Principal Exchange-Rated-Linked Securities


Principal Exchange-Rated-Linked Securities (PERLS)

A debt instrument with its principal and interest denominated in U.S. dollars, but with principal repayment depending on the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against a foreign currency.

Principal Exchange Rate Linked Security

A debt security denominated in U.S. dollars. The principal to be repaid on the security is determined by a particular exchange rate that exists between the dollar and a given currency at a certain time. For example, a company wishing to expand its overseas operations may buy this security in order to finance the expansion in the foreign currency while still linking it to the U.S. dollar. Companies use principal exchange-rate-linked securities to hedge against foreign exchange risk.