8006 Exam Dumps : Exam I: Finance Theory Financial Instruments Financial Markets - 2015 Edition

The no-arbitrage futures price is given by exp(0.5*(4%-1%))*$1000 = $1015.11. Therefore Choice 'a' is the correct answer.

This question requires a calculation of the present value of the future cash flows from the bond. The correct answer is $94.92, calculated as =(5/(1 + 5%)) + (5/(1+ 6%)^2) + (105/(1 + 7%)^3).

Backwardation is said to occur when futures prices are lower than the current spot prices. This would happen only when carrying costs are negative. Carrying costs are equal to interest, plus storage costs and less any 'convenience yield'. The existence of large convenience yields may explain backwardation in commodity futures prices. Therefore Choice 'd' is the correct answer.

Contango is the 'normal' market situation where forward prices are higher than spot prices. Storage costs explain contango, not backwardation. Risk free rates, or the cost of funding for the futures position, are always positive and do not explain backwardation.