Ifm
Ifm
Ifm
8. A firms expects to receive $20,000 from domestic operations and 20,000 British pounds () from a
business in England. If the pound's value is $1.25, the expected total dollar cash flows are:
a. $40,000
b. $36,000
c. $45,000
d. $20,000
9. Which of the following statements is not true regarding the euro?
a. In 1987, several European countries conformed to the euro as their currency for business transactions
between these countries.
b. The euro was phased in as a currency for other transactions during 2001.
c. The euro completely replaced the currencies of the participating countries by 2002.
d. The creation of the euro allowed firms (including European subsidiaries of U.S.-based MNCs) to engage in
international transactions with the use of one currency and eliminated transactions costs resulting from
exchanging currencies.
10. A decentralized management style is more likely to result in higher agency costs because the subsidiary
managers may make decisions that do not focus on maximizing the value of the entire MNC.
a. True
b. False
11. Using international trade as a method of conducting international business is a relatively bold
approach that can be used by firms to penetrate markets.
a. True
b. False
12. The Single European Act of 1987 removed several cross-border barriers among European countries. It
also exposed firms to additional competition.
a. True
b. False
13. Under NAFTA, the low-cost labor in Mexico has led to a decrease in market share for some U.S. firms.
This is most pronounced in technology-intensive industries.
a. True
b. False
14. Political risk represents political actions taken by the host government or the public that affect an
MNC's cash flows.
a. True
b. False
15. The so-called Asian crisis lingered in 1998 and adversely affected numerous U.S.-based MNCs that
conducted business in these countries.
a. True
b. False
16. Licensing is a venture that is jointly owned and operated by two or more firms.
a. True
b. False
1. Factor income represents income received by investors on foreign investments in financial assets
(securities). Factor income is part of which component of the balance of payments?
a. capital account
b. current account
c. balance of trade
d. none of the above
2. Which of the following are factors that affect international trade flows?
a. government restrictions
b. exchange rates
c. inflation
d. all of the above
e. none of the above
3. Even if a country's home currency weakens, its balance of trade will not necessarily improve
immediately. This may occur because:
a. many international trade transactions are prearranged and cannot be immediately adjusted
b. the currencies of some other countries may have strengthened
c. prices on goods will remain the same, making goods just as competitive
d. all of the above
e. none of the above
4. Which of the following factors will lead to an inflow of direct foreign investment (DFI) into a country?
a. high tax rates in the country where the investment flows
b. privatization in the country where the investment flows
c. an expectation that the currency in the country where the investment flows will depreciate
d. all of the above
e. none of the above
5. Which of the following factors will lead to an inflow of portfolio investment into a country, everything
else held constant?
a. an expectation of a weaker currency in the country where the investment flows
b. higher tax rates in the country where the investment flows
c. higher interest rates in the country where the investment flows
d. none of the above
e. both a and c
6. Among the major objectives of the ________ are to promote cooperation among countries on
international monetary issues and to promote stability in exchange rates.
a. International Monetary Fund (IMF)
b. World Bank
c. World Trade Organization
d. International Financial Corporation
e. none of the above
7. The World Bank does cofinancing of loans with which of the following entities?
a. official aid agencies
b. export credit agencies
c. commercial banks
d. both a and c
e. all of the above
8. ______________ is a component of the capital account and represents the investment in fixed assets in
foreign countries that can be used to conduct business operations.
a. Portfolio investment
b. Direct foreign investment (DFI)
c. Other capital investment
d. Transfer payments
e. None of the above
9. The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT):
a. is an accord reached between 100 countries in 1980
b. reduced some tariffs by 80 percent on average
c. removed some tariffs over a five- to ten-year period
d. made more progress on reducing tariffs in service industries than in manufacturing industries
e. none of the above
10. The capital account is primarily composed of merchandise exports and imports and service exports
and imports.
a. True
b. False
11. Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods.
a. True
b. False
12. In the long run, a weak dollar is expected to cause a higher balance of trade from the U.S. perspective.
a. True
b. False
13. The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was established in 1993 to settle trade disputes
and provide a forum for multilateral trade negotiations. It began operations in 1995 with a membership of
81 countries.
a. True
b. False
14. The International Development Association (IDA) was created in 1960 with country development
objectives similar to those of the World Bank. Its loan policy is more appropriate for less prosperous
nations.
a. True
b. False
15. Dumping reflects the exporting of products by one country to other countries at prices above cost.
a. True
b. False
16. A graphical illustration of the fact that the U.S. balance of trade may actually deteriorate in the short
run as a result of dollar depreciation is called the J curve effect.
