Search results

1 – 10 of over 2000
Article
Publication date: 26 February 2019

Yujuana Min and Oh Suk Yang

This research began by acknowledging that conventional analysis on the foreign exchange exposure could not adequately reflect firms’ risk management strategies, which firms take…

Abstract

Purpose

This research began by acknowledging that conventional analysis on the foreign exchange exposure could not adequately reflect firms’ risk management strategies, which firms take actions against uncertainties raised by foreign exchange. In order to conceptualize uncertainty aroused by foreign exchange, the purpose of this paper is to develop an index that could measure corporate profits’ sensitivity to foreign exchange uncertainty and examine its possibility of utilization.

Design/methodology/approach

As an alternative to foreign exchange exposure, the present research derived the foreign exchange volatility exposure and analyzed the determinants of foreign currency-denominated debt in terms of foreign exchange volatility exposure. The foreign exchange volatility exposure draws from partially differentiating a firm’s operating profits to the exchange rate volatility.

Findings

The major findings are as follows. First, before the Asian financial crisis, South Korean enterprises had similar responses to the exchange volatility exposure as compared with the exchange exposure on procuring foreign-denominated debt. Second, since the global financial crisis (GFC), not only have Korean firms’ response mechanisms to both exposures changed, but also the significance of exchange volatility exposure has been further emphasized. Furthermore, Korean companies have dealt with exchange uncertainties by decreasing foreign-denominated debt as their foreign exchange volatility exposure increased after GFC. In contrast, the influence of conventional exchange exposure on foreign-denominated debt has diminished.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should focus on several points. First, additional research could extend to foreign investors who have divergent perception and consideration in regard to foreign exchange risk management. Second, research on decision making and motivation in foreign currency choice should be conducted in order to deepen academic understanding. Third, research that refines the variables added in the current research should be conducted. Finally, as a way to manage foreign exchange volatility exposure, further investigation based on this study is possible.

Practical implications

The results of this study have several important theoretical and empirical implications for companies’ foreign exchange risk management strategy. First, through foreign exchange volatility exposure, which can usefully take over the role of the existing foreign exchange exposure, the authors can confirm market uncertainty as being relevant to the foreign exchange risk management strategy. Second, through the financial influence that the foreign exchange volatility exposure has on the foreign currency-denominated debt, the authors can observe the Korean firms’ paradigm shifts in their foreign exchange risk management strategies.

Originality/value

This research confirms the importance of foreign exchange volatility exposure in the research works dealing with firms’ exchange risk management, also the possible influence of foreign exchange volatility exposure in the future might be increased as uncertainty is raised from foreign exchange escalating.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 57 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 26 April 2014

Anubha Dhasmana

To study the determinants and effects of “Operational” exchange rate exposure resulting from the mismatch between cost and revenues of the firms by using data on 500 Indian firms.

Abstract

Purpose

To study the determinants and effects of “Operational” exchange rate exposure resulting from the mismatch between cost and revenues of the firms by using data on 500 Indian firms.

Design/methodology/approach

We conduct detailed empirical analysis of the determinants of firm level exposure and their impact using panel regression techniques and conduct several robustness tests to confirm the validity of these results.

Findings

Among other factors, exchange rate volatility appears as a significant determinant of average firm level exposure with the direction of relationship supporting the presence of “Moral Hazard” in firm’s risk-taking behavior. Further large “operational” exposure is associated with significantly lower output growth, profitability, and capital expenditure during episodes of large currency depreciation at the firm level.

Research limitations/implications

This paper leaves several questions to be answered. Further research is called for to explore the nature of distortions in the production process encouraged by exchange rate volatility and their impact on firm level productivity. Looking at the relationship between the use of financial and operational hedges is another fruitful area of future research.

Practical implications

Our results have important implications for policy makers worried about mitigating the impact of exogenous shocks. Implicit and explicit guarantees with regards to the value of exchange rate tend to raise the vulnerability of the economy to exchange rate shocks at same time that they encourage capital expenditures and possibly output growth during “normal” times. Our findings indicate that the policy makers must take into account the incentive effects of their intervention in foreign exchange markets.

Originality/value

Unlike the existing papers in the literature, we use a measure of “operational” currency exposure based on foreign currency revenues and costs of firms. In most of the existing papers the focus is on the mismatch between the currency denomination of assets and liabilities. Little attention has been paid to the currency mismatch between costs and revenues of the firms. Such “operational” mismatches are potentially equally important and deserve attention of policy makers and academics alike.

Details

Macroeconomic Analysis and International Finance
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78350-756-6

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2006

Mazin A.M. Al Janabi

This paper seeks to provide foreign exchange risk measurement/management techniques and strategies that can be applied to investment and trading portfolios in emerging financial…

1627

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide foreign exchange risk measurement/management techniques and strategies that can be applied to investment and trading portfolios in emerging financial markets, such as the Moroccan foreign exchange market, with the objective of setting up the basis of a methodology/procedure for the measurement, management and control of foreign exchange exposures in the day‐to‐day trading operations.

