Swap

Swap

A swap is an agreement between two parties to trade streams of cash flow generated by two different financial instruments. This would be done to reduce or offset exposure to one factor, such as fixed interest rates or adjustable interest rates. When a swap involves interest rates, the two parties agree to exchange cash flows related to specified rates and a specified principal amount, but they don't actually exchange the principal. Swaps can also involve two different currencies, where the parties are interested in reducing their exposure to certain foreign currency fluctuations.