking Group, the Corporate Banking Group and the International Banking Group. The basis of the Bank's strength continues to be its domestic banking operations. The Domestic Banking Group's network of 295 branches provides a full range of banking services nationwide and is the largest network in the country. The Corporate Banking Group is responsible for servicing the complex needs of over 200 of the nation's largest corporations. Of the Bank's total domestic deposits and domestic loans outstanding, the Corporate Banking Group accounts for 25 per cent and 40 per cent

19

respectively. The Bank continues to develop and expand its international operations, and in fiscal 2000 foreign earnings surpassed those of the country's other leading banks for the fourth consecutive year. Since January 1 2003, the Bank has opened six new representative offices and has upgraded the Rome representative office into a full service branch. Our strong international presence is currently maintained through 12 branches, 18 representative offices, two agencies and 10 subsidiaries and affiliates. The International Banking Group includes regional departments which assume responsibility as follows: the Americas; Africa, Middle East and Europe; Asia and Oceania. The Group includes both the Correspondent Banking Department, which is responsible for the Bank's correspondent banking network of some 1,500 institutions, and the Merchant Banking Department. Also within this Group, the International Treasury Department specializes in foreign exchange and funding operations, while the International Planning Department is responsible for strategic planning. The International Business Supervision Department is responsible for the assessment of country risk and corporate credits, as well as for systems development and for ensuring compliance with regulations regarding international business. The Bank continues to respond well to market dynamics both at home and abroad. Part of the Bank's strength lies in the wide spread of its representation and in its ability to develop sophisticated new services to meet the changing patterns in banking opportunities. The Bank's aim is to ensure the continued prosperity of the group by means of its dedication to service and by expanding the scope of its activities, both geographically and functionally. We believe that we have the right organization to do this in the period ahead.

D2
Using the information in the text you have just read, complete this organization chart.

20

D3
Based on the information in the text, say whether the following statements are true or false. 1. The Corporate Banking Group services the needs of 1,500 of the nation's largest institutions. 2. The Corporate Banking Group plays an important part in terms of the bank's domestic deposits and domestic lending. 3. 1991 was the fourth year in a row in which the bank earned more money abroad than any other bank in the country. 4. The bank has 30 branches and representative offices abroad. 5. The bank plans to increase its international operations.

21

Unit 2 Bank performance

Vocabulary notes
1.

2.

3.

4.

asset available assets ; balance sheet assets basic production assets deferred assets (.); leased assets fixed assets ; ; entry closing entry ; credit entry ; debit entry ; double entry draft entry ( ) liability current liabilities deferred liabilities deposit liabilities fixed liabilities statement statement of accounts income and expense statement or operations statement or profit and loss account bank statement ( ); consolidated (financial) statement ; ( , ) consolidating financial statement

22
5.

6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

11.

12. 13.

14.

15.

16.

investment return on investments investment securities , legal investment for banks equity investment fee ; ; salary ; commission service charge benefit ; e income interest income non-interest income total income application of income interest net interest - ( ) requirements statutory requirements accounting requirements (.) footing footing cross-footing balance sheet footings outgoings , ; , ( ) dividend interim dividend ( ) cash dividend , umulative dividend ( )

23

17.

18.

19.

-stock dividend ( ) optional dividend , preferential dividend , preferred dividend equity ( ); ; stockholder equity ; provision provision for bad debts provision for depreciation of securities provision for doubtful accounts provision for doubtful debts acceptance , , ; acceptance for payment acceptance letter

Briefing
Banks necessarily use sophisticated accounting systems to record as clearly as possible what the financial situation of the bank is. Normally such a system is based on the principle of the double entry, which means that each transaction is entered twice, as a credit in one account and as a debit in another account. The equation can be expressed as: ASSETS = CAPITAL + LIABILITIES. If we deposit 100 with a bank, for example, the bank enters a debit for the receiver and a credit

24

for the giver. The former represents an asset to the bank, since it is a sum of money at the bank's disposal, as well as a liability, since it will one day have to be repaid. The balance sheet of a bank gives us a view of its financial situation at one point in time, usually 31 December of a particular year. But we do not know what has happened between two balance sheets. This information is provided by the profit and loss account for the period in question. The profit and loss account is also referred to as an operations statement or an income and expense statement. Neither statement is exactly uniform from bank to bank, but both contain certain essential features. The largest asset of a bank is normally its total portfolio of loans. Deposits usually constitute the largest liability. Balance sheets usually include the following items listed as assets: Cash on hand and due from banks money in vaults, balances with other banks, cheques in process of collection. Investments bonds, shares, etc. Loans to companies, the general public, etc. Fixed assets buildings, equipment, etc. Items listed in the balance sheet as liabilities are: Deposits all money owed to depositors Taxes payable national and local Dividends payable decided on, but not yet paid The profit and loss account records the income of a bank, and here, typically, the items in order of size are: interest on loans return on investments fees, commissions, service charges The granting of credit provides the largest single source of bank income. Typically, two thirds of an American commercial bank's yearly earnings result from interest on loans. Nine out of every ten dollars they lend come from depositors' funds. The following items normally constitute the main expenses in a bank's profit and loss account, again in typical order of size: interest paid salaries and other benefits taxes

25

A bank's accounting systems, then, are designed to record and present the many transactions that take place every day. Substantial reserves over and above statutory requirements are an indication to customers of the bank's strength, that it has run its business well and has retained profits in the business for future operations. Profitability indicates the effectiveness of a bank's performance and how well it has managed the resources under its control. Published figures thus provide some essential data on the liquidity, safety and income of a bank.

Read the briefing Check your comprehension and answer the following questions:
1. Why is sophisticated accounting system so widely used by banks? Can you define the main principle of this system? 2. What is the name of a summarised statement showing the amount of funds employed in the business and the sources from which these funds are derived? 3. Which important financial information is not provided by the balance sheet? 4. Which indices give us a view of the financial situation of a bank and which items are listed as assets or as liabilities? 5. How are incomes and expenses recorded in the profit and loss account? 6. Can you mark the difference between two basic financial statements? 7. Why does a banks portfolio of loans provide the largest source of bank income? 8. Whats accounting period for the balance sheet? Does it correspond with the calendar year? 9. What do published figures of a banks performance show? 10. What kind of financial information do a banks accounting systems provide its customers with?

Say if the statements are true or false.

1. An important area of bank performance is accounting systems

26

2. 3.

4. 5. 6. 7.

8.

9. 10.

that provide a permanent record of its financial activities. The principle of the double entry represents an asset to the bank as a debit in one account and a liability as a credit in another account. The balance sheet of a bank shows the amount of fund sources the bank has drawn upon to finance its lending and investing activities and how much has been allocated to loans and other funds at a moment in time, usually the last day of a particular accounting period. Each bank may have its own accounting requirements but basic principles are the same. The profit and loss account shows how much profit was generated by the operations of the bank at one point in time. The income and expense account provides information for the period in question, which means that it shows what has happened between two balance sheets. Banks make their profits by lending the money which customers deposit with them to others who need it for personal or business reasons. Impressive reserves over and above statutory requirements show how the bank has retained its profits in the business for future operations and the many transactions that take place every day. Published figures provide some essential data on the banks financial position and operating performance. There is no difference between two basic financial statements as they both are the final product of accounting process and a valuable decision- making instrument.

In this unit we hear three different bankers presenting facts and figures concerning the recent financial performance of their banks.

Section A
A1 First read the following short newspaper reports Then from this list choose an appropriate headline for each report Check your answers orally

Ask each other questions which may arise

Profits forecast Mixed profits

27

Fall in profits Loss reported 1 Harborne Investment Bank has reported a loss equivalent to USD 295,000 for the first six months of 1991, a figure in line with the lower first-half earnings reported by the country's other leading banks. The bank posted a USD 2.86 million profit for fiscal 1990. 3 Northland's FA Bank group increased operating results by 20 per cent to USD 108 million in the first six months of this year. Westsund Bank, in contrast, reported a drop to USD 80.5 million, while Quintorp Bank reported steady earnings of USD 195 million, but a 15 per cent fall in the parent bank figure to USD 178 million.

Growing debts Profits growth 2 Hogg and Lacey's Bank has announced an income of USD 58 million for the first half of the year, an increase of 45 per cent over the corresponding period last year. The bank has increased its interim dividend from USD 1.50 to USD 1.80 a share. 4 ZB Bank expects net profits in the region of CHF 33 million for the current financial year, according to Dr Fritz Ullmann, a rise of some 12 per cent. At the end of June the bank's balance sheet total was CHF 4.42 billion, compared with CHF 4.13 billion at the beginning of the year.

What main information about financial performance would you expect a representative of a bank to present to a company in order to try to sell the bank's services? Make a brief list. Then listen to Ed Walker give an informal presentation of his bank to a prospective client. Tick () any points of yours which he makes.

