Desde Investopedia

TERM OF THE DAY

Swap A swap is a derivative contract through which two parties exchange financial instruments. These instruments can be almost anything, but most swaps involve cash flows based on a notional principal amount that both parties agree to. Usually, the principal does not change hands. Each cash flow comprises of one leg of the swap. One cash flow is generally fixed, while the other is variable, that is, based on a a benchmark interest rate, floating currency exchange rate, or index price.

Breaking it Down: In an interest rate swap, the parties exchange cash flows based on a notional... Read More