 |
Definition of 'Triangular Arbitrage'
The process of converting one currency to another, converting it again to a third currency and, finally, converting it back to the original currency within a short time span. This opportunity for riskless profit arises when the currency's exchange rates do not exactly match up. Triangular arbitrage opportunities do not happen very often and when they do, they only last for a matter of seconds. Traders that take advantage of this type of arbitrage opportunity usually have advanced computer equipment and/or programs to automate the process.
|
 |
Investopedia explains 'Triangular Arbitrage'
As an example, suppose you have $1 million and you are provided with the following exchange rates: EUR/USD = 0.8631, EUR/GBP = 1.4600 and USD/GBP = 1.6939.
With these exchange rates there is an arbitrage opportunity:
Sell dollars for euros: $1 million x 0.8631 = 863,100 euros
Sell euros for pounds: 863,100/1.4600 = 591,164.40 pounds
Sell pounds for dollars: 591,164.40 x 1.6939 = $1,001,373 dollars
$1,001,373 - $1,000,000 = $1,373
From these transactions, you would receive an arbitrage profit of $1,373 (assuming no transaction costs or taxes).
|
-
Profiting from arbitrage is not only for market makers--retail traders can find opportunity in risk arbitrage.
Read More »
-
Look at trades that are profitable when the value of corresponding puts and calls diverge.
Read More »
-
You can use these securities for more than just indexing. Explore the spectrum of possible ETF strategies.
Read More »
-
|
|
