Which key feature differentiates a swap from a forward

Solution

·        A swap is a derivative contract that obligates two parties to exchange a series of future cash flows, whereas a forward contract is an agreement to exchange a single cash flow at a specific future date. Multiple cash flow exchanges:  Interest rate swaps, for example, involve periodic exchanges of fixed-rate payments for floating-rate payments over the life of the contract, which could last several years. ·        Forward contract comparison:  A forward contract is generally a single-period transaction, meaning it is settled only once at the maturity date. ·        Swap composition:  A swap can be considered a series of forward contracts (or forward rate agreements) Therefore, the defining feature that differentiates a swap from a forward contract is the exchange of  multiple cash flows  (Periodic payments).