Question

Assume the following: (1) the interest rate on 6-month treasury bills is 8 percent per annum in the United Kingdom and 4 percent per annum in the United States; (2) today's spot price of the pound is $1.50 while the 6-month forward price of the pound is $1.485.If the price of the 6-month forward pound were to ____, U.S. investors would no longer earn an extra return by shifting funds to the United Kingdom.a. Rise to $1.52b. Rise to $1.53c. Fall to $1.48d. Fall to $1.47

Answer 1

d. Fall to $1.47

Step-by-step explanation:

currently you will need $1,500 to purchase £1,000 and invest in British bonds. After 65 months you will have £1,040, which you should be able to convert into $1,544.40. If you invested in US bonds, you would have $1,530, so this arbitrage will yield $14.40.

But if instead the British pound fell to $1.47, then your profit would only be $28.80, less than if you invested in US bonds. You again would have £1,040 in 6 months, but that would only be equal to $1,528.80.