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Student name:__________
1) The term interest rate swap
A) refers to a “single-currency interest rate swap” shortened to “interest rate swap.”
B) involves “counterparties” who make a contractual agreement to exchange cash flows
at periodic intervals.
C) can be “fixed-for-floating rate” or “floating-for-floating rate.”
D) all of the options
2) Examples of “single-currency interest rate swap” and “cross-currency interest rate swap”
are:
A) fixed-for-floating rate interest rate swap, where one counterparty exchanges the
interest payments of a floating-rate debt obligations for fixed-rate interest payments of the other
counter party.
B) fixed-for-fixed rate debt service (currency swap), where one counterparty exchanges
the debt service obligations of a bond denominated in one currency for the debt service
obligations of the other counterparty denominated in another currency.
C) Both A and B
D) none of the options
3) The primary reasons for a counterparty to use a currency swap are
A) to hedge and to speculate.
B) to play in the futures and forward markets.
C) to obtain debt financing in the swapped currency at an interest cost reduction brought
about through comparative advantages each counterparty has in its national capital market, and
the benefit of hedging long-run exchange rate exposure.
D) to hedge and to speculate, as well as to play in the futures and forward markets.
4) The size of the currency swap market (at year-end 2018) is
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A) immeasurable.
B) over 24 billion dollars.
C) measured by notational principal and over 24 trillion dollars.
D) none of the options
5) Which combination of the following statements is true about a swap bank?
1. (i) it is a generic term to describe a financial institution that facilitates swaps between
counterparties
2. (ii) it can be an international commercial bank
3. (iii) it can be an investment bank
4. (iv) it can be a merchant bank
5. (v) it can be an independent operator
A) (i) and (ii)
B) (i), (ii) and (iii)
C) (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
D) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v)
6) A swap bank
A) can act as a broker, standing ready to buy and sell swaps.
B) can act as a dealer, bringing together counterparties to a swap.
C) can act as a broker, bringing together counterparties to a swap, and/or as a dealer,
standing ready to buy and sell swaps.
D) only sometimes acts as a broker, bringing together counterparties to a swap, but
never ever acts as a dealer, standing ready to buy and sell swaps.
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7) In the swap market, which position potentially carries greater risks, broker or dealer?
A) Broker
B) Dealer
C) They are the same swaps, therefore the same risks.
D) none of the options
8) Which of the following statements regarding the swap bank are not true?
A) As a broker, the swap bank matches counterparties but does not assume any risk of
the swap.
B) Today’s swap banks serve as dealers or market makers.
C) A swap bank can be an international commercial bank, an investment bank, a
merchant bank, or an independent operator.
D) none of the options
9) Suppose the quote for a five-year swap with semiannual payments is 8.50–8.60 percent.
This means
A) the swap bank will pay semiannual fixed-rate dollar payments of 8.60 percent against
receiving six-month dollar LIBOR.
B) the swap bank will receive semiannual fixed-rate dollar payments of 8.50 percent
against paying six-month dollar LIBOR.
C) the swap bank will pay semiannual fixed-rate dollar payments of 8.50 percent against
receiving six-month dollar LIBOR, and the swap bank will receive semiannual fixed-rate dollar
payments of 8.60 percent against paying six-month dollar LIBOR.
D) none of the options
10) Suppose the quote for a five-year swap with semiannual payments is 8.50–8.60 percent.
This means
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A) the swap bank will pay semiannual fixed-rate dollar payments of 8.60 percent against
receiving six-month dollar LIBOR
B) the swap bank will receive semiannual fixed-rate dollar payments of 8.50 percent
against paying six-month dollar LIBOR.
C) if the swap bank is successful in getting counterparties to both legs of the swap at
these prices, he will have an annual profit of ten basis points.
D) none of the options
11) A swap bank makes the following quotes for 5-year swaps and AAA-rated firms:
USD
Euro
Bid
Bid
Ask
5
%
5.2
%
7
%
7.2
%
A) The bank stands ready to pay $5.2 percent against receiving dollar LIBOR on 5-year
loans.
B) The bank stands ready to receive €7 percent against receiving dollar LIBOR on 5-
year loans.
C) The bank stands ready to pay €7 percent against receiving dollar LIBOR on 5-year
loans.
D) none of the options
12) Suppose the quote for a five-year swap with semiannual payments is 8.50−8.60 percent in
dollars and 6.60−6.80 percent in euro against six-month dollar LIBOR. This means
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A) the swap bank will enter into a currency swap in which it would pay semiannual
fixed-rate dollar payments of 8.60 percent against receiving semiannual fixed-rate euro payments
of 6.80.
B) the swap bank will enter into a currency swap in which it would pay semiannual
fixed-rate euro payments of 6.60 percent against receiving semiannual fixed-rate dollar payments
of 8.50.
C) the swap bank will enter into a currency swap in which it would pay semiannual
fixed-rate dollar payments of 8.50 percent against receiving semiannual fixed-rate euro payments
of 6.80, and the swap bank will enter into a currency swap in which it would pay semiannual
fixed-rate euro payments of 6.60 percent against receiving semiannual fixed-rate dollar payments
of 8.60.
D) none of the options
13) An interest-only single currency interest rate swap
A) is also known as a plain vanilla swap.
B) is also known as an interest rate swap.
C) is about as simple as swaps can get.
D) all of the options
14) Company X and company Y have mirror-image financing needs (they both want to
borrow equivalent amounts for the same amount of time. Company X has a AAA credit rating,
but company Y’s credit standing is considerably lower.
A) Company X should demand most of the QSD in any swap with Y as compensation
for default risk.
B) Since Y has a poor credit rating, it would not be a participant in the swap market.
C) Company X should more readily agree to a swap involving Y if there is also a swap
bank providing credit risk intermediation.
D) Company X should demand most of the QSD in any swap with Y as compensation
for default risk, and Company X should more readily agree to a swap involving Y if there is also
a swap bank providing credit risk intermediation.
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15) A swap bank has identified two companies with mirror-image financing needs (they both
want to borrow equivalent amounts for the same amount of time. Company X has agreed to one
leg of the swap but company Y is “playing hard to get.”
A) If the swap bank has already contracted one leg of the swap, they should be hesitant
to offer better terms to company Y.
B) The swap bank could just buy the company X side of the swap.
C) Company X should lobby Y to “get on board.”
D) If the swap bank has already contracted one leg of the swap, they should be eager to
offer better terms to company Y to just get the deal done, and the swap bank could just sell the
company X side of the swap.
16) A swap bank has identified two companies with mirror-image financing needs—they both
want to borrow equivalent amounts for the same amount of time. Company X has agreed to one
leg of the swap but company Y is “playing hard to get.”
A) The swap bank could just sell the company X side of the swap.
B) Company X should lobby Y to “get on board.”
C) Company Y should calculate the QSD and subtract that from their best outside offer.
