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Source of Translation ExposureEconomic Exposure
Transaction Exposure
Types of Foreign Exchange Exposure

It is not just exporting or importing companies that are affected by exchange rate movements. Companies whose operations are largely or even entirely domestic can also be affected by changes in exchange rates and are therefore exposed to currency risk.
 

Even if companies do not sell their goods and services in overseas markets, or even buy raw materials from overseas suppliers, other competing firms are likely to, potentially subjecting the whole sector to indirect foreign exchange exposures.
 

Companies that compete against rivals that have production costs denominated in a different currency (either by overseas production or imports) could find their competitiveness in their own market diminished. For example, if the value of their local currency rises (reducing cost of imports and increasing cost of exports) against currencies used by competitors.
 

Currency risk management requires an understanding of types of foreign exchange exposure.
 

Foreign Exchange (FX) exposure can usually be encountered in three quite different forms:
 

  • Translation risk

  • Economic risk

  • Transaction risk