Final answer:
The interbank market is where banks and other financial institutions trade foreign exchange. Trades settle on either a forward contract or a spot contract basis and can occur in large blocks. The market operates 24 hours a day.
Step-by-step explanation:
The interbank market is where banks and other financial institutions trade foreign exchange.
- Trades settle on a forward contract basis: In this market, trades are typically settled on a forward contract basis, meaning that the exchange of currencies takes place at a future specified date and rate.
- Trades occur in large blocks: Due to the large volumes of currency being exchanged, interbank market trades often occur in large blocks.
- Trades settle on a spot contract basis: Trades in the interbank market settle on a spot contract basis, where the exchange of currencies happens immediately (within two business days).
- Trades take place 24 hours a day: The interbank market operates 24 hours a day, 5 days a week, allowing for continuous trading across different time zones.