28

Listen again to Ed talking about his bank's performance for the previous financial year. As you do so, fill in the spaces in the extract from the annual report below.

Highlights $ In millions, except per share data For the Year Net Income Net Interest Income Per Share Net Income At Year-End Assets Deposits Investment Securities Employees Number of Offices 1990 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------1989 ---------1,600 4.80 59,000 34,700 1,900 13,650 1,150

A4

Look at the following list. Work with a partner and note down what
you think Ed says instead of the words in italics. Then listen to his presentation again and compare your answers with the words that Ed actually uses.
1.

2. 3.

4. 5.

6.

I have here a copy of our last report presented each year, giving details of the company's activities and financial performance during the previous financial year. But I can give you right now a very short general description ... ... based on money received from the sale of the parts into which the capital of a company is divided ... ... and sixth largest based on the sums of money left with the bank. ... financial services to a large number of different types of customer... ... which includes company customers ...

29
7.

8.

9. 10.

11. 12. 13.

... and banks in other countries with whom we have an agency relationship. In 1990 we achieved our highest ever profits after transfers to reserves ... ... our tenth year in a row of profit growth ... The annual income of the group of companies after the payment of costs was 500 ... ... at the end of 1990 the value of all the things we own ... ... in the financial year 1990 ... ... billion dollars worth of placements of money, for example in shares, so as to produce profit.

A5

1 2 3 4 5 6

Say the following numbers. There may be alternative ways of saying some of them. 1,200 560,000,000 5,000,000,000 37,600,000 1,500,672 1,500,000

Section B B1

Look at the following expressions. Put a tick () by the ones you might expect to hear in a presentation relating to financial performance and a cross () by those you would not expect to hear. Then compare your answers with those of a partner and discuss any differences.

1.
2.

3.

This diagram gives a very brief summary of some of the key figures. Highlights from the audited financial statements as at 31 December 1990. If we begin with income, then, you will see that the total group

30

4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

income amounted to ... ... but what is especially significant is the increase in noninterest income. We've seen the income; let's now look at the outgoings. The accompanying audited financial statements were prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. This increase is larger than in previous years, and is partly due to... All this adds up to total group outgoings of ... I think I'll stop there and answer any questions.

B2

You are going to hear Claire Seal, a merchant banker, giving some
information about her bank to a small group of professional visitors from abroad. Before you listen to her presentation, look at these questions. Then listen and answer the questions. 1.In this section is Claire talking about income, costs, or both? 2.Is Claire giving figures with or without comment? 3.Was 1990 a good year or a bad year for the bank?

B3

Look at the diagram below which is a copy of the one which Claire refers to. Ask questions about it. Listen to her presentation again and fill in the missing information under the heading Source of income.

(Note: The blanks under Use of income will be filled in Section C)

Source of income

Use of income

31
1989 1990 1990 1989

554m 465

Interest received Interest paid

.. .. .. 64% 5% 10% .. ..
Doubtful debt provision Depreciation 5m 16m

42%

..

Staff costs

..

89m

Net interest earnings

18%

.. ..

Other costs Total costs

.. ..

..

Other income

..

36%

16% 3% 6%

.. .. .. ..

Tax

..

Dividends Total group outgoings

.. 10m 135m

135

Total group income

..

B4

Listen to the first part of the presentation again, fill in the space
sentences below with the words actually used. This diagram gives a very. .of some of the . .relating to our performance in 1990. We'll be . these figures again later in . .; but it may be . at . . to present them and to . a number of . . . If we . . income, . you. . . that the total group income . to a . . of 150 million, an . of . 15 per cent on the . year, a . . increase .

32

above that of recent years.

B5

Choose the one best answer.

1. A brief summary is: a) a small amount of something; b) several numbers added together to make a total; c) a short report of the main points; d) a full report with details. 2. Key figures are: a) figures that are easy to understand; b) the most important figures; c) figures that give an answer to a problem; d) figures that are well-known. 3. Trends are: a) movements or directions; b) goals that you try to reach; c) events that are likely to happen; d) events that happen often. 4. A record level of income is: a) an amount that will never be reached again; b) an amount that is written down so that it will not be lost or forgotten; c) an amount that stays the same and does not go up or down; d) a higher amount than ever before. 5. Net interest income is: a) the amount by which the total interest received is higher than the total interest paid during the period; b) the amount by which the total interest received is lower than the total interest paid during the period; c) the total interest received by the lender; d) the amount earned on an investment after paying for its capital cost. 6. Something which is especially significant is: a) the only one of its kind; b) the very best of its kind; c) important and worth noting;

33

d) widely-known and accepted. 7. Fee and commission earning activities are: a) the buying and selling of currencies for profit; b) plans to lend money for profit; c) services that are sold by an agent; d) services for which charges can be made. 8. A contribution to total income is: a) a fixed amount of money paid at regular intervals; b) money that is owed or payable; c) an amount of money that is taken away from the total; d) an amount given or supplied. 9. The economic environment is: a) an area of the economy; b) the future of the economy; c) the economic situation; d) financial laws and regulations. 10. The sensitivity of interest rates is: a) the way in which interest rates affect each other; b) the way in which interest rates are easily influenced or affected; c) the changes in interest rates; d) the way in which interest rates are worked out. Section C C1

You have heard Claire Seal talk about how much her bank earned last year. Now you are going to hear her talk about how much the bank spent. As you listen to the continuation of the presentation, number the items below in the order in which Claire mentions them.

Tax Provisions for doubtful debts

.. ..

34

Other expenses Staff cost Dividends

.. .. ..

C2

Look again at the chart in B3 on page 14. Listen again to the continuation of the presentation and fill in the blanks under Use of income.

C3

Look at the following extracts from this part of the presentation. Work with a partner and note down what you think Claire says instead of the words in italics. Then listen to the presentation again and compare your answers with the words that she actually uses. ... let's now look at the .(amount of money spent) The largest of these is (money involved in paying employees) ... to handle the expansion of the bank's (services for which charges can be made) increased to eight million pounds ... (money put aside to cover possible credit losses) (the decline in value of property which is hired) and on and equipment ... (buildings and the land on which they stand) Other increased by ... (money spent on the running of the bank) the smallest increase ... (yearly) remained unchanged ... (the part of the company's profits which is paid to shareholders) ... as the major part of the year's profit was (kept by the company and not paid to shareholders) Our balance sheet (totals) After of the dividends ... (setting

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7. 8.

9.

10. 11.

35

12.

13.

aside money for) ... there remained a net (amount of money kept by the company and not paid to shareholders) ... nine million pounds, which was (moved over to funds put aside to cover unexpected events)

C4

What factors are important for the financial success of a bank operating internationally? Look through the list of factors below and when you have decided on their relative order of importance, write the number of your choice in column A. Number 1 should show the factor which you consider most important and number 10 the least. In order to fill in colum B:

Split into pairs Discuss the order of priority which you have in column A Agree on a common order of importance for column B Calculate the difference between the numerical value that you have
in column A and the numerical value that you have in column B, item by item Add up the differences You will be told who has discussed and reasoned the most successfully according to your results

36

Use of advanced technology Strong national economy Skilled and efficient staff Wide range of high quality products Broad network of correspondent banks Good management Wide geographical spread of local representation Good market reputation Established and diverse customer base Other (specify)

C5

Mark the odd one in each of these groups of business words:

1 a) consolidated b) relating to c) joined together d) unified whole 2 a) interim 3 a) evolve 4 a) staff 5 a) equilibrium 6 a) reserve 7 a) numeration 8 a) income 9 a) value 10 a) correct 11 a) active b) temporary c) preliminary b) procreate b) personnel b) balance b) draw up b) digit b) profit b) agree b) lively c) produce c) shareholders c) equipoise c) keep back c) numeral c) wage c) correspond c) vigorous d) permanent d) generate d) officers d) condition d) save up d) number d) debt d) estimate d) suit d) perfect

b) appreciate c) forecast

Section D

37

D1

Read the following financial statement from an annual report and

then answer the questions which follow.

Wallers Bank plc Consolidated Profit and Loss Account 31st December 1990 1990 000 24 541 14 395 10 146 3 250 6 896 13p 1989 000 23 863 13 389 10 474 3 250 7 224 15p

Profit before tax, after provisions for doubtful debts Tax on group profits Profit after tax Dividends paid Retained earnings Earnings per share

1. 2. 3. 4.
5.

6.

What term tells you that this is a statement of income? Do the figures relate only to one bank or to one bank and its subsidiaries? What was the increase in taxable profits from 1989 to 1990? How much more tax did the bank pay in 1990 than in 1989? What is the difference between the 1990 and 1989 figures in terms of the profits which the bank has kept? Are these figures before or after money put aside for possible credit losses?

