cours au comptant
The English phrase "spot rate" is translated into French as cours au comptant.
In a banking or forex context, cours au comptant is the standard technical term for the spot rate used for immediate exchange.
Which one should you use?
The term cours au comptant is the direct antonym of cours à terme, which refers to a forward rate.
Did you know?
- In French, the word cours is used for a stock price, the flow of a river and a classroom lesson, all stemming from the idea of a 'flow' or 'movement'.
- While 'spot rate' in English focuses on the specific moment in time, the French comptant focuses on the fact that the money is available and ready for use immediately.
- While cours au comptant is a technical term, the everyday phrase payer au comptant describes paying for something in full and immediately, often used when avoiding a payment plan.
Examples in context
- Le taux de change au comptant entre l'euro et le dollar est très favorable aujourd'hui.The spot rate between the euro and the dollar is very favorable today.
- Je dois connaître le taux de change au comptant avant de finaliser cette transaction.I must know the spot rate before finalizing this transaction.
- Faut que je sache le taux de change immédiat avant de boucler cette affaire.I need to know the spot rate before closing this deal.
- Quel est le cours au comptant de l'euro ?What is the spot rate for the euro?
- Le cours au comptant a fortement augmenté aujourd'hui.The spot rate rose sharply today.
- Nous devons vérifier le cours au comptant avant la transaction.We must check the spot rate before the transaction.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a currency exchange in an office.
- ChloéLucas, connais-tu le cours au comptant du dollar ?Lucas, do you know the dollar spot rate?
- LucasNon, je dois regarder les graphiques, Chloé.No, I need to look at the charts, Chloé.
- ChloéC'est urgent pour notre conversion de devises.It is urgent for our currency conversion.
- LucasJe te donne l'information tout de suite.I will give you the information right away.
