In: Finance
The spot rate between Canada and the U.S. is Can$1.2449/$, while the one-year forward rate is Can$1.2448/$. The risk-free rate in Canada is 4.65 percent and risk-free rate in the United States is 2.77 percent. How much in profit can you earn on $12,500 utilizing covered interest arbitrage?
Borrow in USD, convert to Can$ at the spot rate, invest in Can$, reconvert to USD at the forwards rate and finally repay the USD loan.
Amount in Can$ = Amount in USD*Exchange rate of Can$ per USD
= 12500*1.2449
= Can$15,561.25
Maturity value of investment in Canada = Investment*(1+ Interest ratain Can$)
=15561.25*(1+0.0465)
= Can$16,284.85
Amount in US$ on reconversion = Maturity value in Can$/Forward rate
=16284.85/1.2448
= $13,082.30
Repayment in US $ at 2.77% interest rate after 1 year = 12500*1.0277
= $12,846.25
Profit = Amount in USD after reconversion- Repayment of USD loan
=13082.30-12846.25
= $236.05
Profit = $236.05