An Asset Manager Has Conducted an Extensive Econometric Study and Proposes

Essay

An asset manager has conducted an extensive econometric study and proposes a forecasting model. He has found that a currency with a high interest rate tends to appreciate relative to a currency with
a low interest rate. The simple forecasting model for the one-year exchange rate is that a currency should appreciate over the year by the amount of the interest rate differential quoted today. For example, if the Australian dollar exchange rate is AUD/$ = 2 and the one-year interest rates in AUD and $ are 4% and 7%, respectively, the U.S dollar should move up by 3% relative to the Australian dollar, and your forecast for the exchange rate at the end of the year is AUD/$ = 2.06.
a. What is the current forward exchange rate?
b. What type of forward transaction would you conduct to capitalize on your forecast?
c. If everyone were using your model and following your strategy, what would happen to the exchange and interest rates?