Consider an currency swap between Americana Auto Company (which wants to build a
ID: 2759236 • Letter: C
Question
Consider an currency swap between Americana Auto Company (which wants to build an auto plant in the United Kingdom) and Britannia Bus Corporation (which wants to build an auto plant in the United States; both fictitious names). The automakers enter into a swap with a three-year term on a principal of $200 million. The spot exchange rate is $2 per pound. Americana raises 100 × 2 = $200 million and gives it to Britannia, who, in turn, raises £100 million and gives it to Americana. Americana pays Britannia at the coupon rate of 4 percent per year on £100 million and Britannia pays Americana at the coupon rate of 5 percent per year on $200 million for three years. Now, assume that the companies make payments every six months: the swap ends after six semi-annual payments, and the principals are handed back after three years. Compute the value of this currency swap.
Explanation / Answer
Answer: Using zero-coupon bond prices (maturing every six months) given above, one can compute the dollar value of this foreign currency swap to Americana as $12.11 million