
Explanation:
Conclusion II is incorrect. Once a forward contract is initiated, the value of the contract can be positive to one counterparty and negative to another, but it cannot be positive to both parties at the same time. This is because the value of a forward contract is a zero-sum game. If one party gains, the other party must lose an equivalent amount. This is a fundamental principle of forward contracts and derivatives in general. The value of the contract is determined by the difference between the agreed-upon price in the contract and the current market price. If the market price is higher than the agreed-upon price, the buyer of the contract has a gain and the seller has a loss. Conversely, if the market price is lower than the agreed-upon price, the seller of the contract has a gain and the buyer has a loss. Therefore, it is impossible for both parties to have a positive value at the same time.
Choice A is incorrect. Conclusion I is accurate. The value of a forward contract at the time of initiation is indeed zero because it's an agreement to buy or sell an asset at a future date for a price agreed upon today. No money changes hands when the contract is initiated, hence its value is zero.
Choice C is incorrect. This choice suggests that both conclusions are incorrect, which isn't true as explained above – Conclusion I is correct.
Choice D is incorrect. This choice implies that both conclusions are correct, which isn't true as Conclusion II states that once the forward contract has been initiated, it can have positive value to both counterparties simultaneously – this isn't possible in reality because if one party stands to gain (positive value), then the other party must stand to lose (negative value). Therefore, Conclusion II isn't accurate.
Q.673 Karen Kindle is a master's student at one of the top business schools in Taiwan. He reads at least one book on the subject of stocks and derivatives every weekend. Last week's book was on the subject of pricing and valuation of forward contracts. From his understanding, he made the two following conclusions regarding the value of forward agreements: I. The value of the contract at the time of initiation is always zero. II. Once the forward contract is initiated, the contract can have a positive value to both counterparties at the same time.
Which of the conclusion is incorrect?
A
Conclusion I is incorrect
B
Conclusion II is incorrect
C
Both conclusions are incorrect
D
None of the conclusions are incorrect
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