D2

Look at these questions and answer them when you have read the
accounts on the opposite page. 1. Which two specific items on the balance sheet showed the main growth? 2. What was the percentage increase in total assets from 1989 to 1990?

38

Wallers Bank pic Consolidated Balance Sheet 31st December 1990 1990 000 Assets Cash and due from banks Loans to banks and public bodies Investment securities Advances to subsidiaries Leased assets Acceptances for customers Premises and equipment Liabilities Current, deposit and other accounts Deferred taxation Proposed dividends Acceptances for customers Capital Resources Share capital Reserves Minority interests Loan capital 40 000 135 658 6 687 55 742 2 658 797 40 000 128 489 4 709 58 371 2 324 701 1 869 952 18052 1 983 530 723 1 667153 15088 1 071 409 820 254 095 1 159 082 598 820 4 795 15 867 530 723 95 415 2 658 797 235 809 998 129 572 21 8 3 856 15 024 409 820 89 845 2 324 701 1989 000

D3

39

Look at the balance sheet again and answer these questions.

1.

"What term tells you that these figures show the total financial position of the bank at the end of 1990? What is the value of all things owned by the bank which could be used, if necessary, to pay debts? Which sum includes the 5 million which the bank has lent to the City of Birmingham Local Authority? What is the total value of the things such as shares and treasury bills which the bank has bought with the intention of making a profit? What was the increase from 1989 to 1990 in the amount of money which the bank lent to companies which it owns? What is the value of all the property such as buildings, land, motor cars, computers and so on which the bank owns? What is the value of the property which the bank lends to its customers for payment? What is the total value of the debts owed by the bank?

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7. 8. 9.

Which is greater, and by how much, the taxes which the bank paid in 1990, or the money put aside in 1990 which the bank calculates will soon be needed to pay taxes? 10. If all of the issued shares are paid up and there are 20 million

40

shares at 1 each, how much each did the remaining five million shares cost? 11. How much more money was put aside in 1990 than in 1989 to cover unexpected events? 12. Which term relates to those shares which Wallers do not themselves hold in their own subsidiaries?

D4

Read through the following information.

Three banks. A, B and C, all issued their financial statements for the 1990 financial year at the same time, in each case, the sum of the retained earnings and dividends adds up to the profit after taxation. Bank B reported a profit after taxation of 16 million. Half of this sum was paid as dividends. The bank with total assets of 1.5 billion paid dividends amounting to 5 million. One of the banks paid dividends which were 1 million higher than those of Bank B. The same bank had total assets which were twice as large as those of Bank A. Half of Bank A's profit after taxation was kept as retained earnings. Bank C posted a profit after taxation which was double that reported by Bank A.

Given this information, work out the following:

Which bank had total assets of 2 billion? Which bank showed retained earnings of 11 million?

D5

41

Match the terms (a-t) below with their definitions (1-20)

1. Company in which another company owns more than half the shares 2. Periodic examination of financial records 3. Buildings and the land on which they stand 4. Report detailing the companys activities in the past financial year 5. Payment as an agreed percentage of price 6. Movement or development 7. Profits after transfers to reserves 8. Money overdrawn on a bank 9. Hiring something to a user, instead of selling it 10. The total obtained from adding up a column of figures 11. Something which you own, which you use to pay a debt 12. A method of financing international trade 13. Short-term documents normally sold by big US corporations 14. The buying of a majority of shares in a company 15. Money spent on running a company 16. Charge made for service 17. Money put aside in case anything unexpected happens 18. Document promising to pay a sum of money at a specified period 19. Differences between income and outgoings 20. A sum of money lent a) earnings b) overdraft c) footing d) asset e) subsidiary f) documentar y credit g) profit h) take over i) commission j) trend k) expenses l) leasing m) audit n) fee o) bond p) loan q) annual report r) commercial paper s) premises t) reserves

D6

Match the form of revenue (1-11) with the right recipient (a-k).

42

1 grant 2 salary 3 wage 4 commission 5 fees 6 dividend 7 royalty 8 stock option 9 pension 10 tax 11 redundancy pay

a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) j) k)

author senior manager laid off employee government blue-collar worker retired employee sales representative student consultant shareholder white-collar worker

43

Unit 3 Foreign Exchange

Vocabulary notes
1. dealing spot dealing , ; forward dealing , ; foreign exchange dealing , ; dealing for the account ; dealing within the account ; dealing slip ; authorized currency dealer ; 2. rate spot rate ; forward rate ; swap rate ; forced rate of exchange ; flexible rate of exchange ; fair rate of exchange ; rates for currency allocations ; current rate of exchange , ; equilibrium exchange rate ; floating rate ; 3. invoice to pass an invoice ; to issue an invoice ; past due invoice ; provisional invoice ; 4. discrepancy apparent discrepancy , ; considerable discrepancy ; to investigate discrepancies ; to resolve discrepancies ; 5. gain to make gains on buying and selling currencies ;

44

6.

7.

8.

9.

to show a gain ; paper gain ; marginal gain ; market share gains ; quotation currency quotation ; quotation of the day ; quotation for futures ; syn. quotation for forward delivery spot quotation ; to update a quotation ; asked quotation ; bid quotation ; closing quote ; syn. final (closing) quotation delivery for immediate delivery ; for delivery later ; contractual deliveries ; syn. deliveries under a contract delivery on call ; to sell for spot delivery ; to sell for future delivery ; to collect on delivery ; settlement currency settlements ; same day settlement ; settlement for transactions ; consent settlement , ; skip day settlement (.) ; to buy for the settlement ; spot value spot 2- ; over spot , ; under sport , ;

45

10. 11.

12.

13.

14.

spot transaction- , ; spot market ; on the spot , ; soft spot ; square to square the account ; square deal ; exposure cross currency exposure ; interest rate exposure ; to be exposed to currency risks ; adjust to adjust position in currency ; adjusted price ; adjustable currency ; exchange rate adjustment ; downward adjustment ; swap currency swap ; swap ; forward swap , ; long-dated currency swap ; reverse swap ; position trading position ; to unwind position ; to average position ; to open (close) longs (shorts) () () ; to cover longs on rallies .

46

Briefing
Foreign exchange dealing is, as its name implies, the exchange of the currency of one country for the currency of another. The rate of exchange is the value of one unit of the foreign currency expressed in the other currency concerned. With the growth of global trade, many companies need foreign currencies to pay producers in other countries. A British company with a supplier in the USA, for example, will probably use sterling to buy US dollars from its bank in order to pay an invoice from the US company. The bank buys the US dollars from another bank at a particular rate and provides them to its customer at a higher rate, thus making a profit. Similarly, a bank may make gains on buying and selling currencies on the inter-bank market. Making a profit on the transaction is the basic idea of foreign exchange dealing. Currencies can be bought or sold in the foreign exchange market either for immediate delivery, that is at the spot rate, or for delivery later (e.g. two weeks, three months, etc.) at a forward rate. The forward market is useful for companies, since if a company knows that it will need a particular foreign currency to pay a bill in four weeks' time, for example, a forward deal enables it to protect itself against future adverse movements in the exchange rate which would have otherwise had the effect of making the foreign goods more expensive. When dealing in foreign exchange, normally by telephone, the bank quotes both the selling and buying rate of a currency at which it is prepared to transact business. Settlement for a spot transaction is two working days later. Thus if a contract is made on Monday, the seller delivers the amount sold and receives payment on Wednesday. Similarly if the contract is made on Tuesday, value is Thursday. Currency traded in this way is delivered to the buyer's account with a bank in the main centre, or one of the main centers, for the currency in question. In the case of sterling, for example, this is London, for US dollars it is New York and for Yen it is Tokyo. The buyer decides the bank where his or her account is to be credited. The foreign exchange dealer fills in a dealing slip containing basic information such as the date and time of the deal, the contracting party, the amount and rate agreed on, the date of settlement, and the

47

place of delivery, of the currency dealt in. As soon as a foreign exchange transaction has been carried out, both banks send a written confirmation containing the basic information mentioned above. Any discrepancies may thus be detected quickly. A bank holding debts or claims in a foreign currency is itself exposed to an exchange risk, unless the debts and claims neutralize each other by being of equal size and by having roughly the same maturity dates. Dealers therefore aim for a balanced total position. If the amount of a bank's claims in dollars, for example, is larger than the total debts in dollars, then the bank has a long position, but if the debts are larger than the claims, the bank is short in dollars. As long as the total position balances, there is no risk for the bank. Read the briefing Check your comprehension and answer the following questions: 1. What does foreign exchange imply? 2. What is the basic idea of foreign exchange dealing? 3. In what way are currencies bought and sold in the foreign exchange market? 4. What is the procedure of settlement for a spot transaction? 5. What paper work accompanies the currency transaction? 6. Why is it necessary for dealers to maintain a balanced total position? Say if the statements are true or false. 1. Forward contract is an agreement to deliver a specified amount of currency at a set price within two working days. 2. Currency risk exposure means that a currency dealer may suffer losses due to adverse changes in exchange rates. 3. The objective of the forward market is to reduce the risk associated with the future currency transaction by setting prices in advance. 4. The major dealers in the foreign exchange market are issuing banks. 5. If payment is to be made in future there is uncertainty as to what spot rate will be on a given future date.

