What is a key characteristic of forwards?

Forwards are primarily characterized by their ability to be customized for the specific needs of the parties involved. This flexibility allows the two parties to agree on the terms that best suit their individual requirements, including the quantity of the asset, the delivery date, and the price. This customization feature is particularly valuable for hedgers, who may need to tailor contracts to align precisely with their exposure or business needs.

In contrast, other financial instruments like futures contracts are standardized and traded on exchanges, making them less customizable but more liquid. The nature of forwards makes them over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives, allowing for a wide variety of terms and conditions that can be negotiated directly between parties. Hence, the unique characteristic of forwards lies in their customized structure, enabling parties to create agreements that fit their unique situations perfectly.