Solution by Steps
step 1
Identify the current interest rates and the terms of the swap. The fixed rate is 4.7%+1.2%=5.9%. The floating rate is 6-month LIBOR step 2
Calculate the net payment basis. The bank will pay the floating rate (LIBOR) and receive the fixed rate (5.9%)
step 3
Use interest rate futures to hedge against interest rate risk. The futures contract is quoted at 96.00, implying an interest rate of 100−96=4% step 4
Calculate the correlation coefficient between the futures and cash market, which is 96%. This high correlation suggests that futures contracts are an effective hedging tool
step 5
Determine the notional principal for the futures contracts. The minimum contract value is RM 1,000,000. For a notional principal of RM 100,000,000, the bank needs 1,000,000100,000,000=100 contracts step 6
Evaluate the effectiveness of the hedge by comparing the fixed rate payments with the floating rate receipts adjusted by the futures contracts
Answer
The bank should use interest rate futures contracts to hedge against interest rate risk, given the high correlation between futures and cash markets.
Key Concept
Interest rate futures as a hedging tool
Explanation
Interest rate futures can effectively hedge against interest rate risk due to their high correlation with the cash market.
# Part 2: Arbitrage Opportunity
step 1
Identify the yields and costs: MGB yield is 5%, Junk bond yield is 7.5%, and CDS cost is 130 basis points (1.3%)
step 2
Calculate the net yield from the arbitrage opportunity. The net yield is 7.5%−1.3%=6.2% step 3
Compare the net yield with the MGB yield. The arbitrage profit is 6.2%−5%=1.2% step 4
If the CDS cost increases to 260 basis points (2.6%), the net yield becomes 7.5%−2.6%=4.9% step 5
Compare the new net yield with the MGB yield. The arbitrage profit is 4.9%−5%=−0.1%, indicating no arbitrage opportunity Answer
There is an arbitrage opportunity when the CDS cost is 130 basis points, yielding a profit of 1.2%. If the CDS cost increases to 260 basis points, the arbitrage opportunity disappears.
Key Concept
Arbitrage opportunity in bond markets
Explanation
Arbitrage opportunities arise when the net yield from a higher-risk bond, adjusted for CDS costs, exceeds the yield from a lower-risk bond.
Question 5
# Part (a): Convertible Bond Calculations
step 1
Calculate the conversion value: Conversion value=Conversion ratio×Stock price=37.383×23=859.81 step 2
Calculate the market conversion price: Market conversion price=Conversion ratioMarket price of bond=37.3831000=26.75 step 3
Calculate the conversion premium per share: Conversion premium per share=Market conversion price−Stock price=26.75−23=3.75 step 4
Calculate the conversion premium ratio: Conversion premium ratio=Stock priceConversion premium per share×100=233.75×100=16.3% step 5
Calculate the premium over straight value: Premium over straight value=Straight valueMarket price of bond−Straight value×100=5101000−510×100=96.08% step 6
Calculate the favorable income differential per share: Favorable income differential per share=Conversion ratioCoupon rate×Par value−Dividend per share=37.3830.095×1000−0.75=1.80 step 7
Calculate the premium payback period: Premium payback period=Favorable income differential per shareConversion premium per share=1.803.75=2.08 years Answer
Conversion value: 859.81, Market conversion price: 26.75, Conversion premium per share: 3.75, Conversion premium ratio: 16.3%, Premium over straight value: 96.08%, Favorable income differential per share: 1.80, Premium payback period: 2.08 years
Key Concept
Convertible bond valuation
Explanation
The calculations involve determining the value of converting the bond into stock and comparing it to the bond's market price and straight value.
# Part (b): Stock Price Increases to $46
step 1
Calculate the return from the convertible bond: Return=Market price of bondNew conversion value−Market price of bond×100=100037.383×46−1000×100=71.96% step 2
Calculate the return from investing in the stock: Return=Initial stock priceNew stock price−Initial stock price×100=2346−23×100=100% step 3
Explain why the return on the stock is higher: The stock return is higher because the bond's return is capped by its conversion ratio, while the stock's return is directly proportional to its price increase
Answer
Return from convertible bond: 71.96%, Return from stock: 100%, Stock return is higher due to direct price proportionality.
Key Concept
Return comparison between convertible bonds and stocks
Explanation
Convertible bonds have capped returns due to conversion ratios, while stocks have unlimited upside potential.
# Part (c): Stock Price Declines to $8
step 1
Calculate the return from the convertible bond: The bond's value will be closer to its straight value. Return=Market price of bondStraight value−Market price of bond×100=1000510−1000×100=−49% step 2
Calculate the return from investing in the stock: Return=Initial stock priceNew stock price−Initial stock price×100=238−23×100=−65.22% step 3
Explain why the bond return is higher: The bond's return is higher because it has a floor value (straight value), while the stock can decline more significantly
Answer
Return from convertible bond: -49%, Return from stock: -65.22%, Bond return is higher due to its floor value.
Key Concept
Downside protection in convertible bonds
Explanation
Convertible bonds offer downside protection through their straight value, limiting losses compared to stocks.