Swap Calculator

What is Swap Calculator

The Swap Calculator helps traders estimate the overnight financing costs (swap rates) for holding positions. Swap rates are interest rate differentials between the two currencies in a pair, and they can either cost you money or earn you money depending on your position direction.

Understanding Forex Swap Rates

Swap rates represent the cost of borrowing one currency to buy another. In forex trading, every trade involves simultaneously buying one currency and selling another. The swap is the net interest difference between these two currencies. Understanding swap calculations helps traders manage overnight holding costs and identify potential carry trade opportunities.

Key Swap Rate Considerations

  • Interest Rate Differentials - Central bank rates determine swap directions
  • Broker Policies - Each broker sets their own swap rates and application methods
  • Position Direction - Long and short positions have different swap calculations
  • Time Factors - Weekend positions often incur triple swap charges
  • Market Conditions - Swap rates fluctuate with changing interest rate expectations
Important Notice

Swap rates vary by broker and market conditions. These calculations are estimates. Always verify rates with your broker before trading.

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Calculator Inputs

Results

Swap Long

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Swap Short

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Note: Swap rates are calculated per lot per night.

Tip: Consider swap rates when holding trades overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Swap rates, also known as rollover rates, are the interest rate differentials between the two currencies in a forex pair. When you hold a position overnight, you either pay or receive interest based on the central bank rates of the currencies involved. Positive swaps earn you money, while negative swaps cost you money for holding positions past the trading day cutoff time.

Swap rates are positive or negative depending on the interest rate differential between the two currencies. If you are long a currency with a higher interest rate than the one you are short, you typically earn positive swap. Conversely, if you are long a currency with a lower interest rate, you pay negative swap. The direction of your trade and the interest rate differential determine whether you pay or receive swap.

Swap rates are applied once daily for positions held past the broker's rollover time, typically around 5:00 PM EST. Some brokers apply swaps on Wednesday for three days worth to account for weekend settlement, while others apply daily swaps including weekends. The specific application method varies by broker, so always check your broker's swap policy.

Yes, swap rates can and do change frequently based on central bank interest rate decisions, market conditions, and broker policies. Central bank rate changes directly affect swap rates. Brokers may also adjust their swap rates based on market liquidity and their own funding costs. It is important to check current swap rates with your broker before entering long-term positions.

Traders can incorporate swap rates into strategies by considering carry trades (going long high-yield currencies against low-yield currencies), avoiding negative swaps for long-term positions, or factoring swap costs into profit calculations. However, never base trading decisions solely on swap rates - always consider technical analysis, risk management, and market conditions first.

No, swap rates can vary significantly between brokers. While they are based on interbank interest rates, brokers add their own markups or adjustments. Islamic accounts often have different swap arrangements to comply with Sharia law. Always compare swap rates among brokers if you plan to hold positions overnight regularly, as differences can substantially impact your trading costs or earnings.
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