Negative carry refers to a financial situation where the cost of borrowing funds exceeds the income generated from an investment or financial instrument. This typically occurs when the interest rate on borrowed money is higher than the returns earned from the securities or positions financed by that borrowing. In essence, negative carry results in a loss, as the expenses outweigh the revenue from the investment.
Negative carry is commonly encountered in the context of financial markets and investment strategies. Legal professionals may encounter this term when dealing with financial instruments, securities trading, or investment contracts. Understanding negative carry can be crucial in areas such as:
Users can manage some aspects of negative carry through legal templates available on platforms like US Legal Forms, which can help in drafting investment agreements or loan documents.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: An investor borrows $100,000 at an interest rate of 5% to invest in bonds that yield only 3%. In this case, the investor experiences a negative carry of $2,000 annually, as the cost of borrowing exceeds the income from the bonds.
Example 2: A trader finances a position in a stock using a margin account with a 6% interest rate while the stock only appreciates at a rate of 4%. This situation leads to a negative carry of $2,000, reflecting a loss on the investment.
| Term | Definition | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Positive carry | The situation where the return on an investment exceeds the cost of borrowing. | Positive carry results in profit, while negative carry results in a loss. |
| Carry trade | A strategy where an investor borrows money at a low interest rate to invest in assets that yield a higher return. | Carry trade aims for profit, whereas negative carry indicates a loss. |
If you find yourself in a situation involving negative carry, consider the following steps:
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Typical fees | Interest on borrowed funds |
| Jurisdiction | Applicable in financial markets across the U.S. |
| Possible penalties | Potential loss of investment and increased debt |
Negative carry is when the cost of borrowing exceeds the income generated from an investment.