
Answer-first summary for fast verification
Answer: 4.18
## Explanation To determine if there's an arbitrage opportunity, we need to calculate the theoretical futures price and compare it to the actual futures price. **Given:** - Spot price (S) = USD 750 - Dividend yield (q) = 2% per annum - Risk-free rate (r) = 3.5% per annum (annually compounded) - Time (T) = 0.5 years - Actual futures price = USD 757 **Theoretical Futures Price Formula:** \[ F = S \times (1 + r)^T \times (1 - q)^T \] **Calculation:** \[ F = 750 \times (1 + 0.035)^{0.5} \times (1 - 0.02)^{0.5} \] \[ F = 750 \times (1.035)^{0.5} \times (0.98)^{0.5} \] \[ F = 750 \times 1.01735 \times 0.99005 \] \[ F = 750 \times 1.00724 \] \[ F = 755.43 \] **Arbitrage Analysis:** - Theoretical price = USD 755.43 - Actual price = USD 757 - Since actual price > theoretical price, there is an arbitrage opportunity **Arbitrage Strategy:** 1. Short the futures contract at USD 757 2. Borrow money at risk-free rate to buy the underlying asset 3. Hold the position for 6 months **Arbitrage Profit:** \[ \text{Profit} = \text{Actual Price} - \text{Theoretical Price} \] \[ \text{Profit} = 757 - 755.43 = 1.57 \] The closest option to 1.57 is **1.51** (Option B). **Note:** The calculation shows the arbitrage profit per unit, and for one futures contract, the profit would be approximately USD 1.51.
Author: LeetQuiz Editorial Team
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A stock index is valued at USD 750 and pays a dividend at the rate of 2% per annum. The 6-month futures contract on that index is trading at USD 757. The risk-free rate is 3.5% annually compounded. There are no transaction costs or taxes. Is the futures contract priced so that there is an arbitrage opportunity? If yes, which of the following numbers comes closest to the arbitrage profit you could realize by taking a position in one futures contract?
A
4.18
B
1.51
C
12.60
D
There is no arbitrage opportunity.
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