Design/methodology/approach

Demonstrates a proactive approach for the measurements, management and control of market risk exposure for financial trading portfolios that contain foreign exchange securities. This approach is based on the renowned concept of value‐at‐risk (VAR) along with the creation of a software tool utilizing matrix‐algebra technique. In order to illustrate the proper use of VAR and stress‐testing methods, real‐world examples and practical reports of foreign exchange trading risk management are presented for the Moroccan Dirham.

Findings

To this end, several case studies were achieved with the objective of setting up a practical framework of trading risk measurement and control reports in addition to the inception of procedures for the calculation of VAR's limits. Moreover, the effects of hedging of foreign exchange trading exposures with reciprocal equity trading positions were explored and quantified. Finally, initial empirical tests of the long‐term behavior of the Moroccan foreign exchange and debt markets were quantified and analyzed.

Practical implications

In this work, key foreign exchange trading risk management methods, rules and procedures that financial entities, regulators and policymakers should consider in setting up their daily foreign exchange trading risk management objectives are examined and adapted to the specific needs of emerging markets, such as in the context of the Moroccan foreign exchange market.

Originality/value

This paper fills a gap in the foreign exchange risk management literature especially in the emerging markets perspective. The risk management procedures that are discussed in this work will aid financial markets' participants, regulators and policymakers in founding sound and up‐to‐date policies to handle foreign exchange risk exposures.

Details

Journal of Financial Regulation and Compliance, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1358-1988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 August 2007

Willem F.C. Verschoor and Aline Muller

This paper aims to increase understanding of the (time‐varying) relationship between exchange rates and stock prices at the individual firm level. Rather than analyzing the impact…

3503

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to increase understanding of the (time‐varying) relationship between exchange rates and stock prices at the individual firm level. Rather than analyzing the impact of exchange rate movements on firm value by regressing multinationals’ stock returns on exchange rate changes, it is proposed to examine the impact of increased exchange rate variability on the stock return volatility of US multinationals by focusing on the 1997 Asian financial turmoil.

Design/methodology/approach

In a first step, it is investigated whether the enhanced uncertainty about the future performance of US multinationals active in Asia resulted in an increased stock return variability. The second step separates the impact of increased exchange rate variability on the stock return volatility of US multinationals into systematic and diversifiable risk.

Findings

It is found that the stock return variability of US multinationals increases significantly in the aftermath of the financial turmoil. In conjunction with this increase in total volatility, there is also an increase in market risk (beta) for US multinationals. Moreover, trade‐ and service‐oriented industries appear to be particularly sensitive to these changing exchange rate conditions.

Practical implications

If the additional risk imparted to exposed firms from increased exchange rate variability is systematic in nature, it will affect the required rate of (equity) return (i.e. investors demand higher returns for holding the firm's shares). Consequently, this effect of exchange rate fluctuations increases the cost of (equity) capital for US multinationals with real foreign operations in the crisis countries.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates the impact of increased exchange risk on stock return volatility and market risk.

Details

Managerial Finance, vol. 33 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4358

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 May 2007

Mazin A.M. Al Janabi

It is the purpose of this article to empirically test the risk parameters for larger foreignexchange portfolios and to suggest real‐world policies and procedures for the…

2681

Abstract

Purpose

It is the purpose of this article to empirically test the risk parameters for larger foreignexchange portfolios and to suggest real‐world policies and procedures for the management of market risk with the aid of value at risk (VaR) methodology. The aim of this article is to fill a void in the foreignexchange risk management literature and particularly for large portfolios that consist of long and short positions of multi‐currencies of numerous developed and emerging economies.

Design/methodology/approach

In this article, a constructive approach for the management of risk exposure of foreignexchange securities is demonstrated, which takes into account proper adjustments for the illiquidity of both long and short trading/investment positions. The approach is based on the renowned concept of VaR along with the innovation of a software tool utilizing matrix‐algebra and other optimization techniques. Real‐world examples and reports of foreignexchange risk management are presented for a sample of 40 distinctive countries.

Findings

A number of realistic case studies are achieved with the objective of setting‐up a practical framework for market risk measurement, management and control reports, in addition to the inception of a practical procedure for the calculation of optimum VaR limits structure. The attainment of the risk management techniques is assessed for both long and short proprietary trading and/or active investment positions.

Practical implications

The main contribution of this article is the introduction of a practical risk approach to managing foreignexchange exposure in large proprietary trading and active investment portfolios. Key foreignexchange risk management methods, rules and procedures that financial entities, regulators and policymakers should consider in setting‐up their foreignexchange risk management objectives are examined and adapted to the specific needs of a model of 40 distinctive economies.

