Answer:
Yes, I will sign the contract.
Explanation:
The break-even exchange rate for the currency options contract is $1.46/BP and the exchange rate at the time of the payment will be $1.43/BP which means a reduction of $0.03 as future value. Since the contract was not signed with the inflationary rate, the receiver is at advantage while the lender is at a loss.
Answer:
Complete question
You are US company, 500,000 BP (British Pound) payable to UK in one year. Answer in terms of US$.
Information for Forward Contract:
Forward exchange rate (one yr): 1.54 $/BP
Information for Money Market Instruments (MMI):
Current exchange rate: 1.50 $/BP
Investment return at Aerion Fund Management (in UK): 4% annual
Interest rate of borrowing from Bank of America (in USA): 2% annual
Information you need for Currency Options Contract:
Options premium: 0.015 $/BP
Interest rate of borrowing from Bank of America (USA): 2% annual
Allowed to exercise options at 1.54 $/BP
If the break-even exchange rate for the Currency Options Contract is 1.46 $/BP, and you believe the exchange rate at the time of the payment would be 1.43 $/BP, should you sign the contract?
Explanation:
No, I will not sign the contract because the break-even exchange rate itself is 1.46 $/BP and it would mean that exchange rate below this price will give gains to the company and above this price would be a losing proposition. Since on the due date, exchange rate in the market will be lower than the options break-even price, company will buy the BP from the market and pay its obligation instead of exercising option at higher rate.
