Question

Problem 3 Suppose that the risk-free interest rate is 10% per annum with continuous compounding and that the dividend yield on a stock index is 4% per annum. The index is standing at 400, and the futures price for a contract deliverable in four months is 405. What arbitrage opportunities does this create?

Answer 1

Answer:

Please see explanation

Explanation:

To answer the given question, first we will calculate the theoretical future price which shall be determined using continuous compounding formula as follows:

Theoretical future price=400*e^(10%-4%)*4/12

                                      =$408.08

The actual future price of a contract deliverable in 4 months is only $405 which means that the index future price is too low in relation to the index.

The suitable arbitrage strategy shall be:

1. to purchase the future contracts

2.Short sale the shares which are underlying the index