Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We are exposed to potential fluctuations in earnings, cash flows, and the fair values of certain of our assets and liabilities due to changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates. To manage the risk from these exposures, we enter into a variety of derivative instruments. We do not enter into derivatives or financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
The following discussion describes our specific exposures and the strategies we use to manage these risks. Refer to Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Principles and Practices” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as discussed in Part II, Item 8 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 for a discussion of our accounting policies for financial instruments and derivatives.
Foreign Exchange Risk
We are subject to foreign exchange rate risk. Our primary exposures include exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the euro, the British pound, the Canadian dollar, the Australian dollar, the Indian rupee, and the Japanese yen. We use over-the-counter options and forward contracts to reduce the impact of foreign currency risk to our financial statements.
Additionally, some of our non-U.S. brokerage subsidiaries receive revenue in currencies that differ from their functional currencies. Our U.K. subsidiaries earn a portion of their revenue in U.S. dollars, euro, and Japanese yen, but most of their expenses are incurred in British pounds. At June 30, 2024, we have hedged approximately 45% of our U.K. subsidiaries’ expected exposures to U.S. dollar, euro, and Japanese yen transactions for the years ending December 31, 2024 and 2025, respectively. We generally do not hedge exposures beyond three years.
We also use forward and option contracts to economically hedge foreign exchange risk associated with monetary balance sheet exposures, such as intercompany notes and current assets and liabilities that are denominated in a non-functional currency and are subject to remeasurement.
The translated value of revenues and expenses from our international brokerage operations are subject to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. If we were to hypothetically translate prior year results at current quarter exchange rates, diluted earnings per share would have an unfavorable $0.05 comparable impact and an unfavorable $0.04 comparable impact during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively. Further, adjusted diluted earnings per share, a non-GAAP measure as defined and reconciled under the caption “Review of Consolidated Results — Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share,” would have an unfavorable $0.06 comparable impact and an unfavorable $0.04 comparable impact during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, if we were to hypothetically translate prior year results at current quarter exchange rates.
Interest Rate Risk
Our fiduciary investment income is affected by changes in international and domestic short-term interest rates. We monitor our net exposure to short-term interest rates and, as appropriate, hedge our exposure with various derivative financial instruments. This activity primarily relates to brokerage funds held on behalf of clients in the U.S. and in continental Europe. A decrease in global short-term interest rates adversely affects our fiduciary investment income.
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