Financial Glossary Written by Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
An interest rate derivate is a derivative security where the underlying asset is
the right to pay or receive a (usually notional) amount of money at a given interest
rate.
Interest rate derivatives are the largest derivatives market in the world. Market
observers estimate that $60 trillion dollars by notional value of interest rate
derivatives contract had been exchanged by May 2004.
According to the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, 80% of the world's
top 500 companies at April 2003 used interest rate derivatives to control their
cashflow. This compares with 75% for foreign exchange options, 25% for commodity
options and 10% for equity options.
Examples
An interest rate option which ensures the purchaser pays a maximum interest rate
is known as an interest rate cap. An interest rate option which ensures the purchaser
receives a minimum interest rate is known as an interest rate floor.