D) none of the options
17) Company X wants to borrow $10,000,000 floating for 5 years; company Y wants to
borrow $10,000,000 fixed for 5 years. Their external borrowing opportunities are shown here:
Fixed-Rate
Floating-Rate
Borrowing Cost
Borrowing Cost
Company X
10%
LIBOR
Company Y
12%
LIBOR + 1.5%
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A swap bank proposes the following interest only swap:
X will pay the swap bank annual payments on $10,000,000 at a rate of LIBOR − 0.15 percent; in
exchange the swap bank will pay to company X interest payments on $10,000,000 at a fixed rate
of 9.90 percent. What is the value of this swap to company X?
A) Company X will lose money on the deal.
B) Company X will save 25 basis points per year on $10,000,000 = $25,000 per year.
C) Company X will only break even on the deal.
D) Company X will save 5 basis points per year on $10,000,000 = $5,000 per year.
18) Company X wants to borrow $10,000,000 floating for 5 years; company Y wants to
borrow $10,000,000 fixed for 5 years. Their external borrowing opportunities are shown here:
Fixed-Rate
Floating-Rate
Borrowing Cost
Borrowing Cost
Company X
10%
LIBOR
Company Y
12%
LIBOR + 1.5%
A swap bank proposes the following interest only swap:
Y will pay the swap bank annual payments on $10,000,000 at a fixed rate of 9.90 percent. In
exchange the swap bank will pay to company Y interest payments on $10,000,000 at LIBOR −
0.15 percent; What is the value of this swap to company Y?
A) Company Y will save 15 basis points per year on $10,000,000 = $15,000 per year.
B) Company Y will save 45 basis points per year on $10,000,000 = $45,000 per year.
C) Company Y will save 5 basis points per year on $10,000,000 = $5,000 per year.
D) Company Y will only break even on the deal.
19) Company X wants to borrow $10,000,000 floating for 5 years; company Y wants to
borrow $10,000,000 fixed for 5 years. Their external borrowing opportunities are shown here:
Fixed-Rate
Floating-Rate
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Borrowing Cost
Borrowing Cost
Company X
10%
LIBOR
Company Y
12%
LIBOR + 1.5%
A swap bank proposes the following interest only swap:
X will pay the swap bank annual payments on $10,000,000 with the coupon rate of LIBOR−
0.15 percent; in exchange the swap bank will pay to company X interest payments on
$10,000,000 at a fixed rate of 9.90 percent. Y will pay the swap bank interest payments on
$10,000,000 at a fixed rate of 10.30 percent and the swap bank will pay Y annual payments on
$10,000,000 with the coupon rate of LIBOR − 0.15 percent.
What is the value of this swap to the swap bank?
A) The swap bank will lose money on the deal.
B) The swap bank will earn 40 basis points per year on $10,000,000 = $40,000 per year.
C) The swap bank will break even.
D) none of the options
20) Company X wants to borrow $10,000,000 floating for 5 years; company Y wants to
borrow $10,000,000 fixed for 5 years. Their external borrowing opportunities are shown here:
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Fixed-Rate
Floating-Rate
Borrowing Cost
Borrowing Cost
Company X
10%
LIBOR
Company Y
12%
LIBOR + 1.5%
A swap bank proposes the following interest only swap:
X will pay the swap bank annual payments on $10,000,000 with the coupon rate of LIBOR; in
exchange the swap bank will pay to company X interest payments on $10,000,000 at a fixed rate
of 10.05 percent. Y will pay the swap bank interest payments on $10,000,000 at a fixed rate of
10.30 percent and the swap bank will pay Y annual payments on $10,000,000 with the coupon
rate of LIBOR − 0.15 percent.
What is the value of this swap to the swap bank?
A) The swap bank will earn 40 basis points per year on $10,000,000 = $40,000 per year.
B) The swap bank will earn 10 basis points per year on $10,000,000 = $10,000 per year.
C) The swap bank will lose money.
D) none of the options
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21) Company X wants to borrow $10,000,000 floating for 5 years; company Y wants to
borrow $10,000,000 fixed for 5 years. Their external borrowing opportunities are shown here:
Fixed-Rate
Floating-Rate
Borrowing Cost
Borrowing Cost
Company X
10%
LIBOR
Company Y
12%
LIBOR + 1.5%
A swap bank is involved and quotes the following for five-year dollar interest rate swaps: 10.05
percent−10.45 percent against LIBOR flat.
Assume both X and Y agree to the swap bank’s terms. Fill in the values for A, B, C, D, E, & F
on the diagram.
A) A = LIBOR; B = 10.45%; C = 10.05%; D = LIBOR; E = LIBOR; F = 12%
B) A = 10%; B = 10.45%; C = 10.05%; D = LIBOR; E = LIBOR; F = LIBOR + 1½%
C) A = 10%; B = 10.45%; C = LIBOR; D = LIBOR; E = 10.05%; F = LIBOR + 1½%
D) A = 10%; B = LIBOR; C = LIBOR; D = 10.45%; E = 10.05%; F = LIBOR + 1½%
22) Company X wants to borrow $10,000,000 floating for 5 years; company Y wants to
borrow $10,000,000 fixed for 5 years. Their external borrowing opportunities are shown here:
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Fixed-Rate
Floating-Rate
Borrowing Cost
Borrowing Cost
Company X
10%
LIBOR
Company Y
12%
LIBOR + 1.5%
Design a mutually beneficial interest only swap for X and Y with a notational principal of $10
million by having appropriate values for;
A = Company X’s external borrowing rate
B = Company Y’s payment to X (rate)
C = Company X’s payment to Y (rate)
D = Company Y’s external borrowing rate
a) A = 10%; B = 11.75%; C = LIBOR – .25%; D = LIBOR + 1.5%
b) A = 10%; B = 10%; C = LIBOR – .25%; D = LIBOR + 1.5%
c) A = LIBOR; B = 10%; C = LIBOR – .25%; D = 12%
d) A = LIBOR; B = LIBOR; C = LIBOR – .25%; D = 12%
A) Option a
B) Option b
C) Option c
D) Option d
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23) Suppose ABC Investment Banker Ltd., is quoting swap rates as follows: 7.50 − 7.85
annually against six-month dollar LIBOR for dollars, and 11.00 percent−11.30 percent annually
against six-month dollar LIBOR for British pound sterling. ABC would enter into a $/£ currency
swap in which:
A) it would pay annual fixed-rate dollar payments of 7.5 percent in return for receiving
annual fixed-rate £ payments at 11.0 percent.
B) it will receive annual fixed-rate dollar payments at 7.50 percent against paying
annual fixed-rate £ payments at 11 percent.
C) it would pay annual fixed-rate dollar payments of 7.5 percent in return for receiving
annual fixed-rate £ payments at 11.3 percent, and it will receive annual fixed-rate dollar
payments at 7.85 percent against paying annual fixed-rate £ payments at 11 percent.
D) none of the options
24) Which of the following statements regarding a quality spread differential are true?
A) It is the difference between the default-risk premium differential on the fixed-rate
debt and the default-risk premium differential on the floating rate debt.
B) It is the sum of the default-risk premium differential and the fixed-rate debt divided
by the default-risk premium differential on the floating rate debt.
