The correct answer is A, which states that the forward curve will be downward sloping. This is based on the relationship between the forward price, risk-free rate, and lease rate for commodities. The forward price (F) is calculated using the formula F = S(1 + R)^T, where S is the spot price, R is the risk-free rate, and T is the time to maturity of the forward contract in years. Additionally, the commodity lease rate can be represented as (1 + R) - 1.

When the lease rate is higher than the continuously compounded risk-free interest rate, it implies that the cost of carrying the commodity (including storage and insurance) is greater than the return on the risk-free investment. This situation leads to a condition known as backwardation, where the forward price is lower than the spot price (F < S). Consequently, the forward curve, which represents the relationship between forward prices and time to maturity, will be downward sloping after 6 months. This indicates that the forward prices for future delivery are lower than the current spot price, reflecting the higher costs of carrying the commodity compared to the risk-free rate.