In: Finance
Q-2 (25p) Let us assume that around Dec. 2019, the spot exchange rate between the Swiss Franc and U.S. dollar was 1.0485 (USD per SWF). Interest rates in the United States and Switzerland were 0.75% and 0.25% per annum, respectively with continuous compounding. Assume also that the four-month forward exchange rate was 1.0630 (US$ per SWF).
a) The arbitrage-free forward rate = Spot rate * (1+Interest rate in US for 4 months)/((1+Interest rate in Switzerland for 4 months)
The arbitrage-free forward rate = 1.0485*e^(0.0075*4/12) /(e^(0.0025*4/12)) = 1.05025 USD per SWF
However, the forward rate = 1.0630 USD per SWF
Hence, an arbitrage opportunity exists
We convert the 1.0m USD to SWF at the spot rate of 1.0485
We get 1,000,000/1.0485 = 953743.44 SWF
We invest the 953743.44 SWF at a SWF risk-free rate of 0.25% per annum
We enter the forward contract to exchange SWF for USD after 4 months
At the end of 4 months, we get 953743.44*e^(0.0025*4/12) = 954538.56 SWF
We exchange these SWF to USD using the forward contract rate of 1.6030 USD per SWF
We get after 4 months= 954538.56*1.0630 = 1014674.48 USD
Had we not exercised this forward, 1.0m USD would had grown at a risk-free rate of 0.75% per annum
1,000,000*e^(0.0075*4/12) = 1002503.12 USD
Hence, the arbitrage profit = (1014674.48-1002503.12) USD
Hence, the arbitrage profit = 12171.36 USD