C) It is not possible for all parties to have a positive quality spread differential.
D) none of the options
25) An all-in cost consists of
A) interest expense
B) transaction costs
C) service charges
D) all of the options
26) Use the following information to calculate the quality spread differential (QSD).
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Fixed-Rate Borrowing
Cost
Floating-Rate Borrowing
Cost
Company X
10
%
LIBOR
Company Y
12
%
LIBOR + 1.5
%
A) 0.50 percent
B) 1.00 percent
C) 1.50 percent
D) 2.00 percent
27) Company X wants to borrow $10,000,000 floating for 5 years; company Y wants to
borrow $10,000,000 fixed for 5 years. Their external borrowing opportunities are shown below.
Fixed-Rate Borrowing
Cost
Floating-Rate Borrowing
Cost
Company X
10
%
LIBOR
Company Y
12
%
LIBOR + 1.5
%
A swap bank is involved and quotes the following rates five-year dollar interest rate swaps at
10.05 percent –10.45 percent against LIBOR flat.
Assume company Y has agreed, but company X will only agree to the swap if the bank offers
better terms.
What are the absolute best terms the bank can offer X, given that it already booked Y?
{MISSING IMAGE}
A) 10.45% −10.45% against LIBOR flat.
B) 10.45%−10.05% against LIBOR flat.
C) 10.50%−10.50% against LIBOR flat.
D) none of the options
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28) Company X wants to borrow $10,000,000 for 5 years; company Y wants to borrow
£5,000,000 for 5 years. The exchange rate is $2 = £1 and is not expected to change over the next
5 years. Their external borrowing opportunities are shown here:
$ Borrowing
£Borrowing
Cost
Cost
Company X
$
10
%
£
10.5
%
Company Y
$
12
%
£
13
%
A swap bank proposes the following interest only swap:
X will pay the swap bank annual payments on $10,000,000 with the coupon rate of 9.80 percent;
in exchange the swap bank will pay to company X interest payments on £5,000,000 at a fixed
rate of 10.5 percent. Y will pay the swap bank interest payments on £5,000,000 at a fixed rate of
12.80 percent and the swap bank will pay Y annual payments on $10,000,000 with the coupon
rate of 12 percent.
{MISSING IMAGE}
What is the value of this swap to the swap bank?
A) The swap bank will earn 10 basis points per year; the only risk is default risk.
B) The swap bank will earn 10 basis points per year but has exchange rate risk: dollar-
denominated income and pound-denominated costs and default risk.
C) The swap bank will earn 10 basis points per year but has exchange rate risk: pound-
denominated income and dollar-denominated costs and default risk.
D) The swap bank will earn 20 basis points per year in dollars but has exchange rate
risk: pound-denominated income and dollar-denominated costs and default risk.
29) Swaps are said to offer market completeness.
A) This means that all types of debt instruments are not regularly available for all
borrowers. Thus interest rate swap markets assist in tailoring financing to the type desired by a
particular borrower.
B) In that the swap market offers price discovery to the market
C) Because you can trade across both currencies and fixed and floating market segments
D) none of the options
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30) Consider the dollar- and euro-based borrowing opportunities of companies A and B.
€ borrowing
$ borrowing
A
€
7
%
$
8
%
B
€
6
%
$
9
%
A is a U.S.-based MNC with AAA credit; B is an Italian firm with AAA credit. Firm A wants to
borrow €1,000,000 for one year and B wants to borrow $2,000,000 for one year. The spot
exchange rate is $2.00 = €1.00 and the one-year forward rate is given by IRP as
Suppose they agree to the swap shown here. Is this mutually beneficial swap equally fair to
both parties?
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A) Yes, QSD = [€7%− €6% × $2.00/€1.00] − ($8% − $9%) = $2% + $1% = $3%.
B) No, company A borrows at 6 percent in euro but company B borrows at 8 percent in
dollars.
C) Yes, A will be better off by €1 percent on €1m; B by 1 percent on $2m and $2.00 =
€1.00.
D) No, company A saves 1 percent in euro but company B saves only 1 percent in
dollars when the spot exchange rate is $2.00 = €1.00—A is twice as better off as B.
31) A is a U.S.-based MNC with AAA credit; B is an Italian firm with AAA credit. Firm A
wants to borrow €1,000,000 for one year and B wants to borrow $2,000,000 for one year. The
spot exchange rate is $2.00 = €1.00, a swap bank makes the following quotes for 1-year swaps
and AAA-rated firms against USD LIBOR.
USD
Euro
Bid
Bid
Ask
8
%
8.1
%
6
%
6.1
%
The firms external borrowing opportunities are
€ borrowing
$ borrowing
A
€
7
%
$
8
%
B
€
6
%
$
9
%
Is there a mutually beneficial swap?
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A) Yes, Firm A swaps with the swap bank, $ at bid and € at ask. Firm B swaps with the
swap bank, $ at ask and € at bid. Firms A and B would each save 90bp and the swap bank would
earn 20bp.
B) There is no mutually beneficial swap at these prices.
C) Yes, Firm A swaps with the swap bank, $ at ask and € at bid. Firm B swaps with the
swap bank, $ at bid and € at ask. Firms A and B would each save 90bp and the swap bank would
earn 20bp.
D) none of the options
32) Consider the dollar- and euro-based borrowing opportunities of companies A and B.
€ borrowing
$ borrowing
A
€
7
%
$
8
%
B
€
6
%
$
9
%
A is a U.S.-based MNC with AAA credit; B is an Italian firm with AAA credit. Firm A wants to
borrow €1,000,000 for one year and B wants to borrow $2,000,000 for one year. The spot
exchange rate is $2.00 = €1.00 and the one-year forward rate is given by IRP as $2.00 ×
(1.08)/€1.00 × (1.06) = $2.0377/€1.
Is there a mutually beneficial swap?
A) No, Savings = 0
B) Yes, Savings = 2% = (7% − 6%) − (8% − 9%) = 1% − (−1%)
C) Yes, Savings = [€7% − €6%] × $2.00/€1.00 − ($8% − $9%) = $2% + $1% = $3%
D) Yes, Savings = [€7% − €6%] − ($8% − $9%) × €1.00/$2.00 = €1½%
33) Pricing an interest-only single currency swap after inception involves
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A) sending a market order to a swap dealer.
B) finding the difference between the present values of the payments streams the party
will receive and pay.
C) finding the sum of the present values of the payments streams that each party will
receive in one currency and pay in the other currency, converted to a common currency.
D) none of the options
34) Company X wants to borrow $10,000,000 floating for 5 years; Company Y wants to
borrow £5,000,000 fixed for 5 years. The exchange rate is $2 = £1. Their external borrowing
opportunities are:
$ Borrowing
£Borrowing
Cost
Cost
Company X
$
10
%
£
10.5
%
Company Y
$
12
%
£
13
%
A swap bank proposes the following swap: Company X will pay the swap bank annual payments
on $10,000,000 at an interest rate of $9.80 percent; in exchange the swap bank will pay to
company X interest payments on £5,000,000 at a fixed rate of ₤10.5 percent. Y will pay the swap
bank interest payments on £5,000,000 at a fixed rate of ₤12.80 percent and the swap bank will
pay Y annual payments on $10,000,000 with the coupon rate of $12 percent. Principal amounts
will be exchanged and re-exchanged, respectively, at inception and maturity.
