In: Finance
Suppose an agent (investor) from the U.S. with $1.0 million is
choosing between bank deposits denominated in either euro or
dollars. Also, suppose that the (one-year) interest rate paid on
the $ deposits is 1% (0.01) and on the euro deposit is 2% (0.02),
the (one-year) forward $-EURO exchange rate (F$/€ ) is 1.60 and the
current spot rate (E$/€ ) is 1.65. Based on this information,
answer the following questions.
(a) What is the forward spread? Is the dollar at forward premium or
discount? And by how much (%)?
(b) What is the (hedged = riskless) rate of return on the euro
deposits?
(c) Based on your answer above, is there an arbitrage opportunity
between the two deposits? Explain why or why not.
(d) If the spot rate of exchange, as well as the interest rates,
are kept at their current levels (stated above), what will be the
equilibrium forward rate as implied by the covered interest parity
theory (CIP)?
Total Amoun of Investment in US $ Million
Amount = 1.00
(one-year) interest rate paid on the $ deposits
RUSD = 1.00%
(one-year) interest rate paid on euro deposit is
REURO = 2.00%
forward $-EURO exchange rate (F$/€ ) is FR =
1.60
current spot rate (E$/€ ) SR = 1.65
Ans (a)
forward spread = Forward Price - Spot Price = FR - SR = 1.60 - 1.65 = ( 0.05)
As FR < SR, forward Dollar Rate is lower than the spot rate, So the Dollar is at Discount..
% of Discount = spread / Spot Price = 0.05 / 1.60 = 3.030%
Ans (b)
the (hedged = riskless) rate of return on the euro deposits
What is the (hedged = riskless) return on the euro deposits
= Amoun of Investment in US $ * ( Current Spot Rate / Forward Rate) * ( 1+ Euro Int Rate)
= Amnt * ( SR / FR) * ( 1+ REURO )
= 1 * (1.65/1.60) * (1 + 2%)
= 1.0518750
Here The Steps as follow :
Step 01: Convert the USD in EURO in Current Spot Rate = Amnt * SR
Step 02 : Invest this Amount in EURO Market for 01 Year = Amnt * SR * ( 1 + REURO )
Step 03 : Convert the EURO Return as per determined future rate = Amnt * SR * ( 1 + REURO ) / FR
rate of return on the euro deposits = ( return on the euro deposits - Amoun of Investment ) / Amoun of Investment
= ( 1.0518750 - 1) / 1 = 5.18%
the (hedged = riskless) rate of return on the euro deposits = 5.18% (Ans)
Ans c :
Riskless Return in EURO Deposit is 5.18% which is much higher than current prevailing Deposit rate in US Market is 01%.
So There is a Arbitrage Opportunity. (Ans)
Ans d.
according to covered interest parity (CIP) equilibrium Forward Rate
FR = SR * (1 + REURO ) / (1 + RUSD) = 1.65 * ( 1 + 2%) / (1 + 1%) = 1.666
so, equilibrium Forward Rate 1.666 E$/€ (Ans)