Study Notes

CFA Level 1 - Cheatsheet

Clutch Op
0 imports

Free ยท 2 imports included

Study Notes Preview

2 sections locked
Section 1

CFA Level 1 - Cheatsheet

STUDY GUIDE

๐ŸŽ“ CFA Level 1 - Study Guide

๐Ÿ“‹ Course Structure

code
๐Ÿ“š Derivatives โ”œโ”€โ”€ ๐Ÿ“– Chapter 1: Forward Contract Valuation โ”‚ โ”œโ”€โ”€ ๐Ÿ”น Forward Contract Valuation at Initiation, During Life, and at Expiration โ”‚ โ”œโ”€โ”€ ๐Ÿ”น Impact of Costs and Benefits on Forward Contract Value โ”‚ โ””โ”€โ”€ ๐Ÿ”น Forward Rate Determination โ”œโ”€โ”€ ๐Ÿ“– Chapter 2: Forward Rate Agreements (FRAs) โ”‚ โ”œโ”€โ”€ ๐Ÿ”น Forward Rate Agreements (FRAs) Structure and Payoff โ”‚ โ””โ”€โ”€ ๐Ÿ”น FRA Applications โ”œโ”€โ”€ ๐Ÿ“– Chapter 3: Futures Contracts Valuation โ”‚ โ”œโ”€โ”€ ๐Ÿ”น Differences Between Forward and Futures Contracts โ”‚ โ”œโ”€โ”€ ๐Ÿ”น Impact of Mark-to-Market on Futures Pricing โ”‚ โ””โ”€โ”€ ๐Ÿ”น Interest Rate Futures and Forward Rate Agreements
Section 2

๐Ÿ“– Chapter 1: Forward Contract Valuation

What this chapter covers: This chapter delves into the core principles of forward contract valuation. It explains how the value and price of a forward contract are determined at the start, during its term, and when it expires. It also examines how the costs and benefits of holding the underlying asset affect the forward contract's value. The chapter also covers the determination of forward rates and implied forward rates.

๐Ÿ”‘ Essential Concepts & Formulas

Concept/FormulaDefinition/EquationWhen to UseQuick Check
Forward Price at InitiationFโ‚€(T) = Sโ‚€(1 + Rฦ’)แต€Determining the no-arbitrage forward price at time 0.Ensure the forward price reflects the spot price compounded at the risk-free rate.
Forward Contract Value During LifeVโ‚œ(T) = Sโ‚œ โ€“ Fโ‚€(T) (1 + Rฦ’)โปโฝแต€โปแต—โพCalculating the value of the forward contract at time t < T.Verify that the value reflects the difference between the current spot price and the present value of the original forward price.
Forward Contract Value at ExpirationVแด›(T) = Sแด› - Fโ‚€(T)Determining the value of the forward contract at expiration (time T).Confirm that the value is the difference between the spot price at expiration and the original forward price.
Impact of Costs & BenefitsVโ‚œ(T) = [Sโ‚œ + PV(costs) โ€“ PV(benefits)] โ€“ Fโ‚€(T) (1 + Rฦ’)โปโฝแต€โปแต—โพValuing a forward contract when there are costs (e.g., storage) and benefits (e.g., dividends) associated with holding the asset.Check that the present values of costs and benefits are correctly incorporated into the valuation.
Implied Forward Rate(1 + Zโ‚‚)ยฒ = (1 + Zโ‚)(1 + Fโ‚,โ‚)Calculating the implied forward rate using spot rates.Ensure that the equation balances, reflecting the equivalence of investing directly versus rolling over.

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Problem Types

Type A: Calculating Forward Contract Value During Life Setup: "When you are given the initial forward price, current spot price, risk-free rate, and time to expiration." Method: "Use the formula Vโ‚œ(T) = Sโ‚œ โ€“ Fโ‚€(T) (1 + Rฦ’)โปโฝแต€โปแต—โพ to calculate the value." Example: "Sโ‚œ = 52,F0(T)=52, Fโ‚€(T) = 50, Rฦ’ = 5%, T-t = 1 year. Vโ‚œ(T) = 52โˆ’52 - 50(1.05)โปยน = $4.29"

Type B: Calculating Implied Forward Rate Setup: "If given spot rates for different maturities." Method: "Use the formula (1 + Zโ‚‚)ยฒ = (1 + Zโ‚)(1 + Fโ‚,โ‚) to solve for the implied forward rate." Example: "Zโ‚‚ = 6%, Zโ‚ = 5%. (1.06)ยฒ = (1.05)(1 + Fโ‚,โ‚). Fโ‚,โ‚ = 7.02%"

๐Ÿงฎ Solved Example

Problem: Calculate the value of a forward contract six months into its life, given the initial forward price was 100,thecurrentspotpriceis100, the current spot price is 110, the risk-free rate is 6%, and the time to expiration is six months (0.5 years).