{MISSING IMAGE}
If company X takes on the swap, what external action should it engage in?
A) It should borrow $10,000,000 at $10 percent.
B) It should borrow £5,000,000 at ₤10.50 percent for five years; translate pounds to
dollars at the spot rate.
C) It should borrow £5,000,000 at £12.80 percent for five years.
D) none of the options
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35) Company X wants to borrow $10,000,000 fixed for 5 years; company Y wants to borrow
£5,000,000 fixed for 5 years. The exchange rate is $2 = £1. Their external borrowing
opportunities are
$ Borrowing
£Borrowing
Cost
Cost
Company X
$
10
%
£
10.5
%
Company Y
$
12
%
£
13
%
A swap bank wants to design a profitable fixed-for-fixed currency swap. In order for X and Y to
be interested, they can face no exchange rate risk.
What must the values of A and B in the graph shown above be in order for the swap to be of
interest to firms X and Y?
A) A = $10.50%; B = £12%.
B) A = $10%; B = £13%.
C) A = $12%; B = £13%.
D) A = £10.50%; B = $12%.
36) Pricing a currency swap after inception involves
A) finding the difference between the present values of the payments streams the party
will receive in one currency and pay in the other currency, converted to a common currency.
B) sending a market order to a swap dealer.
C) finding the sum of the present values of the payments streams that each party will
receive in one currency and pay in the other currency, converted to a common currency.
D) none of the options
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37) Company X wants to borrow $10,000,000 floating for 1 year; company Y wants to
borrow £5,000,000 fixed for 1 year. The spot exchange rate is $2 = £1 and IRP calculates the
one-year forward rate as $2.00 × (1.08)/£1.00 × (1.06) = $2.0377/£1. Their external borrowing
opportunities are:
$ Borrowing
£Borrowing
Cost
Cost
Company X
$
8
%
£
7
%
Company Y
$
9
%
£
6
%
A swap bank wants to design a profitable fixed-for-fixed currency swap. In order for X and Y to
be interested, they can face no exchange rate risk.
What must the values of A and B in the graph shown above be in order for the swap to be of
interest to firms X and Y?
A) A = £7%; B = $9%.
B) A = $8%; B = £6%.
C) A = $7%; B = £7%.
D) A = $8%; B = £8%.
38) Company X wants to borrow $10,000,000 floating for 1 year; company Y wants to
borrow £5,000,000 fixed for 1 year. The spot exchange rate is $2 = £1 and IRP calculates the
one-year forward rate as $2.00 × (1.08)/£1.00 × (1.06) = $2.0377/£1. Their external borrowing
opportunities are:
$ Borrowing
£Borrowing
Cost
Cost
Company X
$
8
%
£
7
%
Company Y
$
9
%
£
6
%
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A swap bank wants to design a profitable fixed-for-fixed currency swap. In order for X and Y to
be interested, they can face no exchange rate risk.
Company X
A) is probably British.
B) is probably American.
C) has a comparative advantage in borrowing pounds.
D) is probably British, and has a comparative advantage in borrowing pounds.
39) In a currency swap,
A) it may be the case that two counterparties have equivalent credit ratings.
B) it may be the case that firms have a comparative advantage in borrowing in their
domestic markets.
C) Both A and B
D) none of the options
40) When an interest rate swap is established on an amortizing basis,
A) the debt service exchanges decrease periodically through time as the hypothetical
notional principal is amortized.
B) the debt service exchanges are the same each year, but the level of interest and
principal changes as the loans amortize.
C) there is no such thing as an amortizing swap.
D) none of the options
41) Floating-for-floating currency swaps
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A) have different reference rates for the different currencies: e.g. dollar LIBOR versus
euro LIBOR.
B) do not exist.
C) offer the swap bank a built-in hedge.
D) none of the options
42) Compute the payments due in the first year on a three-year amortizing swap from
company B to company A. Company A and company B both want to borrow £1,000,000 for
three years. A wants to borrow floating and B wants to borrow fixed. A and B agree to split the
QSD.
Fixed-Rate Borrowing
Cost
Floating-Rate Borrowing
Cost
Company A
10
%
LIBOR
Company B
12
%
LIBOR + 1.5
%
A) B pays £402,114.80 to A
B) B pays £100,000 to A
C) B pays £69,788.52 to A
D) none of the options
43) In an interest-only currency swap
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A) the counterparties must raise the actual notational principal in their home markets;
then exchange it for the foreign currency they desire. They must also hedge with forward
contracts on the currency.
B) the counterparties periodically exchange the amortized portions of the notational
principals.
C) the counterparties must raise the actual notational principal in their home markets;
then exchange it for the foreign currency they desire. They must also hedge with forward
contracts on the currency. Additionally, the counterparties periodically exchange the amortized
portions of the notational principals.
D) none of the options
44) Amortizing currency swaps
A) decrease the debt service exchanges periodically through time as the hypothetical
notational principal is amortized.
B) incorporate an amortization feature in which periodically the amortized portions of
the notational principals are re-exchanged.
C) Both A and B
D) none of the options
45) Nominal differences in currency swap rates
A) can be explained by the set of international parity relationships.
B) can be explained by the credit risk differentials.
C) can be explained by the quality spread differential.
D) disappear when controlling for volatility.
46) Floating-for-floating currency swaps
Version 1 24
A) have reference rates that are different for the different currencies (e.g., dollar LIBOR
versus euro LIBOR).
B) have reference rates that can be the same but have different frequencies.
C) Both A and B
D) none of the options
47) XYZ Corporation enters into a 6-year interest rate swap with a swap bank in which it
agrees to pay the swap bank a fixed-rate of 9 percent annually on a notional amount of
SFr10,000,000 and receive LIBOR−½ percent. As of the third reset date (i.e., midway through
the 6-year agreement), calculate the price of the swap, assuming that the fixed-rate at which
XYZ can borrow has increased to 10 percent.
A) SFr248,685
B) SFr900,000
C) SFr2,700,000
D) SFr7,300,000
48) Which combination of the following represent the risks that a swap dealer confronts.
1. (i) interest rate risk
2. (ii) basis risk
3. (iii) exchange rate risk
4. (iv) political risk
5. (v) sovereign risk
Version 1 25
A) (i), (ii), (iii), and (v)
B) (i), (iii), and (iv)
C) (iii), (iv), and (iv)
D) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), and (v)
49) A major risk faced by a swap dealer is credit risk. This is
A) the probability that a counterparty will default.
B) the probability that both counterparties default.
C) the probability floating rates will move against the dealer.
D) none of the options
50) A major risk that can be eliminated through a swap is exchange rate risk.
