Swap Rate Curve
A chart that depicts the relationship between swap rates and available maturities
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What is the Swap Rate Curve?
The swap rate curve is a chart that depicts the relationship between swap rates and all available corresponding maturities. Essentially, it indicates the expected returns of a swap on different maturity dates. The curve can be considered as the swap’s equivalent of a bond’s yield curve, and is a par curve, as it is based on par swaps.
The swap rate curve is a two-dimensional plot drawn against the x-axis and y-axis. The swap rates are plotted against the y-axis while the times to maturity are drawn on the x-axis. Generally, the curve is upward sloping, since long-term swap rates tend to be higher than short-term rates.
Understanding the Swap Rate Curve
The swap rate curve is frequently drawn together with the yield curve of a government bond (e.g., US Treasury securities). In some cases, the two curves may coincide, but they often diverge from each other. If the two curves diverge from each other, the swap spread is presented. Historical data shows that the swap rate curve tends to be above the yield curve, thus indicating positive swap spreads.
The swap rate curve is extensively used in financial markets. For example, it is frequently used as a benchmark for interest rates. In addition, the curve can be utilized to assess market participants’ sentiment regarding the prevailing market conditions (particularly risk).
How to Create the Swap Rate Curve in Excel?
The curve can be easily created using Microsoft Excel. It can be done by following the steps below:
- Create a table that will contain the necessary information, including the swap rates and corresponding maturity dates.
- In the first column, list the swap rates.
- List the corresponding maturities in the second column.
- Using the mouse or keyboard, highlight the created table. Then, press Insert->Recommended Charts->All Charts->Line Chart and choose the chart with the single line. Alternatively, you can do it by pressing Insert->Scatter->Scatter with Straight Lines and Markers. Your swap rate curve should look like the chart in the image above.
Valuation
Swap contracts are traded in Over-The-Counter Markets (OTC). As a swap contract comprises two legs, we must determine the present value of both legs to determine the value of the swap contract.
The fixed leg of interest rate swap contract, for example, is fairly simple to calculate, as future cash flows are set at inception. The floating leg requires a more complex calculation, as it is subject to change with the fluctuation of interest rates. The forward rate curve must be used to determine the forward rate of each future floating payment.
More Resources
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