Given: Fโ‚€(T) = 100,St=100, Sโ‚œ = 110, Rฦ’ = 6%, T-t = 0.5 years

"
โœ…
Solution: Vโ‚œ(T) = Sโ‚œ โ€“ Fโ‚€(T) (1 + Rฦ’)โปโฝแต€โปแต—โพ Vโ‚œ(T) = 110โ€“110 โ€“ 100 (1 + 0.06)โปโฐ.โต Vโ‚œ(T) = 110โ€“110 โ€“ 100 / โˆš1.06 Vโ‚œ(T) = 110โ€“110 โ€“ 97.07 Vโ‚œ(T) = $12.93
"
โœ…
Answer: The value of the forward contract is $12.93.

โš ๏ธ Common Mistakes

โŒ Mistake 1: Forgetting to discount the forward price when calculating the value during the life of the contract. โœ… How to avoid: Always remember to discount the initial forward price back to the valuation date using the risk-free rate and the remaining time to expiration.

โŒ Mistake 2: Incorrectly applying the costs and benefits of holding the underlying asset. โœ… How to avoid: Ensure you correctly identify and calculate the present value of all relevant costs (e.g., storage) and benefits (e.g., dividends) associated with holding the asset.

๐Ÿฆ Erik's Tip

When calculating forward rates, visualize the cash flows on a timeline to ensure you are correctly applying the compounding and discounting principles. This helps avoid errors in the formula.

๐Ÿ“– Chapter 2: Forward Rate Agreements (FRAs)

What this chapter covers: This chapter explores forward rate agreements (FRAs), detailing their structure, payoff calculations, and practical uses. It covers how implied forward rates are determined and the payoff to the fixed-rate payer in an FRA.

๐Ÿ”‘ Essential Concepts & Formulas

Concept/FormulaDefinition/EquationWhen to UseQuick Check
FRA Payoff (Fixed-Rate Payer)Notional Principal ร— (MRR - Forward Rate) ร— (Days/360) / (1 + MRR ร— (Days/360))Calculating the payoff to the fixed-rate payer in an FRA.Ensure the payoff reflects the present value of the interest differential.
FRA StructureAgreement to exchange interest payments on a notional principal at a future date.Understanding the basic mechanics of an FRA.Verify that the agreement specifies the notional principal, forward rate, and reference rate.
FRA ApplicationHedging interest rate risk.Identifying the primary use of FRAs by financial institutions.Confirm that the FRA is used to manage the volatility of interest-sensitive assets and liabilities.

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Problem Types

Type A: Calculating FRA Payoff Setup: "When you are given the notional principal, forward rate, realized rate (MRR), and the period." Method: "Use the formula: Payoff = Notional Principal ร— (MRR - Forward Rate) ร— (Days/360) / (1 + MRR ร— (Days/360))." Example: "Notional = 1M,ForwardRate=51M, Forward Rate = 5%, MRR = 6%, Days = 180. Payoff = 1M * (0.06-0.05) * (180/360) / (1 + 0.06*(180/360)) = $4926.11"

Type B: Understanding FRA Hedging Setup: "If a financial institution wants to hedge against rising interest rates on a future loan." Method: "Enter into an FRA as a fixed-rate payer (floating-rate receiver)." Example: "A bank expects to issue a loan in 3 months and wants to protect against rising rates. It enters a 3x6 FRA, paying a fixed rate."

๐Ÿงฎ Solved Example

Problem: Calculate the payoff to the fixed-rate payer in a 3x6 FRA with a notional principal of $5 million, a forward rate of 4%, and a realized 6-month MRR of 4.5%.

Given: Notional Principal = $5,000,000, Forward Rate = 4%, MRR = 4.5%, Days = 180

"
โœ…
Solution: Payoff = Notional Principal ร— (MRR - Forward Rate) ร— (Days/360) / (1 + MRR ร— (Days/360)) Payoff = 5,000,000ร—(0.045โˆ’0.04)ร—(180/360)/(1+0.045ร—(180/360))Payoff=5,000,000 ร— (0.045 - 0.04) ร— (180/360) / (1 + 0.045 ร— (180/360)) Payoff = 5,000,000 ร— 0.005 ร— 0.5 / (1 + 0.0225) Payoff = 12,500/1.0225Payoff=12,500 / 1.0225 Payoff = 12,225.00
"
โœ…
Answer: The payoff to the fixed-rate payer is $12,225.00.