A) But only to the extent that the foreign counterparty, or swap bank, will not default in
the currency swap.
B) But only if the bid-ask spreads are wide.
C) But swaps can be less efficient in this than just trading at the expected spot exchange
rates each year.
D) none of the options
51) A major risk faced by a swap dealer is exchange rate risk. This is
A) the probability that a foreign counterparty will default in a currency swap.
B) the probability that either counterparty defaults in a currency swap.
C) the probability exchange rates will move against the dealer.
D) none of the options
52) A major risk faced by a swap dealer is mismatch risk. This is
Version 1 26
A) the probability floating rates and exchange rates will not move together.
B) the difficulty in finding a second counterparty with an exact opposite match for a
swap that the bank has agreed to take with another counterparty.
C) the probability that both counterparties default.
D) none of the options
53) Some of the risks that a swap dealer confronts are “basis risk” and “sovereign risk.”
Select the definitions that best describe each.
A) “Basis risk” refers to the probability that a country will impose exchange restrictions
on a currency involved in a swap, and “sovereign risk” refers to a situation in which the floating
rates of the two counterparties are not pegged to the same index.
B) “Basis risk” refers to a situation in which the floating rates of the two counterparties
are not pegged to the same index and “sovereign risk” refers to the probability that a country will
impose exchange restrictions on a currency involved in a swap.
C) “Basis risk” refers to interest rate changing unfavorably before the swap bank can lay
off to an opposing counterparty the other side of an interest rate swap entered into with a counter
party, and “sovereign risk” refers to the probability that a country will impose exchange
restrictions on a currency involved in a swap.
D) “Basis risk” refers to the risk of fluctuating exchange rates, and “sovereign risk”
refers to a situation in which the floating rates of the two counterparties are not pegged to the
same index.
54) A major risk faced by a swap dealer is sovereign risk. This is
A) the probability that a sovereign counterparty will default.
B) the probability that a country will impose exchange restrictions on a currency
involved in an existing swap.
C) the probability governments will intervene to support an exchange rate.
D) none of the options
Version 1 27
55) In an efficient market without barriers to capital flows, the cost-savings argument of the
QSD is difficult to accept, because
A) it implies that an arbitrage opportunity exists because of some mispricing of the
default risk premiums on different types of debt instruments.
B) it implies that an arbitrage opportunity exists because of some mispricing of the
exchange rates on different maturities of forward contracts.
C) it implies that an arbitrage opportunity exists because of some mispricing of the
default risk premiums on different types of debt instruments, and it implies that an arbitrage
opportunity exists because of some mispricing of the exchange rates on different maturities of
forward contracts.
D) none of the options
56) When a swap bank serves as a dealer,
A) the swap bank stands willing to accept either side of a swap.
B) the swap bank matches counterparties but does not assume any risk of the swap.
C) the swap bank receives a commission for matching buyers and sellers.
D) none of the options
57) When a swap bank serves as a broker,
A) the swap bank stands willing to accept either side of a swap.
B) the swap bank matches counterparties but does not assume any risk of the swap.
C) the swap bank receives a commission for matching buyers and sellers.
D) none of the options
58) Consider a plain vanilla interest rate swap. Firm A can borrow at 8 percent fixed or can
borrow floating at LIBOR. Firm B is somewhat less creditworthy and can borrow at 10 percent
fixed or can borrow floating at LIBOR + 1 percent. Firm A wants to borrow floating and Firm B
prefers to borrow fixed. Both corporations wish to borrow $10 million for 5 years. Which of the
following swaps is mutually beneficial to each party and meets their financing needs?
Version 1 28
A) Firm A borrows $10 million externally for 5 years at LIBOR; agrees to swap LIBOR
to firm B for 8 ½ percent fixed for 5 years on a notational principal of $5 million; B borrows $10
million externally at 10 percent.
B) A borrows $10 million externally for 5 years at LIBOR; agrees to pay 8½ percent to
B for LIBOR fixed for 5 years on a notational principal of $5 million; B borrows $10 million
externally at 10 percent.
C) Since the QSD = 0 there is no mutually beneficial swap.
D) A borrows $10 million externally at 8 percent fixed for 5 years; agrees to swap
LIBOR to B for 8½ percent fixed for 5 years on a notational principal of $5 million; B borrows
$10 million externally at LIBOR + 1 percent.
59) Consider fixed-for-fixed currency swap. Firm A is a U.S.-based multinational. Firm B is
a U.K.-based multinational. Firm A wants to finance a £2 million expansion in Great Britain.
Firm B wants to finance a $4 million expansion in the U.S. The spot exchange rate is £1.00 =
$2.00. Firm A can borrow dollars at 10 percent and pounds sterling at 12 percent. Firm B can
borrow dollars at 9 percent and pounds sterling at 11 percent. Which of the following swaps is
mutually beneficial to each party and meets their financing needs? Neither party should face
exchange rate risk.
A) There is no mutually beneficial swap that has neither party facing exchange rate risk.
B) Firm A should borrow $4 million in dollars, pay 11 percent in pounds to Firm B,
who in turn borrows ₤2 million and pays 8 percent in dollars to A.
C) Firm A should borrow $2 million in dollars, pay 11 percent in pounds to Firm B,
who in turn borrows ₤4 million and pays 8 percent in dollars to A.
D) Firm A should borrow $4 million in dollars, pay 11 percent in pounds to Firm B,
who in turn borrows ₤2 million and pays 10 percent in dollars to A.
60) Consider a bank that has entered into a five-year swap on a notational balance of
$10,000,000 with a corporate customer who has agreed to pay a fixed payment of 10 percent in
exchange for LIBOR. As of the fourth reset date, determine the price of the swap from the bank’s
point of view assuming that the fixed-rate side of the swap has increased to 11 percent. LIBOR is
at 5 percent.
Version 1 29
A) $909,090.91.
B) −$90,090.09.
C) No loss or no gain since maturity has not arrived.
D) $90,090.09.
61) Find the all-in-cost of a swap to a party that has agreed to borrow $5 million at 5 percent
externally and pays LIBOR + ½ percent on a notational principal of $5 million in exchange for
fixed rate payments of 6 percent.
A) LIBOR + ½ percent
B) LIBOR
C) LIBOR − ½ percent
D) none of the options
62) Consider a fixed for fixed currency swap. The Dow Corporation is a U.S.-based
multinational. The Jones Corporation is a U.K.-based multinational. Dow wants to finance a £2
million expansion in Great Britain. Jones wants to finance a $4 million expansion in the U.S. The
spot exchange rate is £1.00 = $2.00. Dow can borrow dollars at $10 percent and pounds sterling
at 12 percent. Jones can borrow dollars at 9 percent and pounds sterling at 10 percent. Assuming
that the swap bank is willing to take on exchange rate risk, but the other counterparties are not,
which of the following swaps is mutually beneficial to each party and meets their financing
needs?