48

6. If the amount of claims in specified currency is larger than the debts the bank has a short position. 7. A forward contract is useful to hedge against currency risk. 8. The objective of foreign exchange dealing is to forecast possible changes in exchange rates. 9. Exchange dealers are directly involved with day-to-day dealing in foreign exchange. 10. To conduct international payments banks should maintain long position in dollars. Arrange the following words and word combinations into: a) pairs of synonyms value, spread, to fluctuate, forecast, deficit, to issue, differential, to devalue, cost, dealing, gap, proceeds, to make out, to float, to submit, to make gains, yield, currency, transaction, to yield a profit, to depreciate, foreign exchange, prediction, to present. b) pairs of antonyms adverse, forward, loss, exposure, revenue, payable, cutting, favourable, bankrupt, adjusted, spot, solvent, security, profit, expense, unbalanced, increase, receivable.

Section
Listen to the tape, practice the pronunciation of the following words and word combinations and quote the sentences in which they are used in the unit.

to be accounted in sterling dollar Deutschmark market to firm up (about the rate) to widen the interest differential to lend out\to borrow dollars to square the account to deal forward

49

a tom\next dollar mark value date to adjust the price outright the tom\next swap to cover the foreign exchange exposure A1 Listen to the conversation and answer the questions. 1. What are the basic principles of foreign exchange dealing as explained by Alan King? 2. Is there anything that is really moving the market? 3. Did Alan King dwell upon the basic idea of spot dealing? 4. The spot market is dealing two working days forward, isn't it? Give an example of it. 5. What definitions are given by Alan King to the main forms in forward dealing such as a tom\next, a spot\next and spot dollar mark outright tomorrow? 6. What is the difference between swap and outright? A2 Look through the following list of currency codes. Then write the appropriate currency code next to the country to which it relates. CYP CNY USD SEK NOK ARP CHF DKK AUD GBP INR BRC CAD JPY RUR

50

Currency Country code Argentina Brazil Great Britain Australia China

United States of America

Currency Country code Norway Sweden India Switzerland Canada Cyprus Russia

Japan A3

Listen to Alan King explain some of the basic principles of foreign exchange dealing and tick () those items which he talks about

Currency codes. Some terms used in foreign exchange dealing. Some basic principles of foreign exchange dealing. A big deal he did last week. FOREX market transactions. A4 Listen to the conversation again. As you do so, note down whether the following statements are true or false. 1. Most of Alan's dealings are based on sterling. 2. The previous day, dollar rates had risen by between /-th to /- th of a per cent. 3. A tom/next means from tomorrow to next week. 4. When someone asks What is your spot dollar mark outright tomorrow? Alan quotes them a spot rate. 5. A swap involves borrowing one currency and lending

51

another. 6. An outright is connected to a corresponding spot transaction. 7. This conversation took place in the month of October. A5 Listen to Alan again and write down the words that he actually uses in place of the words printed in italics.
1. 2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7. 8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

Were accounted in British pounds ... So, for instance, your prices for funds which will be exchanged two working days later are dollar Deutschmark ... I mean, for instance, yesterday the dollar rates increased slightly. So people buy dollars because the difference in interest rates between dollars and Deutschmarks is increasing. You're short of Deutschmarks that day and you have to buy, borrow those for one day ... That is the basis of making a result where the income is higher than the costs. Well, to make totals equal, to balance the account for that day. ... and find that on the 17th that I am in a position where I have sold more Deutschmarks than I have bought, and bought more dollars than I have sold. Then you have spot a week, a period of two weeks beginning two working days from now. We also have deals where someone buys one currency and sells another on any particular day. It's just that you're stating the price that you will charge for a spot rate ... depending what the price is for the torn/next exchange of one currency for another, for a certain period of time. ... so that the relationship between the two currencies fixes, decides the forward pricing. ... so they cover their foreign exchange risk or possibility of loss by buying Deutschmarks ...

52

A6 It is sometimes difficult to hear words which are unstressed in spoken English. Look through the text below, which is taken from the first part of the conversation, and say what you think the missing unstressed words are. Then listen again to this part of the conversation. As you do so, write in the missing words. We accounted . sterling, but generally all dealings . based the dollar. So, . instance, .. spot prices dollar Deutschmark, OK? ............... the big market really, dollar Deutschmark. And .. the movement in . dollar which is really moving market. I mean, . instance, yesterday, the dollar rates firmed up . little. They went up about . sixteenth to .. eighth of per cent. So people buy dollars .. the interest differential between dollars . Deutschmarks is widening. So. mean, if you buy dollars, OK, you, you . lend them out..next day say eleven and half percent . short Deutschmarks that day, and you have . purchase, borrow those one day, and that's about five . half per cent. So . talking about six per cent difference. The basic idea . spot dealing is to buy dollars low . sell high. That's the basis .. making profit. A7 Act as an interpreter : - ? ,

53

Alan: Well to square the account for that day. We're dealing ahead all the time. The spot market is dealing two working days forward. So, for instance, if I bought dollars against Deutschmarks, I would come in tomorrow and find that on the seventeenth Im short in Deutschmarks and long in dollars. So then I would go into the market and say 'What's your torn/next dollar mark?' : ? Alan: Tom/next dollar mark. They're dealing terms, OK? : , . Alan: We have spot which is normal buying and selling of currencies. Then we have a tom/next. Now a tom/next simply means tomorrow to the next day. Then we have spot/next which is your two days' forward dealing value date to the next day. : Alan: We also have outright. So someone can ask 'What is your spot dollar mark outright tomorrow?' It's just that you're quoting a spot rate but its from tomorrow, and you adjust the price, depending what the price is for the torn/next swap. It's always relative to the two day

Section

Listen to the tape, practice the pronunciation of the following words and word combinations and quote the sentences in which they are used in the unit.

to quote smth. for smb. the spot inter-bank price to calculate with a dollar/mark rate of 2.3665 to need to add some tips to credit one's DM account with a bank to cover the account

54

to provide a foreign exchange service for smb regular corporate clients 1

Look at the expressions and put a tick () by the ones you might expect to hear in a telephone conversation concerning a foreign exchange deal and a cross ( by those that you would not expect ) to hear. In order to confirm the arrangements we made by telephone today, here are the terms and dates on which we agreed. 2. I'm fine thanks. How are you? 3. OK. Just let me get the two week price for you. 4. Hold on for a moment. 5. I can give you two dollars outright. 6. Please advise if 11.00 a.m. on the above date is convenient. 7. Why the dollar will rise again. 8. Nice to hear from you. 9. Just a second. 10. I sold you two million dollars against D marks. 11. Further to our recent telephone conversation, I am enclosing a copy of our tariffs, as requested. 12. Thanks a lot for the deal.
1.

B2 Alan King is calling Tove Strutz, the Cash Manager of a large Scandinavian insurance company. Listen to their conversation and answer these questions. 1. What time of the year does the conversation take place? 2. In this deal does Alan buy Deutschmarks from Tove or sell them to her? 3. What's the reason for Tove Strutzs telephone call to Alan King? 4. What price did Tove S. agree to buy Deutschmarks at?

55

5. Did Alan King add ten tips to the price for two million Deutschmarks? 6. What bank did Tove S. ask to credit his DM account with? B3 Listen to the telephone conversation again. As you do so, fill in the form below to show Tove's records of the transaction.

CURRENCY PURCHASE/SALE Bank and dealer Currency & amount Rate of exchange Value date SEK amount Date Notes

4 Look at the following expressions. Then listen to the telephone conversation again and write down the words or expressions that are used to mean the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Actually. Meet each other. Telephone me. State our prices. The price for a currency two working days from now. The price for a currency two working days from now which one bank charges another bank. 7. An exchange rate of Swedish kronor against dollars.

