In: Finance
The current exchange rate is one Australian dollar (AUD) equal to 1.349 USD. In the United States, the 6 months T-bill rate is 2.84%. The 6-month forward rate for AUD is .75 USD/AUD. Assuming that interest rate parity exists, what is the implied interest rate for Australia?
A. |
5.19% |
|
B. |
-2.35% |
|
C. |
2.35% |
|
D. |
.49% |
Spot rate = AUD 1.349/USD
Forward = 1/0.75 = AUD 1.3333333333/USD
Forward rate = Spot rate * (1 + interest rate for U.S/2)/(1 + interest rate for Australia/2)
1.3333333333 = 1.349 * (1 + 0.0284/2)/(1 + interest rate for Australia/2)
1.3333333333 = 1.3681558/(1 + interest rate for Australia/2)
(1 + interest rate for Australia/2) = 1.3681558/1.3333333333
(1 + interest rate for Australia/2) = 1.02611685
Interest rate for Australia/2 = 1.02611685 - 1
Interest rate for Australia/2 = 0.02611685
Interest rate for Australia = 0.02611685 * 2
Interest rate for Australia = 0.0522337
Interest rate for Australia = 5.22%
Option A is correct: 5.19%