Version 1 30
A) Dow should borrow $4 million in dollars externally at $10 percent; pay £11¾ percent
in pounds to the swap bank on a notational principal of £2 million; receive $10 percent from the
swap bank on a notational principal of $4 million. Jones, borrows £2 million pounds externally at
£10 percent; pays $8¾ percent to the swap bank on a notational principal of $4 million and
receives £10 percent in pounds from the swap bank on a notational principal of £2 million.
B) Dow should borrow $4 million in dollars externally at $10 percent; pay £11½ percent
in pounds to the swap bank on a notational principal of £2 million; receive $10 percent from the
swap bank on a notational principal of $4 million. Jones, borrows £2 million pounds externally at
£10 percent; pays $8½ percent to the swap bank on a notational principal of $4 million and
receives £10 percent in pounds from the swap bank on a notational principal of £2 million.
C) Dow should borrow $4 million in dollars externally at $10 percent; pay £11 percent
in pounds to the swap bank on a notational principal of £2 million; receive $8 percent from the
swap bank on a notational principal of $4 million. Jones, borrows £2 million pounds externally at
£10 percent; pays $10 percent to the swap bank on a notational principal of $4 million and
receives £11 percent in pounds from the swap bank on a notational principal of £2 million.
D) There is no swap that is possible.
63) With regard to a swap bank acting as a dealer in swap transactions, interest rate risk
refers to
A) the risk that arises from the situation in which the floating-rates of the two
counterparties are not pegged to the same index.
B) the risk that interest rates changing unfavorably before the swap bank can lay off to
an opposing counterparty on the other side of an interest rate swap entered into with the first
counterparty.
C) the risk the swap bank faces from fluctuating exchange rates during the time it takes
for the bank to lay off a swap it undertakes with one counterparty with an opposing transaction.
D) the risk that a counterparty will default.
64) With regard to a swap bank acting as a dealer in swap transactions, mismatch risk refers
to
Version 1 31
A) the risk that arises from the situation in which the floating-rates of the two
counterparties are not pegged to the same index.
B) the risk that interest rates changing unfavorably before the swap bank can lay off to
an opposing counterparty on the other side of an interest rate swap entered into with the first
counterparty.
C) the risk the swap bank faces from fluctuating exchange rates during the time it takes
for the bank to lay off a swap it undertakes with one counterparty with an opposing transaction.
D) the risk that it may be difficult or impossible to find an exact opposite match for a
swap the bank has agreed take.
65) You are the debt manager for a U.S.-based multinational. You need to borrow
€100,000,000 for five years. You can either borrow the €100,000,000 directly in Germany or
borrow dollars in the U.S. and enter into a currency swap with a swap bank. One risk that you
face by using the swap that you do not face by borrowing euros directly is
A) exchange rate risk.
B) sovereign risk.
C) credit risk.
D) interest rate risk.
66) Suppose that you are a swap bank and you notice that interest rates on coupon bonds are
as shown. Develop the 3-year bid price of a euro swap quoted against flat USD LIBOR. The
current spot exchange rate is $1.50 per €1.00. The size of the swap is €40 million versus $60
million.
Rates
3-year
USD
$
7
%
Euro
€
5
%
In other words, what will you be willing to pay in euro against receiving USD LIBOR?
Version 1 32
A) 7 percent
B) 6 percent
C) 5 percent
D) none of the options
67) The two primary reasons for an interest rate swap are
A) to better match maturities of assets and liabilities; to obtain low cost debt
B) to better match maturities of assets and liabilities; to obtain cost savings via the
quality spread differential
C) to obtain low cost debt; to achieve cost savings via the quality spread
D) none of the options
68) Suppose that the swap that you proposed is now 4 years old (i.e., there is exactly one year
to go on the swap). The fourth payment has already been made. If the spot exchange rate
prevailing in year 4 is $1.8778 = €1 and the 1-year forward exchange rate prevailing in year 4 is
$1.95 = €1, what is the value of the swap to the party paying dollars? If the swap were initiated
today the correct rates would be as shown.
A) $184,909
B) $186,760
C) $200,000
D) $183,057
69) Suppose that the swap that you proposed is now 4 years old (i.e., there is exactly one year
to go on the swap). If the spot exchange rate prevailing in year 4 is $1.8778 = €1 and the 1-year
forward exchange rate prevailing in year 4 is $1.95 = €1, what is the value of the swap to the
party paying dollars? If the swap were initiated today the correct rates would be as shown.
Version 1 33
A) $185,000
B) $180,000
C) $173,625
D) $625,000
70) Come up with a swap (exchange of interest and principal) for parties A and B who have
the following borrowing opportunities.
€
$
A
€5%
$LIBOR%
B
€6%
$LIBOR + ½%
The current exchange rate is $1.60 = €1.00. Company “A” is in Milan, Italy and wishes to
borrow $1,000,000 at a floating rate for 5 years and company “B” is a U.S. firm that wants to
borrow €625,000 for 5 years at a fixed rate of interest. You are a swap dealer. Quote A and B a
swap that makes money for all parties and eliminates exchange rate risk for both A and B.
71) Come up with a swap (principal + interest) for two parties A and B who have the
following borrowing opportunities.
€
$
A
€LIBOR%
$
8
%
B
€LIBOR + ½%
$
8.20
%
The current exchange rate is $1.60 = €1.00. Company “A” wishes to borrow $1,000,000 for 5
years and “B” wants to borrow €625,000 for 5 years. You are a swap dealer. Quote A and B a
swap that makes money for all parties and eliminates exchange rate risk for both A and B. Firms
A and B are more concerned with what currency that they borrow in than whether the debt is
fixed or floating.
Version 1 34
72) Consider the situation of firm A and firm B. The current exchange rate is $1.50/€. Firm A
is a U.S. MNC and wants to borrow €40 million for 2 years. Firm B is a French MNC and wants
to borrow $60 million for 2 years. Their borrowing opportunities are as shown; both firms have
AAA credit ratings.
$
€
A
$
7
%
€
6
%
B
$
8
%
€
5
%
What are the IRP 1-year and 2-year forward exchange rates?
73) Consider the situation of firm A and firm B. The current exchange rate is $1.50/€. Firm A
is a U.S. MNC and wants to borrow €40 million for 2 years. Firm B is a French MNC and wants
to borrow $60 million for 2 years. Their borrowing opportunities are as shown; both firms have
AAA credit ratings.
$
€
A
$
7
%
€
6
%
B
$
8
%
€
5
%
Explain how firm A could use the forward exchange markets to redenominate a 2-year $60m 7
percent USD loan into a 2-year euro denominated loan.
Version 1 35
74) Consider the situation of firm A and firm B. The current exchange rate is $1.50/€. Firm A
is a U.S. MNC and wants to borrow €40 million for 2 years. Firm B is a French MNC and wants
to borrow $60 million for 2 years. Their borrowing opportunities are as shown; both firms have
AAA credit ratings.
$
€
A
$
7
%
€
6
%
B
$
8
%
€
5
%
If firm A could use the forward exchange markets to redenominate a 2-year $60m 7 percent USD
loan into a 2-year euro denominated loan, what would be the interest rate?
75) Consider the situation of firm A and firm B. The current exchange rate is $1.50/€. Firm A
is a U.S. MNC and wants to borrow €40 million for 2 years. Firm B is a French MNC and wants
to borrow $60 million for 2 years. Their borrowing opportunities are as shown; both firms have
AAA credit ratings.
$
€
A
$
7
%
€
6
%
B
$
8
%
€
5
%
Explain how this opportunity affects which swap firm A will be willing to participate in.
Version 1 36
76) Consider the situation of firm A and firm B. The current exchange rate is $1.50/€. Firm A
is a U.S. MNC and wants to borrow €40 million for 2 years. Firm B is a French MNC and wants
to borrow $60 million for 2 years. Their borrowing opportunities are as shown; both firms have
AAA credit ratings.
$
€
A
$
7
%
€
6
%
B
$
8
%
€
5
%
Explain how firm B could use the forward exchange markets to redenominate a 2-year €40m 5
percent euro loan into a 2-year USD-denominated loan.
77) Consider the situation of firm A and firm B. The current exchange rate is $1.50/€. Firm A
is a U.S. MNC and wants to borrow €40 million for 2 years. Firm B is a French MNC and wants
to borrow $60 million for 2 years. Their borrowing opportunities are as shown; both firms have
AAA credit ratings.
$
€
A
$
7
%
€
6
%
B
$
8
%
€
5
%
If firm B could use the forward exchange markets to redenominate a 2-year €40m 5 percent euro
loan into a 2-year USD-denominated loan, what would be the interest rate?
Version 1 37
78) Consider the situation of firm A and firm B. The current exchange rate is $1.50/€. Firm A
is a U.S. MNC and wants to borrow €40 million for 2 years. Firm B is a French MNC and wants
to borrow $60 million for 2 years. Their borrowing opportunities are as shown; both firms have
AAA credit ratings.
$
€
A
$
7
%
€
6
%
B
$
8
%
€
5
%
Explain how this opportunity affects which swap firm B will be willing to participate in.
79) Consider the situation of firm A and firm B. The current exchange rate is $1.50/€. Firm A
is a U.S. MNC and wants to borrow €40 million for 2 years. Firm B is a French MNC and wants
to borrow $60 million for 2 years. Their borrowing opportunities are as shown; both firms have
AAA credit ratings.
$
€
A
$
7
%
€
6
%
B
$
8
%
€
5
%
Devise a direct swap for A and B that has no swap bank. Show their external borrowing.
{MISSING IMAGE}
Version 1 38
80) Consider the situation of firm A and firm B. The current exchange rate is $1.50/€. Firm A
is a U.S. MNC and wants to borrow €40 million for 2 years. Firm B is a French MNC and wants
to borrow $60 million for 2 years. Their borrowing opportunities are as shown; both firms have
AAA credit ratings.
$
€
A
$
7
%
€
6
%
B
$
8
%
€
5
%
Act as a swap bank and quote bid and ask prices to A and B that are attractive to A and B and
promise to make at least 20bp for your firm.
USD
Euro
Bid
Ask
Bid
Ask
81) Consider the situation of firm A and firm B. The current exchange rate is $1.50/€. Firm A
is a U.S. MNC and wants to borrow €40 million for 2 years. Firm B is a French MNC and wants
to borrow $60 million for 2 years. Their borrowing opportunities are as shown; both firms have
AAA credit ratings.
$
€
A
$
7
%
€
6
%
B
$
8
%
€
5
%
Show how your proposed swap would work for firm A. (e.g., if you were acting as an agent for
the swap bank, try to “sell” firm A on your swap)
Version 1 39
82) Consider the situation of firm A and firm B. The current exchange rate is $2.00/£ Firm A
is a U.S. MNC and wants to borrow £30 million for 2 years. Firm B is a British MNC and wants
to borrow $60 million for 2 years. Their borrowing opportunities are as shown, both firms have
AAA credit ratings.
$
£
A
$
6
%
£
5
%
B
$
7
%
£
4
%
What are the IRP 1-year and 2-year forward exchange rates?
83) Consider the situation of firm A and firm B. The current exchange rate is $2.00/£ Firm A
is a U.S. MNC and wants to borrow £30 million for 2 years. Firm B is a British MNC and wants
to borrow $60 million for 2 years. Their borrowing opportunities are as shown, both firms have
AAA credit ratings.
$
£
A
$
6
%
£
5
%
B
$
7
%
£
4
%
Explain how firm A could use the forward exchange markets to redenominate a 2-year $60m 6
percent USD loan into a 2-year pound denominated loan.
Version 1 40
84) Consider the situation of firm A and firm B. The current exchange rate is $2.00/£ Firm A
is a U.S. MNC and wants to borrow £30 million for 2 years. Firm B is a British MNC and wants
to borrow $60 million for 2 years. Their borrowing opportunities are as shown, both firms have
AAA credit ratings.
$
£
A
$
6
%
£
5
%
B
$
7
%
£
4
%
If firm A could use the forward exchange markets to redenominate a 2-year $60m 6 percent USD
loan into a 2-year pound denominated loan, what would be the interest rate?
85) Consider the situation of firm A and firm B. The current exchange rate is $2.00/£ Firm A
is a U.S. MNC and wants to borrow £30 million for 2 years. Firm B is a British MNC and wants
to borrow $60 million for 2 years. Their borrowing opportunities are as shown, both firms have
AAA credit ratings.
$
£
A
$
6
%
£
5
%
B
$
7
%
£
4
%
Explain how this opportunity affects which swap firm A will be willing to participate in.
Version 1 41
86) Consider the situation of firm A and firm B. The current exchange rate is $2.00/£ Firm A
is a U.S. MNC and wants to borrow £30 million for 2 years. Firm B is a British MNC and wants
to borrow $60 million for 2 years. Their borrowing opportunities are as shown, both firms have
AAA credit ratings.
$
£
A
$
6
%
£
5
%
B
$
7
%
£
4
%
Explain how firm B could use the forward exchange markets to redenominate a 2-year £30m 4
percent pound sterling loan into a 2-year USD-denominated loan.
87) Consider the situation of firm A and firm B. The current exchange rate is $2.00/£ Firm A
is a U.S. MNC and wants to borrow £30 million for 2 years. Firm B is a British MNC and wants
to borrow $60 million for 2 years. Their borrowing opportunities are as shown, both firms have
AAA credit ratings.
$
£
A
$
6
%
£
5
%
B
$
7
%
£
4
%
If firm B could use the forward exchange markets to redenominate a 2-year £30m 4 percent
pound sterling loan into a 2-year USD-denominated loan, what would be the interest rate?
Version 1 42
88) Consider the situation of firm A and firm B. The current exchange rate is $2.00/£ Firm A
is a U.S. MNC and wants to borrow £30 million for 2 years. Firm B is a British MNC and wants
to borrow $60 million for 2 years. Their borrowing opportunities are as shown, both firms have
AAA credit ratings.
$
£
A
$
6
%
£
5
%
B
$
7
%
£
4
%
Explain how this opportunity affects which swap firm B will be willing to participate in.
89) Consider the situation of firm A and firm B. The current exchange rate is $2.00/£ Firm A
is a U.S. MNC and wants to borrow £30 million for 2 years. Firm B is a British MNC and wants
to borrow $60 million for 2 years. Their borrowing opportunities are as shown, both firms have
AAA credit ratings.
$
£
A
$
6
%
£
5
%
B
$
7
%
£
4
%
Devise a direct swap for A and B that has no swap bank. Show their external borrowing.
{MISSING IMAGE}
Version 1 43
90) Consider the situation of firm A and firm B. The current exchange rate is $2.00/£ Firm A
is a U.S. MNC and wants to borrow £30 million for 2 years. Firm B is a British MNC and wants
to borrow $60 million for 2 years. Their borrowing opportunities are as shown, both firms have
AAA credit ratings.
$
£
A
$
6
%
£
5
%
B
$
7
%
£
4
%
Act as a swap bank and quote bid and ask prices to A and B that are attractive to A and B and
promise to make at least 20bp for your firm.
USD
pounds
Bid
Ask
Bid
Ask
91) Consider the situation of firm A and firm B. The current exchange rate is $2.00/£ Firm A
is a U.S. MNC and wants to borrow £30 million for 2 years. Firm B is a British MNC and wants
to borrow $60 million for 2 years. Their borrowing opportunities are as shown, both firms have
AAA credit ratings.
$
£
A
$
6
%
£
5
%
B
$
7
%
£
4
%
Show how your proposed swap would work for firm A. (e.g., if you were acting as an agent for
the swap bank, try to “sell” firm A on your swap)
Version 1 44
92) Consider the borrowing rates for Parties A and B. A wants to finance a $100,000,000
project at a fixed rate. B wants to finance a $100,000,000 project at a floating rate. Both firms
want the same maturity, 5 years.
Firm
Fixed Rate
Floating
A
$
10.3
%
Prime + 1%
B
$
8.9
%
Prime + 1/2%
Construct a mutually beneficial interest rate swap that makes money for A, B, and the swap
bank in equal measure.
93) Consider the borrowing rates for Parties A and B. A wants to finance a $100,000,000
project at a fixed rate. B wants to finance a $100,000,000 project at a floating rate. Both firms
want the same maturity, 5 years.
Firm
Fixed Rate
Floating
A
$
10.3
%
Prime + 1%
B
$
8.9
%
Prime + 1/2%
For your swap (the one you have shown above) how would the swap bank quote the swap
against prime? (Hint: they are quoting a bid-ask spread against “flat” prime.)
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94) An interest-only currency swap has a remaining life of 18 months. It involves exchanging
interest at ₤14 percent on £20 million for interest at $10 percent on $14 million once a year. The
term structure of interest rates is currently flat in both the U.S. and in the U.K. If the swap were
negotiated today the interest rates exchanged would be $8 percent and £11 percent. All rates
were quoted with annual compounding. The current exchange rate is $1.95 = £1. What is the
value of the swap to the party paying dollars?
95) Consider the situation of firm A and firm B. The current exchange rate is $2.00/£ Firm A
is a U.S. MNC and wants to borrow £30 million for 2 years. Firm B is a British MNC and wants
to borrow $60 million for 2 years. Their borrowing opportunities are as shown, both firms have
AAA credit ratings.
$
£
A
$
6
%
£
5
%
B
$
7
%
£
4
%
The IRP 1-year and 2-year forward exchange rates are
USD
pounds
Bid
Bid
Ask
6
%
6.1
%
4
%
4.1
%
Explain how firm A could use two of the swaps offered above to hedge its exchange rate risk.
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96) Consider the situation of firm A and firm B. The current exchange rate is $2.00/£ Firm A
is a U.S. MNC and wants to borrow £30 million for 2 years. Firm B is a British MNC and wants
to borrow $60 million for 2 years. Their borrowing opportunities are as shown, both firms have
AAA credit ratings.
$
£
A
$
6
%
£
5
%
B
$
7
%
£
4
%
The IRP 1-year and 2-year forward exchange rates are
USD
pounds
Bid
Bid
Ask
6
%
6.1
%
4
%
4.1
%
Explain how firm B could use two of the swaps offered above to hedge its exchange rate risk.
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97) Consider the situation of firm A and firm B. The current exchange rate is $2.00/£ Firm A
is a U.S. MNC and wants to borrow £30 million for 2 years. Firm B is a British MNC and wants
to borrow $60 million for 2 years. Their borrowing opportunities are as shown, both firms have
AAA credit ratings.
$
£
A
$
6
%
£
5
%
B
$
7
%
£
4
%
The IRP 1-year and 2-year forward exchange rates are
USD
pounds
Bid
Bid
Ask
6
%
6.1
%
4
%
4.1
%
Explain how firm A could use the forward exchange markets to redenominate a 2-year $60m 6
percent USD loan into a 2-year pound denominated loan.
98) Consider the situation of firm A and firm B. The current exchange rate is $2.00/£ Firm A
is a U.S. MNC and wants to borrow £30 million for 2 years. Firm B is a British MNC and wants
to borrow $60 million for 2 years. Their borrowing opportunities are as shown, both firms have
AAA credit ratings.
$
£
A
$
6
%
£
5
%
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B
$
7
%
£
4
%
The IRP 1-year and 2-year forward exchange rates are
USD
pounds
Bid
Bid
Ask
6
%
6.1
%
4
%
4.1
%
Explain how this opportunity affects which swap firm A will be willing to participate in.
99) Consider the situation of firm A and firm B. The current exchange rate is $2.00/£ Firm A
is a U.S. MNC and wants to borrow £30 million for 2 years. Firm B is a British MNC and wants
to borrow $60 million for 2 years. Their borrowing opportunities are as shown, both firms have
AAA credit ratings.
$
£
A
$
6
%
£
5
%
B
$
7
%
£
4
%
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The IRP 1-year and 2-year forward exchange rates are
USD
pounds
Bid
Bid
Ask
6
%
6.1
%
4
%
4.1
%
Explain how firm B could use the forward exchange markets to redenominate a 2-year £30m 4
percent-pound sterling loan into a 2-year USD-denominated loan.
100) Consider the situation of firm A and firm B. The current exchange rate is $2.00/£ Firm A
is a U.S. MNC and wants to borrow £30 million for 2 years. Firm B is a British MNC and wants
to borrow $60 million for 2 years. Their borrowing opportunities are as shown, both firms have
AAA credit ratings.
$
£
A
$
6
%
£
5
%
B
$
7
%
£
4
%
The IRP 1-year and 2-year forward exchange rates are
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USD
pounds
Bid
Bid
Ask
6
%
6.1
%
4
%
4.1
%
Explain how this opportunity affects which swap firm B will be willing to participate in.
101) The size of the swap market is measured by notational principal, a reference amount of
principal for determining interest payments.
⊚ true
⊚ false
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Answer Key
Test name: chapter 14
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