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What Is the Main Risk Associated with the Final Settlement Price of a Cash-Settled Contract?

The main risk is manipulation or volatility around the specific time and price used to determine the final settlement value. If the settlement price is based on an average of prices from a few exchanges at a precise time, a sudden price spike or drop can disproportionately affect the final cash payment.

This risk is known as "settlement risk" or "fixing risk." Traders must monitor the methodology for calculating the final settlement price.

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