Group 1 - The Vice President of the European Central Bank, Luis de Guindos, stated that the economic risks emphasized in March are now becoming a reality [1] - The comments suggest a shift in the economic outlook, indicating that previously identified risks are materializing [1] - This statement may have implications for monetary policy and market expectations moving forward [1]

Core Viewpoint - Exchange rate risk, also known as foreign exchange risk, refers to the potential for loss (or gain) due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates affecting the value of assets, liabilities, income, or expenses denominated in foreign currencies [1][5]. Group 1: Types of Exchange Rate Risk - Transaction risk is the most common form of exchange rate risk, occurring during transactions priced in foreign currencies. For example, a Chinese export company expecting to receive 1 million USD may face a loss if the exchange rate changes unfavorably before payment is received [4]. - Translation risk, also known as accounting risk, arises when a company needs to convert its functional currency into its reporting currency for financial statements. A depreciation of the local currency against the reporting currency can lead to reduced asset and profit values in the consolidated financial statements [4]. - Economic risk, or operational risk, involves unexpected exchange rate changes that can affect a company's future revenues or cash flows by altering production costs, sales volumes, and pricing strategies. For instance, a sudden appreciation of the local currency can make exported products more expensive, potentially reducing sales [4]. Group 2: Impact and Management of Exchange Rate Risk - In the current international trade environment, exchange rate risk significantly impacts companies, particularly in foreign trade. For export-oriented firms, local currency appreciation can reduce price competitiveness and profit margins, while for import-oriented firms, local currency depreciation can increase costs [5]. - To assess and manage exchange rate risk, companies need to monitor factors influencing currency fluctuations, such as international balance of payments, foreign exchange reserves, interest rates, inflation, and political conditions. Financial instruments like foreign exchange forward contracts, futures, and options can be utilized for hedging [5]. - Companies should also optimize their choice of settlement currencies and adjust pricing strategies for imports and exports to mitigate the impact of exchange rate fluctuations [5].