Explanation:
Correct Answer: C
An arbitrage opportunity exists because:
Arbitrage Strategy:
Why other options are incorrect:
This scenario represents a classic arbitrage opportunity where assets with identical risk characteristics should have identical expected returns according to arbitrage pricing theory.
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An arbitrage opportunity exists. Arbitrage is the practice of taking advantage of a price difference between two or more markets, striking a combination of matching deals that capitalize upon the imbalance, the profit being the difference between the market prices. In this case, the two assets, X and Y, have identical systematic risks as indicated by their beta coefficients. However, they have different expected returns, with asset Y having a higher expected return than asset X. This discrepancy creates an arbitrage opportunity. An investor can exploit this by shorting asset X (i.e., selling asset X now with the intention of buying it back later at a lower price) and using the proceeds to take a long position in asset Y (i.e., buying asset Y now with the expectation that its price will increase in the future). This strategy allows the investor to make a risk-free profit, as they are essentially borrowing at a lower rate (the expected return of asset X) and investing at a higher rate (the expected return of asset Y).
A
Asset Y is more sensitive to inflation than Asset X
B
Unexpected changes in inflation and consumer sentiment will affect the returns of Asset X more than those of Asset Y
C
An arbitrage opportunity exists
D
Asset X is expected to have higher returns due to higher betas