Question

pdf Suppose that the pound is pegged to gold at £20 per ounce and the dollar is pegged to gold at $35 per ounce. This implies an exchange rate of $1.75 per pound. If the current market exchange rate is $1.80 per pound, how would you take advantage of this situation? Hint: assume that you have $350 available for investment.

Answer 1

Answer:

1) Buy 10 ounces of gold with the 350 dollars

2) Sell the 10 ounces of gold for £200

3) Exchange £200 for 360 dollars

Explanation:

Due to the difference between the exchange rate in gold and currency, a 2.1%  (1.80 / 1.75) advantage can be obtained.  

You start in the gold market with 350 dollars which are equal to 10 ounces of gold which are equal to £200. This according to the gold prices, witch generate a 1.75 exchange rate.

Then you go to the financial market where the exchange rate is larger (1.80) and with the £200 you get 360 dollars.