56

8. The front surface of a computer or terminal on which information is shown. 9. Thousandths of a percentage point. 10. Wait a moment. 11. Available in your account on (date). 12. I agree that we have made a deal. 13. Pay the funds into. 14. Pay the corresponding funds into. B5 You are going to hear eight sentences which you might hear in a telephone conversation. Respond to them with one of the sentences shown below. A. OK. Thanks for calling. Bye now. . Yes, that would be nice. . Fine thanks. And you? D. Yes, OK. In a couple of weeks, then. E. Let me think. As a matter of fact there is, yes. F. Very well, thanks. G. Yes, that's fine. H. For how much? Note that not all of these responses actually occur in the section. Some are alternatives which could have been used instead of what was said. B6 The speakers in this unit all use numbers fluently in their everyday work. But it can sometimes be difficult to know how to say things which we often see written. How would you say the following? 1. 18 + 3 32 2. 31 6% 3. 5 3 4 %

57

4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

600, 541 2,000,000 dollars 7.3980 2.6028 0.0037=2.5991 500,000 10.64=5,320,000 2402 1 2 =96

10. 12 1 4 + 212 3 = 331112

Section C
Dealers Lingo Look through some terms used when dealing foreign exchange. Yard Yours Mine Given Taken Choice one billion ( used for yen ). to sell may be expressed in this way, qualified by the amount. to buy may be expressed in this way, qualified by the amount. mainly heard through a brokers box when the latters bid has been hit. ()

mainly heard through a brokers box when the latters offer has been lifted. indicating a choice price, where the dealer quotes one price for both bid and ask, i. e. quoting with zero spread. to verbally confirm the deal. the price quoted has changed.

Done Off

58

Your Risk 1

the quoted price is subject to change.

What, in your opinion, are the essentials for a successful telephone call? What sometimes goes wrong in telephone calls? C2

Now listen to Alan King receiving a call from Jan Ackerman, a dealer in the Foreign Exchange department of a Dutch bank, and answer these questions. 1. Does it stand to reason that Alan and Jan know each other very well? Why do you think so? 2. What currency does Jan want to deal in? 3. Is it a big deal or a small deal? 4. Is it going to be a spot or a swap rate? 5. What's the swap for a small amount, and whats the actual spot? 6. What was the amount of dollars sold against D marks?

C3 In quoting rates, note that Alan often specifies only the pips, that is the third and fourth decimal places of the exchange rate. Also, because he does not know whether Jan wants to buy or to sell dollars, he quotes a spread of rates, that is both the rates at which his bank will buy and sell dollars. Now listen carefully to the telephone conversation again and write in below each of the four rates which are quoted. Spot rate: Buy $ DEM Sell $ ..DEM

59

Two weeks swap rate: C4

Bid rate (the banks lending rate) DEM

Offer rate (the banks borrowing rate) ..DEM

Listen to the telephone conversation again. As you do so, fill in Jan's settlement form. VAN ZEAHALM BANK 1007 AK Amsterdam DATE: November 21

TO:

Key Commercial

FOR PAYMENT TO OUR RECEIVING AGENTS:

FOR PAYMENT TO YOUR RECEIVING AGENTS: EXCHANGE RATE: VALUE DATE:

C5 Look at the following extracts. Listen to the telephone conversation again and write down in the spaces provided the words that Alan and Jan actually use, instead of the words in italics.

1.

2.

Good, what's.. , please? (the exchange rate for dollars against Deutschmarks) I have probably a small interest in two weeks,

60

3.

4.

(lending one currency and borrowing another for a fixed period of time) OK, . (wait a moment). For two weeks .. ? (beginning two working days from now) Less than a.. ? (million dollars) Can you give me? (the exchange rate that will actually he used for funds exchanged two working days from now) OK, I can.. (sell you half a million dollars in exchange for Deutschmarks) So two fifty-nine ninety-one is the outright. .. will be the ... (the date on which our money is available in your account and yur money is available in our account) Just a second, I've lost my (chart or table showing days, months and dates) . Thank you very much, Jan. (We have agreed on the sale and purchase of half a million dollars.)

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

C6

A dealer at Bank telephones the Cash Manager at Company to check on the company's currency needs. Work in pairs, one person being the dealer and the other the Cash Manager. See if you can reach a deal.

Section D D1 Read the following report about currency rates and then look at the graphs below which show the movement of the four currencies during the week in question. Which graph shows which currency?

61

In a quiet week, the US dollar continued its upward course, again trading at nearly three Deutschmarks. The dollar was supported by commercial demand, as normal inter-bank trading declined and the market's major operators began squaring their positions for the yearend. The forecast of lower US interest rates and of a cut in the Federal Reserve discount rate did not lead to any downturn in the US currency and the dollar closed at DM 2.9925. The Deutschmark was hardly changed, moving in a narrow range in lack-lustre trading in Frankfurt. There was no central bank intervention to weaken the dollar against the mark. Trading volumes were low as the markets decline towards the end of the year. Sterling has been volatile lately, due to its status as a petrocurrency, and at the beginning of the week it fell against the dollar and other major currencies, as North Sea oil prices eased on the European spot market. Friday saw a slight recovery, however, due to the covering of short positions, and at close of trading the pound stood at USD 1.3016. Falls in oil prices have opposite effects on the pound and the yen, as Japan needs to import nearly all its considerable energy requirements. This has meant that the yen has continued its steady climb, levelling slightly towards the end of the week. Against the dollar it has remained little changed since mid-January, but the yen has outperformed European currencies for most of the year. Sterling started the year at around JPY 325, touching a peak of JPY 344 on May 14. It closed on Friday at JPY 337. D2

62

Now read the report again and then complete the information below to show the latest currency rates mentioned.

USD 1=. GBP 1=. GBP 1=.

On this basis, work out the following cross rates: USD 1= JPY ..................... GBP 1= DM.. D3 On the basis of the information in the report above, say whether the following statements are true or false. 1. The report was written in mid-January. 2. The dollar firmed up against the Deutschmark during the week. 3. Big banks were more interested in balancing their currency positions than in normal trading. 4. Possible changes in the US interest rates and the discount rate did not affect the dollar rates. 5. The Deutschmark was traded in large amounts in Frankfurt. 6. The exchange rates of the British pound have changed quickly recently. 7. Banks were dealing in sterling on Friday in order to square their currency positions. 8. Falls in oil prices mean that the yen rates go up. 9. The yen rate against the dollar has been roughly the same for eleven months. 10. It is possible to buy more yen with Swiss francs now than it was earlier in the year. D4

63

Look at the figures which show the US dollar currency position of bank at the close of business on April 14th. On the basis of this information, say whether the bank's total position in US dollars is long or short and if so by how much, or whether the bank has squared its total position.

64

Accounts in US dollars
A: Position at close of business, April 14th. Nostro accounts (money placed with foreign banks) USD 50 million Loans to customers USD 5 million USD 55 million B: Forward position in USD. Forward purchases Value 21st April USD 30 million Value 29th April USD 35 million USD 65 million C: Total position. Forward sales Value 21st April USD 40 million Value 29th April USD 35 million USD 75 million Vostro accounts (deposits received from foreign banks) USD 40 million Deposits from customers USD 10 million USD 50 million

65

D5 Read the text about foreign exchange rates and forex forecasting Foreign exchange rates are never stable. They move, and sometimes with dramatic rapidity. A nominal exchange rate move is the total observed movement in the exchange rates. A real exchange rate move is the nominal rate movement adjusted for the differential in inflation. To conduct international payments banks maintain sufficient working balances in all major currencies. Dealers are the people who are directly involved with day-to-day dealing in foreign exchange, the buying and selling of one currency for another at in agreed rate for delivery on specific dates into specific accounts in specified centers. They close out short and long positions through purchases and sales and deal with profits and risks of foreign currency trading. Forecasting of foreign exchange rates movements is not a science but an art. But there are some approaches that yield good results. The dealer must always be in the picture of bond, commodity and equity market developments. Changes in interest rates and pending deals bring about forex movements. Market sentiment may change the situation very quickly. Economic and financial indicators must be constantly watched to take timely decisions. In the former days domestic considerations were of paramount importance now markets are driven by both domestic and international events. Market rumours usually precede upcoming political and economic events. If a rumour is credible the market acts accordingly and the event itself may not produce any changes in the market situation. This process is reflected in the saying Buy the rumour, sell the fact. Economic growth is facilitated by stable prices. The latter is the concern of central banks, which posses considerable financial resources and can reduce volatility if markets get carried away. Limited central bank intervention at the right time may turn the market.

66

The customer takes up positions in foreign exchange by his expectations as to future rate trends. These expectations are influenced by the extremely large number of factors. The latter can be divided up systematically into fundamental and technical factors. Consider the following points. Be prepared to share your ideas with a partner. Look at the dialogue (given as an example) and be ready to act out your own dialogues. Dialogue Client: What is the meaning of real exchange rate? Broker: Inflation changes nominal exchange rate. If British inflation has been 10 percent over the past year, while American inflation has been 0 percent, the pound sterling devalues against the dollar by 10 percent. Client: But the nominal rate does not reflect this change. Does it? Broker: No it doesnt. We do not sell it. But it takes 10 percent more pounds to by a dollar, 10 percent more pounds to by a car in England because of 10 percent inflation there. Points for discussion. a. The difference between a nominal and real exchange rate. b. The forecasting of forex rates moves is not a science but an art. c. What approaches in forex forecasting yield good results? d. What events drive financial markets nowadays? e. How can central banks influence financial markets? f. What is the customer guided by in taking forex decisions?

