In: Finance
You are examining the gold market on February 1 and notice a potential discrepancy between spot and futures prices. The spot price is $1,325 per ounce and the May futures price is $1,310 per ounce. Delivery on the May futures contract begins on May 1. The three-month LIBOR rate is 2.75% (continuously compounding, expressed as annual rate). Is there an arbitrage opportunity? What are the cash flows generated by the arbitrage strategy?
Cash flows today:
The value of $1,325 invested can be calculated using the future value formula, given continuous compounding, which is:
Where
So, $1,325 invested at a 2.75% interest rate become
Cash flow three months from now: