Question

Alice and Bob entered into a forward contract some time ago. Alice has the long position, while Bob has the short position. The forward contract will mature in three months and has a delivery price of $40. The current forward price for the contract is $42. The three-month risk-free interest rate (with continuous compounding) is 8%. What is the value Bob's position?

Answer 1

$ - 1.96

Step-by-step explanation:

After three months, Alice (long the contract) can buy the underlying by paying the delivery price of $40 which is $2 less than $42 the long position would have to pay if the contract was entered today.

DATA

Delivery price = $40

The three-month risk-free interest rate (with continuous compounding) =8%.

The current forward price = $42

Solution

So based on the present situation, Alice would be in $2 profit at the end of 3 months and Bob would be in $2 loss

Present value of Bob's loss (with continuous compounding) = 2\times e^{-0.08\times 0.25}

Present value of Bob's loss (with continuous compounding) = $1.96

The value of Bob's position is $ - 1.96