67

Unit 4 A Presentation
Vocabulary notes
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8. 9.

leverage(n) (Am.) ; syn. gearing (Br.) swing (n) , ; lead to swings between profit and loss ; seasoned (adj.) , ; syn. experienced option (n) , ; call option syn. , ; syn. buyers option put call , ; syn. sellers option exotic option () (, ) ; currency options market ; exercise the option ; adverse (adj.) ; an adverse movement in exchange rates ; gamble (n) , , ( ); a calculated gamble on exchange rate () ; familiarize (v) (oneself) with smth. , (); contemplate (v) , ; endeavor , , ; syn. undertaking

68
10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16. 17.

18. 19. 20.

be in the forefront of smth. , ; build up a leadership position in smth. -.; overhaul (v) , ; syn. overtake striking price , , ; syn. exercise price insurance-like product , () ; downside (upside) () ; cover downside; keep upside () ; , () ; known worst case ; contingent (adj.) , ; cover contingent cash flows () ; profit lock ; customize (v) () ; payout (n) , ; payout amounts ;

Briefing
The forex market is one of the most popular markets for speculation due to its enormous size, liquidity and tendency for currencies to move in strong trends.An enticing aspect of trading currencies is the high degree of leverage available. FX allows positions to be leveragred up to 100:1. Without proper risk management this high degree of leverage can lead to enormous swings between profit and loss. Knowing that even seasoned traders suffer losses, speculation in the forex market should only be conducted with risk capital funds that

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if lost will not significantly affect one's personal financial well being. Companies trading internationally are exposed considerable foreign exchange risk. If, for example, a French company knows that it will need $2 million in three months' time to pay for imports from the USA, it can buy the dollars forward, i.e. at a rate specified now, thus eliminating the risk of an adverse movement in the exchange rate between the EUR and the US dollar. Unfortunately, buying dollars forward also eliminates the possibility of a favorable movement in exchange rates. Alternatively, the company could wait three months and then buy the dollars at the spot rate, i.e. the rate charged then for funds to be delivered two working days after the transaction. This way the company may get a better exchange rate but it also runs a risk, since the rate could be worse. Essentially, either course of action involves a calculated gamble on exchange rates. To meet this situation, some banks developed and began to offer currency options in the early 1980s. Transactions in options carry a high degree of risk. Purchasers and sellers of options should familiarize themselves with the type of option (i.e. put or call) which they contemplate trading and the associated risk. Under the currency option, the customer pays a premium which gives them the right to demand purchase or sale of a specified currency at an agreed exchange rate up to an agreed date, but no obligation to do so. After the customer pays the premium, the bank sends out confirmation of the deal. If the exchange rate in three months' time, or whenever the expiration date is, is better than the one the customer has agreed on, they do not use the option, and instead deal at the market rate when they need to. Their cost has only been the premium for the option. Alternatively, if the rate is worse than the one they have agreed upon, they exercise the option, and thus suffer no loss due to the fall in exchange rates. The customer may exercise the option at any time up to and including the expiration date, for value spot. This, then, is the basic idea of the currency option. Options on currencies can offer a wide and diverse range of potentially attractive trading opportunities. However, option trading is a speculative endeavor and should be treated as such. Even though the purchase of options on currencies involves a limited risk (losses are limited to the costs of purchasing the option), it is possible to lose your entire investment in a short period of time. And for traders who

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sell rather than buy options, there is no limit at all to the size of potential losses. Read the briefing Check your comprehension and answer the following guestions: Why is the aspect of trading currencies through the operations of foreign exchange market so enticing? 2. Why does foreign exchange risk management play an enormous role in forex market operations? 3. What are certain disadvantages of forward transactions in the Interbank market? 4. What should option holders bear in mind dealing with currency options trading? 5. What dangers do foreign currency options operations entail being actually a speculative business?
1.

Say if the statements are true or false. 1. The forex market hardly provides foreign exchange for the purpose of speculation. 2. This market of exchange has had more daily volume than any other in the world and carries no risk. 3. Actually purchasing dollars forward expels the possibility of a favourable movement in exchange rates. 4. Only experienced forex traders are sure to avoid losses involved in the foreign exchange operations. 5. Buying dollars at the spot rate in three months' time may let the company get a better exchange rate since the rate can not be worse. 6. Currency options business has been developed to offer a wider range of currency trading opportunities. 7. An option gives the buyer the right to buy or sell a particular currency at a stated price at any time prior a specified date and certain commitments to do so. 8. The option is not exercised by the option holder at any time up to and including the expiration date, for value spot.

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9. Options trading losses are limited to the costs of buying the option. 10. Both option buyers and option sellers are not secure from potential financial losses.

Section A

In this unit we will hear three parts of a presentation about currency options by John Morley. He is Executive Director of the foreign exchange division of a London merchant bank and is making his presentation to a group of cash managers and treasurers from different corporate clients.

A1

Here are the steps which John uses in planning his presentation strategy. Choose the five steps which you think are the most important for the making of a successful presentation in their order of importance and then discuss your choices with a partner.

1. Set the objective of the presentation. 2. Research the topic. 3. Analyze the needs of the audience. 4. Formulate a clear introduction. 5. Select information which the audience needs on the topic and which makes the advantages clear. 6. Review the advantages and finish with a clear closing statement. 7. Provide time for audience questions. 8. Include language techniques to help direct the attention of the audience. 9. Prepare visual aids. 10.Practise the entire presentation.

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A2 Listen to the beginning of John Morleys presentation. As you do so, make brief notes on what John says. Some headings are given here to help you. Currency options market: Forward contracts: Treasury services: Leadership position: Medium-size to large companies: 3 Listen to this part of the presentation again and write down in the spaces provided the words that John Morley says. We have therefore built up quite a .....(1)..... leadership position in ..... (2)...... options, and we believe that we ......(3)...... the bank in the world that .....(4)...... the most currency option business. We may ......(5)..... find that as time goes by perhaps .....(6)...... banks, with a larger customer base than .....(7)......., the retail banks for instance, start ...... (8)..... these products and get them .....(9)......, that they may eventually ......(10)..... us in volume. But for the .....(11)...... to large company we believe that we will have a ....(12)...... element, a special ......(13)..... element, which will be important, and which we ..... (14)...... to be able to keep in the .....(15)...... position in this and one or two other new markets. 4 Listen to this part of the presentation again and say if these statements are true or false.
1.

John begins by introducing himself and by thanking his listeners for coming.

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A number of services in the currency field and in cash management field can be used singly only and no combination is possible. 3. John says that currency options are quite complicated. 4. The currency options market has been developed for many years and is considered a traditional one. 5. There will be opportunities later for discussion with subject experts. 6. John expects currency options to become as important as forward contracts. 7. John's bank was one of the first to introduce all kinds of new services in the currency option field. 8. John believes that his bank does as much currency options business as any other bank in the world. 9. John expects the retail banks eventually to do larger volumes in currency options business than his own bank. 10. John does not expect larger banks to have the same tailormade element in currency options services as his own bank will have.
2.

A5 Arrange to following words into: a) pairs of synonyms: remove, deal, gearing, overhaul, bonus, exercise, commitment, effect, endeavor, leverage, acknowledgment, eliminate, overtake, contemplate, undertaking, premium, transaction, obligation, consider, confirmation; b) pairs of antonyms: adverse, downside, include, complicated, distract, advantage, contingent, profit, eliminate, unskilled, behind, favourable, upside, straightforward, attract, foreseen, loss, seasoned, forefront, disadvantage.

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Section B
B1

John Morley continues his presentation. Which of these items does he talk about? The history of currency options. What a currency option is. Currencies available. Advantages of currency options. Options and treasury services.

B2

Here are the incomplete notes John used in this part of the presentation. Listen again and then complete the notes so that they are similar to the slide he used. Option buyer has the right to But no obligation to do so. Option writer has the right to price demanded. at the

Complete the currency flow diagrams below by writing the events in the appropriate boxes. Listen again to this part of the presentation if necessary.

1. Foreign Currency Call Option

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Events Receives base currency. Delivers specified currency. Receives specified currency. Delivers base currency. Option buyer Option writer

2. Foreign Currency Put Option Events Receives specified currency. Receives base currency. Delivers base currency. Delivers specified currency. Option buyer Option writer

B4

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Below is a slide which John uses to describe the advantages that are offered by currency options. The list here, however, is out of order. Specify the two advantages to which John refers in this section in order. Listen again to this part of the presentation if necessary.

Advantages Known worst case Range of strike prices Cover downside; keep upside Profit lock Contingent cash flows

B5

Choose the best answer.

1.

If you purchase something: a) you hire it; b) you deliver it; c) you buy it; d) you state how much it costs.

2.

An obligation is: a) something you must do because there is a legal or moral requirement to do it; b) a particular thing that you want to do; c) a document promising to pay a sum of money; d) a sum of money owed by one person to another.

