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Meaning / Definition of

Weather Derivative

Categories: Options,

A weather derivative is a futures contract - or options on that futures contract - where the underlying commodity is a weather index.These derivatives work much the same way that interest-rate or stock index futures and options do, by creating a tradable commodity out of something that is relatively intangible. Analysts look at historical weather patterns - temperature, rainfall and other things - develop averages, and quantify the risk that weather will deviate from the average. Corporations use weather derivatives to hedge their risk that bad weather will cause a financial loss. For a cereal company, bad weather might be a drought, which would cause wheat prices to go up. For a home heating company, it could be warm days in November, which could lower demand for home heating oil. And for an amusement park it could be rain.The cereal company and the amusement park might buy futures contracts with an underlying weather index based on rainfall. The home heating company might want contracts based on a temperature index.Weather derivatives are different from insurance, because they're linked to common weather events, like dry seasons, or a warm autumn, that affect particular businesses. Insurance is still required to protect against major weather events, like tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods.You can buy weather derivatives as an individual, but you'll want to consider the trading costs carefully to ensure that your risk of loss is worth the expense.

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Definition / Meaning of

Preapproval

Categories: Finance,

When you're preapproved for a mortgage, the lender guarantees in advance the maximum you can borrow, provided your financial situation doesn't change before you find a home. You'll need to fill out a mortgage application with the lender to be preapproved, as well as provide verification of a regular source of income and authorize a credit check. Then the lender provides a letter confirming how much you'll be able to borrow. The preapproval process usually takes a week or two, but it may take only a few minutes if you apply for a mortgage online. Some, but not all, lenders charge a fee for preapproval.Preapproval is not a binding commitment for either the buyer or lender, but it can give you a competitive advantage. You know in advance how much you can afford, and sellers are confident your mortgage application won't be turned down. Plus, it can speed the process of closing the sale. If you're a first-time homebuyer or you're self-employed, it may be a good idea to consider getting preapproved.

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