Hedge Accounting

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Hedge Accounting'

A method of accounting where entries for the ownership of a security and the opposing hedge are treated as one. Hedge accounting attempts to reduce the volatility created by the repeated adjustment of a financial instrument's value, known as marking to market. This reduced volatility is done by combining the instrument and the hedge as one entry, which offsets the opposing movements.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Hedge Accounting'

The point of hedging a position is to reduce the volatility of the overall portfolio. Hedge accounting has the same effect except that it's used on financial statements. For example, when accounting for complex financial instruments, such as derivatives, the value is adjusted by marking to market; this creates large swings in the profit and loss account. Hedge accounting treats the reciprocal hedge and the derivative as one entry so that the large swings are balanced out.

Articles Of Interest

  1. Credit Default Swaps: An Introduction

    This derivative can help manage portfolio risk, but it isn't a simple vehicle.
  2. Hedge Fund Due Diligence

    Analyzing a hedge fund will help you determine whether it's a good investment and a good fit.
  3. 7 Hedge Fund Manager Startup Tips

    Starting a hedge fund is the new American dream. Find out how you can pull it off.
  4. Taking A Look Behind Hedge Funds

    Hedge funds can draw returns well above the market average even in a weak economy. Learn about the risks.
  5. A Beginner's Guide To Hedging

    Learn how investors use strategies to reduce the impact of negative events on investments.
  6. How The Big Boys Buy

    Learn what those in-the-know look for when acquiring a company.
  7. Introduction To Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS)

    If you want to protect your portfolio from inflation, all you need are a few TIPS.
  8. 6 Asset Allocation Strategies That Work

    Your portfolio's asset mix is a key factor in whether it's profitable. Find out how to get this delicate balance right.
  9. A Top-Down Approach To Investing

    Use a global view to determine which stocks belong in your portfolio.
  10. Pay Attention To The Proxy Statement

    Don't overlook this overview of a company's well-being.
comments powered by Disqus
Marketplace
Hot Definitions
  1. Racketeering

    Racketeering refers to criminal activity that is performed to benefit an organization such as a crime syndicate. Examples of racketeering activity include...
  2. Lawful Money

    Any form of currency issued by the United States Treasury and not the Federal Reserve System, including gold and silver coins, Treasury notes, and Treasury bonds. Lawful money stands in contrast to fiat money, to which the government assigns value although it has no intrinsic value of its own and is not backed by reserves.
  3. Fast Market Rule

    A rule in the United Kingdom that permits market makers to trade outside quoted ranges, when an exchange determines that market movements are so sharp that quotes cannot be kept current.
  4. Absorption Rate

    The rate at which available homes are sold in a specific real estate market during a given time period.
  5. Yellow Sheets

    A United States bulletin that provides updated bid and ask prices as well as other information on over-the-counter (OTC) corporate bonds...
  6. Bailment

    The contractual transfer of possession of assets or property for a specific objective.
Trading Center