Originality/value

Although a substantial literature has examined the statistical and economic meaning of VaR models, this article provides real‐world techniques and optimum asset allocation strategies for large foreignexchange portfolios in emerging and developed financial markets. This is with the objective of setting‐up the basis of a methodology/procedure for the measurement, management and control of foreignexchange exposures in the day‐to‐day trading and/or asset management operations.

Details

The Journal of Risk Finance, vol. 8 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1526-5943

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 June 2016

Owen Williams

The purpose of this paper is to consider the implicit effect of the underlying foreign currency exposure on the performance characteristics of country exchange traded funds.

1284

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the implicit effect of the underlying foreign currency exposure on the performance characteristics of country exchange traded funds.

Design/methodology/approach

To arrive at an overall estimation of the exchange-traded fund (ETF)’s tracking error, the mean of the three measures of tracking error was calculated for both the hedged (r_LC) and unhedged (r_NAV) return series. Since tracking error does not capture all the risk inherent in a country index fund, the study extends the analysis using the Sortino and Modified Sharpe ratios.

Findings

The decision to hedge currency risk should not be taken on the sole basis of historical volatilities. The investor must also factor in transactions costs, the possible roll of futures contracts and prevailing interest rate differentials. If the rate on the foreign currency is greater than the dollar (euro) rate, the investor will pay for the hedge. If the rate on the foreign currency is less than the dollar (euro) rate, the investor will gain on the trade. Given that hedging entails additional costs, in cases where the neutralization of currency volatility only reduces risk modestly, it would be advisable to leave the exchange rate risk unhedged. We propose two metrics for ETF investors deciding whether to hedge a country ETF’s underlying currency risk.

Originality/value

The results highlight a key finding: while the majority of country funds accurately track the performance of the underlying foreign index when measured in the local currency, returns in the fund currency can be much more volatile. In breaking down the sources of country fund volatility, the paper demonstrates the impact of the underlying currency movements on overall fund risk. In cases where the currency impact has a significant impact on fund tracking errors, an index-oriented investor benefits from neutralizing the exchange rate effect. Additionally, as the Sortino and Modified Sharpe measures suggest that the underlying currency exposure offers in most cases a better risk-adjusted return for country exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the listing currency, we also calculate the risk minimizing foreign currency exposure for each fund and propose a decision rule based on the net currency variance to decide whether to hedge the ETF’s currency risk. The optimal hedge ratio indicates that US-based investors should only partially hedge the underlying currency risk while European-based investors are better off fully hedging currency risk.

Details

Studies in Economics and Finance, vol. 33 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1086-7376

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 May 2020

Mashukudu Hartley Molele and Janine Mukuddem-Petersen

The purpose of this paper is to examine the level of foreign exchange exposure of listed nonfinancial firms in South Africa. The study spans the period January 2002 and November…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the level of foreign exchange exposure of listed nonfinancial firms in South Africa. The study spans the period January 2002 and November 2015. Foreign exchange risk exposure is estimated in relation to the exchange rate of the South African Rand relative to the US$, the Euro, the British Pound and the trade-weighted exchange rate index.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on the augmented-market model of Jorion (1990). The Jorion (1990) is a capital asset pricing model-inspired framework which models share returns as a function of the return on the market index and changes in the exchange rate factor. The market risk factor is meant to discount the effect of macroeconomic factors on share returns, thus isolating the foreign exchange risk factor. In addition, the study further added the size, value, momentum, investment and profitability risk factors in line with the Fama–French three-factor model, Carhart four-factor model and the Fama–French five-factor model to account for the fact that equity capital markets in countries such as South Africa are known to be partially segmented.

Findings

Foreign exchange risk exposure levels were estimated at more than 40% for all the proxy currencies on the basis of the standard augmented market model. However, after controlling for idiosyncratic factors, through the application of the Fama–French three-factor model, the Carhart four-factor model and the Fama–French five-factor model, exposure levels were found to range between 6.5 and 12%.

Research limitations/implications

These results indicate the importance of controlling for the effects of idiosyncratic facto0rs in the estimation of foreign exchange risk exposure in the context of emerging markets of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Originality/value

This is the first study to apply the Fama–French three-factor model, Carhart four-factor model and the Fama–French five-factor model in the estimation of foreign exchange exposure of nonfinancial firms in the context of a SSA country. These results indicate the importance of controlling for the effects of idiosyncratic factors in the estimation of foreign exchange risk exposure in the context of emerging markets.

Details

The Journal of Risk Finance, vol. 21 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1526-5943

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 August 2007

Ahmed El‐Masry and Omneya Abdel‐Salam

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of firm size and foreign operations on the exchange rate exposure of UK non‐financial companies from January 1981 to December…

6621

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of firm size and foreign operations on the exchange rate exposure of UK non‐financial companies from January 1981 to December 2001.