3.

Value spot is: a) a period of two weeks beginning two working days from now; b) the price for funds which will be exchanged two working days from now; c) the price for a currency in terms of the currency of another country; d) the date two days ahead on which funds are available in the bank.

4.

Something that is straightforward:

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a) happens immediately without delay; b) happens too quickly; c) is simple and uncomplicated; d) is very serious and important.
5.

Anything that is unique about the option is: a) to be found only in the option; b) to be found mainly in the option; c) difficult to understand; d) new and not very well known.

6.

A deal is: a) a business agreement; b) a business relationship; c) a way of saving money; d) a person who buys and sells things.

7.

A principal advantage is: a) an advantage that you believe in; b) a general advantage; c) an advantage in theory but not in practice; d) a main advantage.

8.

Downside risk is; a) the possibility of a fall in value; b) the possibility of a rise in value; c) the possibility of a fall in quality; d) the possibility of fewer advantages.

9.

If something happens simultaneously, it: a) happens without being planned; b) happens before something else; c) happens after something else; d) happens at the same time as something else.

10.

A premium (here) is: ) a large sum of money; b) a sum of money set aside for a particular purpose; c) a charge for the use of an option; d) a demand for payment.

B6

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Each of these phrases from the presentation fulfils a particular purpose. Match the items with the definitions. First of all, what is a currency option anyway? What are we talking about? 2. Can everyone see that?
1. A.

Stating a feature of something which makes it better than anything else.

Like an ordinary foreign exchange deal. 4. So that's the essence of it.

3. 5.

6.

It's a perfectly straightforward initial idea. We now have to look at why the option has ...

Saying that you are going to talk about something later. C. Saying that something is simple. D. Moving on to the next point. E. Making a comparison.
B.

F.

What is it that's unique about the option that gives it certain advantages that make it the best deal? 8. ... and we'll come and discuss some of them in more detail.
7.

G.

Emphasizing that an option fulfils a function already referred to. Introducing a definition or explanation.

H.

A principal advantage is that ... 10. An option does that.

9.

I.

J.

Introducing the main feature of something which makes it better than anything else. Checking that everyone can see an illustration. Saying that you have spoken about the main features of something.

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Section C
C1 Look again at the slide shown in B4.

Listen to the third part of John Morley's presentation Number the remaining advantages to show the order in which he mentions them in his presentation.

C2 Listen to this part of the presentation again. Make brief notes. The headings you have numbered 3, 4 and 5 on the slide will help you. Compare your notes with those of a partner and discuss any differences. C3 Listen to this part of the presentation again

Write down in the spaces provided the words that John actually uses instead of the words in italics.
1.

An option is .................. useful for covering contingent cash flows ...... (especially) ...... , for instance, where you might get the order ... (written offers to supply goods or carry out work at a stated price) Range of....... (exchange rates agreed for a currency option) You can't ..... to deal at some other rate. (choose)

2.

3. 4.

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5.

Most companies reckon they can live with a few cents ....... of an exchange rate. (movement) So you can ...... , depending on ... (change the charges that you pay for the use of an option) ... by which I mean that if you are ...... , for instance, and the dollar has been going up and up ...... (in a position where you have bought more dollars than you have sold) You can take out an option to sell the dollars at......... . (today's price)

6.

7.

8.

9.

... if it goes up, effectively you have locked in that amount And ............. might find this profit lock effect a useful one. (people responsible for a companys money)
11.

of ........ . (financial gain or advantage)

10.

... an option and obtain ......... which you cannot get any other way. (an advantage)

C4 Match the following options trading terms with their definitions. 1. Call 2. Put 3. Strike price A. is the party that conveys the option rights to the option buyer. B. the last day on which an option can be either exercised or offset. C. an option that conveys to the option buyer the right to purchase a particular currency at a stated price at any time during the life of the option. D. most currencies are reported daily in the business pages of most major newspapers, as well as by a number of

4. Option buyer

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5. Option seller

6. Premium

7. Expiration

8. Quotations

9. Exercise 10. Offset

Internet. E. this is the stated price at which the buyer of a call has the right to purchase a specific currency or at which the buyer of a put has the right to sell a specific currency. F. an option that conveys to the option buyer the right to sell a particular currency at a stated price at any time during the life of the option. G. an option that has been previously purchased or previously written can generally be liquidated at any time prior to expiration by making an offsetting sale or purchase. H. a person who acquires the rights conveyed by the option: the right to purchase the underlying currency if the option is a call or the right to sell it if the option is a put. I. I the price an option buyer pays and an option writer receives. J. an option can be exercised only by the buyer of the option at any time up to the expiration date.

C5

Choose those statements whose information deals with market of currency options and proves that options are a great tool for traders.
1.

2.

3.

There are currently various facilities available for engaging in foreign exchange transactions. These financial tools offer a low cost method for speculation or hedging with minimal risk and high returns. The Interbank market involves the buying and selling of foreign currencies amongst commercial banks.

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4. Spot transactions account for more than 50% of all trades in the Interbank market. 5. Your full downside risk is always known in advance. 6. You can also fully customize your options including payout amounts, barrier prices and expiration dates. These customizable features put you in full control of your risk. 7. Once a party agrees to buy or sell a particular currency at a fixed rate of exchange, that party is obligated to do so. 8. They allow you to profit from a larger range of speculative movements than spot transactions. Depending on the option that you select, as long as the criteria behind your barrier prices are met, you will receive your payoff amount. If not, all that you can lose is your predetermined low option premium.

Section D
D1 Read the letter from John Morley to one of the guests who was at his presentation. The letter contains nine paragraphs. 1. Read it quickly and match the ideas below with the appropriate paragraph number. A Stating the price of a service. B Specifying terms and conditions. C Offering a facility. D Offering to state the price of a specific service. E Generally inviting business and offering service. F Saying who should use a service and when. G General introduction of a service. H Explaining how a service works. I Stating the purpose of writing.

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Wallers Bank plc

14 Churchgate, London ECZA ZYU Telephone: 071 586 2314 Facsimile 071 586 2333 Telex: 338539

Wilhelm Haussmann Corporate Finance Director GVZ AG Quai de Vendome 8007 Zurich Switzerland para. Dear Wilhelm, 1 It was a pleasure to see you at the bank on March 7 and 8. During our Thursday afternoon meeting, we briefly discussed several points and, as promised, we are now writing to you concerning the three major issues raised. Firstly, we noted your interest in learning more about our interest arbitrage operation, a service by means of which we are able to provide very attractive interest rates in all major currencies. The way in which these loans are arranged is by the use of sterling bills of exchange, socalled eligible bills, which can be discounted in the London discount market. This market reflects the shortterm (one to six months) domestic interest rate level in the United Kingdom and often provides cheaper funding than LIBOR-related instruments. Companies to whom this form of lending will appeal are, in particular, those that have a borrowing requirement in a currency in which they have receivables available for repayment at the end of the loan period. According to the regulations of the Bank of England, the bills must support a commercial transaction such as export, import or 18 March 2005

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domestic trade. 4 We arrive at our interest rate through discounting sterling bills on behalf of our customer and converting the ned proceeds into the required currency at the spot rate. Wallers then enters into a forward contract with the customer for the purchase of the currency to be repaid at maturity of the loan and all the rates used for these transactions combine to produce the interest rate quoted to the customer. Secondly, you expressed interest in opening a Sterling Current Account and I am now pleased to be able to offer you this facility on the following terms and conditions. For your requirements in Sterling we would operate a current account in your name, transacting all standard banking items and paying interest on any cleared credit balances as follows:

Up to 25,000 25,000 to 100,000 Over 100,000

Nil Wallers Call Rate less 1% p.a. Wallers Call Rate (currently 9% p.a.)

I enclose a copy of our standard charges for standard items, but would operate the account free of charge for say six months, except for: - Clearing bank telex charge for same day value payment to one of their branches - Special learance costs

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- Daily telex statement charge After six months, we would review the arrangement in the light of account activity, balances held and prevailing interest rates. We can provide a daily Telex Statement of Account which would be available to you each morning, itemizing all the transactions of the previous day and including the opening and closing balances. Our fee for this service is 600.00 for each account. Finally, you mentioned your forthcoming negotiations for the takeover of a United States company. The exchange risk that arises for you as a contingent liability during the negotiations is clearly a considerable one and one that is best covered, for reasons already discussed, by the use of a currency option. We would be particularly pleased to take this matter further, by advising you as to an appropriate strike price and by quoting a very competitive premium. We thank you for giving us the opportunity to assist you with your banking requirements and look forward to setting up an active and growing relationship with your group of companies. Meanwhile, if you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me. With best wishes, Yours sincerely, John Morley Executive Director Foreign Exchange Division What are the three main topics of the letter?

