Meaning of currency hedging

When the Canadian dollar fluctuates against foreign currencies, all Canadians are impacted one way or another.

For instance, if you are buying a television from the U. If the Canadian dollar declines, then it will cost you more Canadian dollars to buy that same TV. This principle applies to any financial transaction or investment where foreign currency valuations are involved, including exchange traded funds ETFs. The change in value of a foreign currency relative to the Canadian dollar referred to as currency risk or exchange rate risk is an important factor to consider before investing in an ETF that invests in non-Canadian assets.

For example, if the underlying investments of the ETF are bought in U. Essentially, there are two options available to an investor: The objective of currency hedging is to reduce or eliminate the effects of foreign exchange movements over the life of the investment, such that a Canadian investor receives a return solely based on the change in value of the underlying assets, without the effect of changes in currency values.

To reduce or eliminate the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates, ETFs that invest in non-Canadian assets are currency hedged. If the foreign currency drops in value relative to the Canadian dollar, the ETF will realize a gain in the value of the forward agreement, offsetting the foreign exchange loss.

Alternately, if the foreign currency appreciates in value relative to the Canadian dollar, the ETF would realize a loss in the value of the forward agreement, offsetting the foreign exchange gain. In either case, the impact of the change in foreign exchange rate is eliminated. The Canadian dollar, in percentage terms, increased in value relative to the U.

An ETF whose investment mandate is currency hedged would avoid the negative effect of this dramatic change in relative value of the two currencies, while an ETF that remained unhedged would have been impacted negatively to the extent its investments were denominated in U.

Although the illustration above shows an extreme example of a change in exchange rates, the table below shows the year-over-year volatility of the Canadian-U. ETFs that employ a currency hedging strategy seek to eliminate all or substantially reduce the effects of foreign exchange rate changes. In December , however, one U. Investors can choose to take on foreign currency risk or not.

Remaining unhedged may be appropriate for some but not for others. For individuals buying foreign stocks, employing a currency hedging strategy may be complex and cost-prohibitive.

However, ETF investors looking to avoid the impact of currency fluctuations will benefit from ETFs that conveniently employ institutional hedging techniques on a cost-effective basis. To learn more about currency hedging and investment products that can help you meet your currency hedging needs, please contact your investment advisor.

Important information about each First Asset ETF Fund is contained in its respective prospectus.

Currency hedge financial definition of Currency hedge

Individuals should seek the advice of professionals, as appropriate, prior to investing. This investment may not be suitable for all investors.

Copies of the prospectus may be obtained from your investment advisor, First Asset or at www. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments.

ETFs are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. The commentaries presented are prepared as a general source of information. They are not intended to provide specific individual advice including, without limitation, investment, financial, legal, accounting or tax.

What is Currency Hedging? definition and meaning

The opinions contained in this document are solely those of First Asset and are subject to change without notice. First Asset assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages, whether direct or indirect, which arise from the use of this information and expressly disclaims liability for any errors or omissions in this information.

First Asset is under no obligation to update the information contained herein. First Asset Funds are managed by First Asset Investment Management Inc.

Please read the prospectus before investing. Important information about each First Asset Fund is contained in its respective prospectus. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

Hedging FOREX | Definition

Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with an investment in any type of investment fund, including ETFs and mutual funds. An investment fund must prepare disclosure documents that contain key information about the fund. You can find more detailed information about the fund in these documents.

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Education Centre Covered Call Strategy Get the Facts About Factor-Based Indexing Understanding Currency Hedging Using ETFs to Reach Your Retirement Goals. Understanding Currency Hedging When the Canadian dollar fluctuates against foreign currencies, all Canadians are impacted one way or another. Bank of Canada The Canadian dollar, in percentage terms, increased in value relative to the U. Bank of Canada, as at year-end Should an investor currency hedge?

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