The foreign exchange market allows companies to convert one currency into another. It provides insurance against risks from unpredictable exchange rate changes that could harm sales and profits. Companies use the market when paying or receiving funds in foreign currencies. Firms can hedge against exchange rate risk by entering forward contracts to set future exchange rates. Spot rates are current rates while forward rates are set for future dates. Currency swaps also allow companies to temporarily exchange one currency for another without exchange rate risk. The global foreign exchange market is a network of banks and dealers that trade currencies 24/7. Exchange rates are determined by supply and demand and factors like inflation rates and interest rates that can impact currency values. Managers must consider various types of exchange rate risk for their