What characterizes forward start swaps?

Forward start swaps are defined as agreements that are established today but are set to commence on a future date. This means that while the terms of the swap, such as the fixed and floating interest rates, are negotiated and fixed at the time of agreement, the actual exchange of cash flows does not begin until the specified future date.

This structure is particularly useful for parties who anticipate needing a swap in the future based on their financial strategies, but want to lock in current rates today. By securing the terms ahead of time, they can hedge against future interest rate fluctuations.

In contrast, options relating to immediate fund exchanges, options providing rights without obligations, or swaps based on historical interest rates do not accurately describe the key feature of forward start swaps. They focus either on immediate transactions, different financial instruments, or performance criteria that do not pertain to the forward-start aspect. Thus, the defining characteristic of forward start swaps is their agreement today with future fund exchanges.