Explanation
Total Return Swap (TRS) is the most appropriate instrument for changing commodity allocation because:
- Total Return Swap provides exposure to both price appreciation/depreciation and any income (such as dividends or interest) from the underlying asset
- It allows investors to gain synthetic exposure to commodities without physically owning them
- The swap receiver gets the total return of the commodity index, while paying a floating rate (typically LIBOR plus a spread)
- This is ideal for portfolio managers wanting to adjust their commodity exposure
Other options:
- Basis swap: Used to hedge basis risk between different but related commodities
- Excess return swap: Only provides exposure to price changes, not the total return
Therefore, B: a total return swap is most appropriate for changing commodity allocation.