โš ๏ธ Common Mistakes

โŒ Mistake 1: Forgetting to discount the interest differential to its present value. โœ… How to avoid: Always remember to divide the interest differential by (1 + MRR ร— (Days/360)) to get the present value.

โŒ Mistake 2: Using incorrect day count conventions. โœ… How to avoid: Ensure you are using the correct day count convention (e.g., 360 days) as specified in the FRA agreement.

๐Ÿฆ Erik's Tip

When working with FRAs, always clearly identify who is the fixed-rate payer and who is the floating-rate payer. This will help you correctly determine the direction of the payoff.

๐Ÿ“– Chapter 3: Futures Contracts Valuation

What this chapter covers: This chapter compares and contrasts forward and futures contracts, focusing on the impact of mark-to-market conventions on futures pricing and valuation. It also covers interest rate futures and their relationship to forward rate agreements.

๐Ÿ”‘ Essential Concepts & Formulas

Concept/FormulaDefinition/EquationWhen to UseQuick Check
Mark-to-MarketDaily settlement of gains and losses in a futures contract.Understanding the key difference between futures and forwards.Verify that gains and losses are credited/debited to the account daily.
Futures Price (Interest Rate)Futures Price = 100 โ€“ (100 ร— MRRA, B-A)Calculating the price of an interest rate futures contract.Ensure the price is quoted as 100 minus the annualized market reference rate.
Basis Point Value (BPV)BPV = Notional Principal ร— Period ร— 0.0001Calculating the change in value of a futures contract for a one basis point change in interest rates.Verify that the BPV reflects the sensitivity of the contract to interest rate changes.
Correlation ImpactIf interest rates are positively correlated with futures prices, futures are theoretically more attractive than forwards.Understanding how correlation affects the relative attractiveness of futures and forwards.Check the sign of the correlation and its impact on pricing.

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Problem Types

Type A: Calculating Futures Price Setup: "When you are given the market reference rate (MRRA)." Method: "Use the formula: Futures Price = 100 โ€“ (100 ร— MRRA, B-A)." Example: "MRRA = 2%. Futures Price = 100 - (100 * 0.02) = 98."

Type B: Calculating BPV Setup: "When you are given the notional principal and the period." Method: "Use the formula: BPV = Notional Principal ร— Period ร— 0.0001." Example: "Notional Principal = 1,000,000,Period=0.25(3months).BPV=1,000,000, Period = 0.25 (3 months). BPV = 1,000,000 * 0.25 * 0.0001 = $25."

๐Ÿงฎ Solved Example

Problem: Calculate the price of an interest rate futures contract if the market reference rate is 3.5%. Also, calculate the BPV for a futures contract with a notional principal of $2,000,000 and a period of 6 months.

Given: MRRA = 3.5%, Notional Principal = $2,000,000, Period = 0.5

"
โœ…
Solution: Futures Price = 100 โ€“ (100 ร— MRRA) Futures Price = 100 โ€“ (100 ร— 0.035) Futures Price = 100 โ€“ 3.5 Futures Price = 96.5

BPV = Notional Principal ร— Period ร— 0.0001 BPV = 2,000,000ร—0.5ร—0.0001BPV=2,000,000 ร— 0.5 ร— 0.0001 BPV = 100

"
โœ…
Answer: The futures price is 96.5, and the BPV is $100.

โš ๏ธ Common Mistakes

โŒ Mistake 1: Confusing forward and futures contracts. โœ… How to avoid: Remember that futures contracts are marked-to-market daily, while forward contracts are not.

โŒ Mistake 2: Incorrectly calculating the BPV. โœ… How to avoid: Ensure you use the correct notional principal and period in the BPV formula, and remember to multiply by 0.0001 (0.01%).

๐Ÿฆ Erik's Tip

When dealing with interest rate futures, remember that the futures price is quoted as 100 minus the implied interest rate. This helps in quickly interpreting the futures price.

2 more sections

Create a free account to import and read the full study notes โ€” all 4 sections.

No credit card ยท 2 free imports included

    CFA Level 1 - Cheatsheet โ€” Cheatsheet | Evrika | Evrika Study