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2. What are the three main topics of the letter? D2 Look at these steps describing the banks interest arbitrage system and number them in the order you think they happen. Bills are discounted in the London discount market. Bank enters in a forward exchange contract with the customer. Bank accepts sterling bills from customer. An overall interest rate is calculated on the basis of all the other rates. The loan matures and the customer repays the agreed currency amount. Net proceeds are exchanged for the currency required at the spot rate. Now compare your sequence with that in the letter. D3 Give the group some time to look through the information dealing with market of currency options. Render it in English and do the task after the text. (derivative securities). , (underlying securities) ( ) . , , . . , ,

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/ , . (buyer, holder) (seller, writer) (premium). . , . : . ( , ) ( ), . , ( ), . : . . , . , . , . , , (striking price, exercise price). , (stock index option), , , , (option on debt instrument), (option on currencies exchange rate), (jnterest rates option) . / (, ) . , .

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Check your comprehension and answer the following questions: 1. Has currency options business been popular among traders for many years? 2. What is option? 3. Comment on two major kinds of options. 4. Is there any difference in exercising European or American options? 5. Can option trading offer a wide and diverse range of potentially attractive opportunities? Prove your answer.

D4 I. Read the text. Contracts can be made on futures markets to buy and sell currencies, various financial assets, and commodities (raw materials or primary products such as metals, cereals, tea, rubber, etc.) at a future date, but with the price fixed at the time of the deal. Currencies and commodities are also traded for immediate delivery on spot markets. Making contracts to buy or sell a commodity or financial instrument at a pre-arranged price in the future as a protection against price changes is known as hedging. Of course, this is only possible if two parties, for example, a producer and a buyer, both want to hedge, or if there are speculators who believe that they know better than the market. Traders or speculators might wish to buy or sell a currency at a future price if it is expected to appreciate or depreciate, or if interest rates are expected to change. Prices of foodstuffs wheat, maize, coffee, tea, sugar, cocoa, orange juice, pork bellies, etc. - are frequently affected by droughts, floods and other extreme weather conditions, which is why both producers and buyers often prefer to hedge, so as to guarantee next season's prices. When commodity prices are expected to rise, future prices are obviously higher than, or at a premium on, spot prices; when they are expected to fall they are at a discount on spot prices; when they are expected to stay the same,

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future prices are also higher, as they include interest costs. As well as commodities and currencies, there is a growing futures market in stocks and shares. One can buy options giving the right to buy and sell securities at a fixed price in the future. A call option gives its holder the right but not the obligation to buy securities or a commodity or currency at a certain price during a certain period of time. A put option gives its holder the right to sell securities, currencies, commodities, etc. at a certain price during a certain period of time. The buyer of a share option pays a premium per share to the seller, and only risks this amount. The seller of an option (known as the writer) risks losing an unlimited amount of money, depending on the performance of the underlying share, especially if he or she does not actually possess it. If you expect the value of a share that you own to fall below its current price, you can buy a put option at this price (or higher): if the price falls, you can still sell your shares at this price. Alternatively, you could write a call option giving someone else the right to buy the share at the current price: if the market price remains below this price, no-one will take up the option, and you earn the premium. On the contrary, if you think a share will rise, you can buy a call option giving the right to buy at the current price, hoping to buy and resell the share at a profit, or to sell this option. Or you can write a put option giving someone else the right to sell the shares at the current price: if the market price remains above this, no-one will exercise the option, so you earn the premium. The price at which the holder of a call/put option may buy/sell the underlying security is known as its exercise or strike price. A call (put) option has intrinsic value if its exercise price is below (above) the current market price of the underlying share. Call options with an exercise price below the underlying share's current market price, and put options with an exercise price above the share's market price, are described as being "in-the-money". On the contrary, call options with an exercise price higher than a share's current market price, and put options with an exercise price lower than the share's market price, are

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"out-of-the-money". II. Decide whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE:

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1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

The price of a futures contract is determined at the moment the contract is made. Hedging is another name for speculating. Futures prices are always higher than spot prices, because they contain interest charges. In options, 'call' means 'buy' and 'put' means 'sell'.

TRUE/FALSE TRUE/FALSE TRUE/FALSE TRUE/FALSE

The amount of money one can make or lose on TRUE/FALSE an options contract is determined at the moment the contract is made. You can sell an option to sell an asset you do not actually possess. If you think a share will rise, you can profit by buying a call option or writing a put option giving someone else the right to sell the shares at the current price. If you think the value of a share you own will fall below its current price, you can profitably buy a call option at this price (or higher) or write a put option. A put option has intrinsic value if its exercise price is above the current market price of the underlying share. TRUE/FALSE TRUE/FALSE

6. 7.

8.

TRUE/FALSE

9.

TRUE/FALSE

10. A call option with an exercise price below the TRUE/FALSE underlying share's current market price is "outof-the-money".

III. Match up the following words (using them more than once if necessary) to make up at least ten two-word nouns:

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call instrument primary

contract market product

financial materials raw

forward option spot

future price strike

IV. Match up the following words or expressions to make eight pairs of opposites: call option flood market price put option discount futures market obligation right drought hedging out-of-the-money speculation exercise price in-the- money premium spot market

V. Match the responses on the right with the questions on the left:

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1.

So what exactly bonds?

a. Because of changes in interest rates. For example, no-one will pay the full price for a 6% bond if new bonds are paying 10%. b. Exactly. And the opposite, a bond whose market value is higher than its face value, is above par. c. I knew you'd finish by saying that! d. No, not at all. Bonds are very liquid. They can be sold on the secondary market until they mature. But of course, the price might have changed.

2.

And how do they work? So you have to keep them for a long time? Why should that happen?

3. 4.

5.

Oh, I see. Is that what they mean by below par? But the bond's interest rate doesnt change?

e. No, not unless its a floating rate bond. The upon) the amount of interest a bond pays, remains the same. But the yield will change. f. No, those are short, term (threemonth) instruments which the government sells to and buys from the commercial banks, to regulate the money supply. g. Thats the name they use in Britain for long, term government' bonds gilts or gilt-edged securities. In the States they call them Treasury Bonds. h. Theyre securities issued by companies, governments and financial institutions when they need to borrow money.

6.

7.

How's that?

8.

And people talk about AAA and AAB bonds, and things like that.

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9.

And what about gilts?

i. Well, a bonds yield is its coupon payment expressed as a percentage or its price on the secondary market, so the yield changes if you buy or sell above or below par. j. Well, they usually pay a fixed rate of interest and are repaid after a fixed period, known as their maturity, for example five, seven, or ten years. k. Yes. Bond-issuing companies are given an investment grade by private ratings companies such as Standard & Poors, according to their financial situation and performance.

10. Not Treasury Bills?

11. And James Bond?

VI. Complete the following: 1. Companies generally use investment banks to __________ their bonds. 2. Thereafter, they can be traded on the ______________market. 3. The amount of interest a bond pays is often called its _____________ . 4. The majority of bonds have a ______________ rate of interest. 5. A bond's ________________ depends on the price it was bought at. 6. A bond priced at 104% is described as being ______________ . 7. Bonds are repaid at 100% at ___________________ . 8. AAA is the highest _________________ .

VII. Complete the following using the phrases in the box:

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barometer stocks blue chips deferred shares equities mutual fund ordinary shares preference shares or preferred stock

defensive stock growth stock participation certificates

1. Another name for stocks and shares is _____, because all the stocks or shares of a company or all those of a particular category have an equal nominal value. 2. _____ (US: common stock) are often the only kind of shares with voting rights. 3. Some companies issue _____ which, like shares, grant their holders part of the ownership of a company, but usually without voting rights. 4. _____, as their name suggests, usually receive a fixed dividend, which must be paid in full before any dividend is paid on other shares. But because interest payments are tax deductible, and dividends are not, many companies now issue bonds instead. 5. _____ (or stock), again as the name suggests, do not receive a dividend until other categories of shares have had a dividend paid on them, but might earn a higher dividend if the company does well. 6. Securities in companies that are considered to be without risk are known as _____. 7. Widely-held stocks (e.g. blue chips or 20-year Treasury Bonds) that can be considered as indicators of present and future market performance, are known as _____ (GB) or bellwether stocks (US). 8. A ______ or share is one that is expected to appreciate in capital value; it usually has a high purchasing price and a low current rate of return. 9. A _____ or income stock or share is one that offers a good yield but only a limited chance of a rise or decline in price (in an industry that is not much affected by cyclical trends). 10. A way of spreading risks is to invest in a unit trust (in Britain) or a _____ (in the US), organizations that invest small investors' money in a wide portfolio of securities.

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Contents
Unit 1. Bank organization........................................................3-21 Unit 2. Bank performance........................................................22-43 Unit 3. Foreign Exchange........................................................44-66 Unit 4. Presentation..................................................................67-94