Answer:
The arbitrageur should borrow money at 4% per annum since it is cheaper than paying the forward price for delivery
Explanation:
Current price of gold=$1,400 per ounce
Forward price=$1,500
The arbitrageur can either pay the forward price or borrow $1400 and pay the interest of 4% in a year. Consider option 1 paying the forward price of 1500
Option 1
Since there are no additional costs, the total cost for buying the gold=forward price=$1,500
Option 2
If the arbitrageur borrows the 1400 to pay for the gold now, then pay the interest in 1 year;
The total cost=Amount borrowed+interest accrued in 1 year
Total cost=1400+(4%×1400)
1400+((4/100)×1400)
1400+56=$1456
Since there are no additional costs, option 2=$1456
If we compare option 1 to option 2, we notice that option 2 is slightly cheaper than option 1 by $44
(Option 1-Option 2)=(1500-1456)=$44
The arbitrageur should borrow money at 4% per annum since it is cheaper than paying the forward price for delivery
