Question:

a) Using illustrative and numerical examples, differentiate between arbitraging and speculation in the context of foreign exchange market.

b) One year borrowing and deposit interest rates are 12% and 10% respectively in the Republic of Tran and 10% and 8.89% respectively in the Kingdom of Sylvania. The spot exchange rate for the Tran dollars is $14 to the Sylvan Francs. The 12-month forward rate is $14.52. The economies are pegged together, and have been so for a number of years.

i) Suggest a way you may profit from the pricing inconsistency that is presented here, consider you have no initial investment funds.

ii) Will the situation persist forever? Describe your answer.

iii) What could be the spot rate which would bring a no-arbitrage situation?