Reference no: EM132910558
Questions -
Q1. The spot exchange rate for Britain and US is currently at 1.3933 ($ per pound). Britain's continuously compounded risk-free rate is 1.50%. The U.S. continuously compounded risk-free is 0.50%. Calculate the 8-month forward exchange rate.
Q2. The S&P 500 Index is currently trading at 3,899. The continuously compounded risk-free is 0.25%. Dividend yield (continuous comp.) is 1.80%. Calculate the fair-value futures price expiring in 10 months.
Q3. An investor holds 20,000 shares of a certain stock. The stock is currently trading at $245.00 per share.
He is interested in hedging against short-term movements in the market and decides to use E-Mini S&P 500 futures to hedge his exposure. The Index is currently at 3,895. Contract size = $50 times index.
The Beta of the Stock is 1.2. Calculate how many E-Mini S&P 500 futures contracts are needed to hedge the investor's holdings against downside price risk. What position (long or short) is required?
Q4. The spot exchange rate for US and Japan is quoted at 108.48 (¥ per $). The US continuously compounded risk-free rate is at: 0.75%. Japan's continuously compounded risk-free rate is at: 0.15%.
Calculate the 10-month forward exchange rate.
Q5. Explain how margins in futures markets are both a blessing and a curse. From a risk management perspective, what are the pros and cons of margin requirements in futures?
Q6. Why are futures prices and forward prices often different when, in principle, they have the same fair value calculation in principle?