Design/methodology/approach

The impact of the unexpected changes in exchange rates on firms’ stock returns is examined. In addition, the movements in bilateral, equally weighted (EQW) and trade‐weighted and exchange rate indices are considered. The sample is classified according to firm size and the extent of firms’ foreign operations. In addition, structural changes on the relationship between exchange rate changes and individual firms’ stock returns are examined over three sub‐periods: before joining the exchange rate mechanism (pre‐ERM), during joining the ERM (in‐ERM), and after departure from the ERM (post‐ERM).

Findings

The findings indicate that a higher percentage of UK firms are exposed to contemporaneous exchange rate changes than those reported in previous studies. UK firms’ stock returns are more affected by changes in the EQW, and US$ European currency unit exchange rate, and respond less significantly to the basket of 20 countries’ currencies relative to the UK pound exchange rate. It is found that exchange rate exposure has a more significant impact on stock returns of the large firms compared with the small and medium‐sized companies. The evidence is consistent across all specifications using different exchange rate. The results provide evidence that the proportion of significant foreign exchange rate exposure is higher for firms which generate a higher percentage of revenues from abroad. The sensitivities of firms’ stock returns to exchange rate fluctuations are most evident in the pre‐ERM and post‐ERM periods.

Practical implications

This study provides important implications for public policymakers, financial managers and investors on how common stock returns of various sectors react to exchange rate fluctuations.

Originality/value

The empirical evidence supports the view that UK firms’ stock returns are affected by foreign exchange rate exposure.

Details

Managerial Finance, vol. 33 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4358

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 28 October 2019

Angelo Corelli

Abstract

Details

Understanding Financial Risk Management, Second Edition
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78973-794-3

Article
Publication date: 20 November 2020

Lydie Myriam Marcelle Amelot, Ushad Subadar Agathee and Yuvraj Sunecher

This study constructs time series model, artificial neural networks (ANNs) and statistical topologies to examine the volatility and forecast foreign exchange rates. The Mauritian…

Abstract

Purpose

This study constructs time series model, artificial neural networks (ANNs) and statistical topologies to examine the volatility and forecast foreign exchange rates. The Mauritian forex market has been utilized as a case study, and daily data for nominal spot rate (during a time period of five years spanning from 2014 to 2018) for EUR/MUR, GBP/MUR, CAD/MUR and AUD/MUR have been applied for the predictions.

Design/methodology/approach

Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) models are used as a basis for time series modelling for the analysis, along with the non-linear autoregressive network with exogenous inputs (NARX) neural network backpropagation algorithm utilizing different training functions, namely, Levenberg–Marquardt (LM), Bayesian regularization and scaled conjugate gradient (SCG) algorithms. The study also features a hybrid kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) using the support vector regression (SVR) algorithm as an additional statistical tool to conduct financial market forecasting modelling. Mean squared error (MSE) and root mean square error (RMSE) are employed as indicators for the performance of the models.

Findings

The results demonstrated that the GARCH model performed better in terms of volatility clustering and prediction compared to the ARIMA model. On the other hand, the NARX model indicated that LM and Bayesian regularization training algorithms are the most appropriate method of forecasting the different currency exchange rates as the MSE and RMSE seemed to be the lowest error compared to the other training functions. Meanwhile, the results reported that NARX and KPCA–SVR topologies outperformed the linear time series models due to the theory based on the structural risk minimization principle. Finally, the comparison between the NARX model and KPCA–SVR illustrated that the NARX model outperformed the statistical prediction model. Overall, the study deduced that the NARX topology achieves better prediction performance results compared to time series and statistical parameters.

Research limitations/implications

The foreign exchange market is considered to be instable owing to uncertainties in the economic environment of any country and thus, accurate forecasting of foreign exchange rates is crucial for any foreign exchange activity. The study has an important economic implication as it will help researchers, investors, traders, speculators and financial analysts, users of financial news in banking and financial institutions, money changers, non-banking financial companies and stock exchange institutions in Mauritius to take investment decisions in terms of international portfolios. Moreover, currency rates instability might raise transaction costs and diminish the returns in terms of international trade. Exchange rate volatility raises the need to implement a highly organized risk management measures so as to disclose future trend and movement of the foreign currencies which could act as an essential guidance for foreign exchange participants. By this way, they will be more alert before conducting any forex transactions including hedging, asset pricing or any speculation activity, take corrective actions, thus preventing them from making any potential losses in the future and gain more profit.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies applying artificial intelligence (AI) while making use of time series modelling, the NARX neural network backpropagation algorithm and hybrid KPCA–SVR to predict forex using multiple currencies in the foreign exchange market in Mauritius.

Details

African Journal of Economic and Management Studies, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-0705

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 2000