a. True
b. False
1. Assume the spot rate of the euro () is $0.90. The expected spot rate one year from now is assumed to be
$0.85. This percentage change reflects a:
a. 5.56% appreciation of the euro
b. 5.56% depreciation of the euro
c. 5.88% appreciation of the euro
d. 5.88% depreciation of the euro
2. The current spot rate of the British pound () is $1.45. One year from now, the spot rate of the British
pound is $1.51. This percentage change reflects a:
a. 4.14% appreciation of the U.S. dollar.
b. 4.14% depreciation of the British pound.
c. 4.14% appreciation of the British pound.
d. 3.97% appreciation of the British pound
3. Suppose the inflation rate in Australia goes up relative to the U.S. inflation rate. What effect will that
have on the supply, demand, and equilibrium exchange rate of the Australian dollar?
a. the supply of Australian dollars will go up, the demand for Australian dollars will go down, and the
Australian dollar will depreciate
b. the supply of Australian dollars will go up, the demand for Australian dollars will go down, and the
Australian dollar will appreciate
c. the supply of Australian dollars will go down, the demand for Australian dollars will go up, and the
Australian dollar will depreciate
d. the supply of Australian dollars will go down, the demand for Australian dollars will go up, and the
Australian dollar will appreciate
4. Suppose interest rates in Europe increase relative to U.S. interest rates. What effect will that have on
the supply, demand, and equilibrium exchange rate of the euro ()?
a. the supply of euros will go up, the demand for euros will go down, and the euro will depreciate
b. the supply of euros will go up, the demand for euros will go down, and the euro will appreciate
c. the supply of euros will go down, the demand for euros will go up, and the euro will depreciate
d. the supply of euros will go down, the demand for euros will go up, and the euro will appreciate
5. Suppose income levels in Australia go up relative to the U.S. levels. What effect will that have on the
supply, demand, and equilibrium price of U.S. dollars?
a. the supply of U.S. dollars will go up, the demand for U.S. dollars will go down, and the U.S. dollar will
depreciate
b. the supply of U.S. dollars will go up, the demand for U.S. dollars will go down, and the U.S. dollar will
appreciate
c. the supply of U.S. dollars will not change, the demand for U.S. dollars will go up, and the U.S. dollar will
depreciate
d. the supply of U.S. dollars will not change, the demand for U.S. dollars will go up, and the U.S. dollar will
appreciate
6. If a bank thinks the British pound is overvalued, it should do which of the following?
a. buy more of the pound before it depreciates
b. buy more of the pound before it appreciates
c. sell the pound before it depreciates
d. sell the pound before it appreciates
e. none of above
7. Assume the U.S. and Argentina have high levels of trade flows but low levels of capital flows. Which of
the following statements is true regarding exchange rate determination?
a. inflation differentials are very important
b. interest rate differentials are very important
c. income differentials are very important
d. both a and c
e. all of the above
8. Which of the following is not a factor that affects exchange rates?
a. relative inflation rates
b. relative income levels
c. relative interest rates
d. government controls
e. all of the above are factors that affect exchange rates
9. If the U.S. intervenes in the foreign exchange market by buying U.S. dollars with Japanese yen, then the
U.S. dollar should appreciate against the Japanese yen.
a. True
b. False
10. If the U.S. government places a high tax on interest income earned on foreign investments, it would
most likely encourage the exchange of U.S. dollars for other currencies.
a. True
b. False
11. Currency speculators can be especially influential on the exchange rate movements of emerging
markets because those markets have a smaller amount of foreign exchange trading.
a. True
b. False
12. A higher foreign interest rate tends to place downward pressure on the foreign currency and therefore
can have an unfavorable affect on expected dollar cash flows.
a. True
b. False
13. If two countries engage in a large volume of international trade but very small international capital
flows, relative inflation rates would likely be more influential than relative interest rates.
a. True
b. False
Currency Derivatives
1. Which of the following are possible contract periods for forward contracts?
a. 30 days
b. 65 days
c. 97 days
d. 1 year, 2 months
e. all of the above
2. Assume that as of May 15, a futures contract on 125,000 euros () with a June settlement date is priced
at $1.00 per euro. The ______ of this currency futures contract will ________ for the euros on the
settlement date.
a. seller; pay $125,000
b. buyer; pay $125,000
c. seller; receive $125,000
d. buyer; receive $125,000
e. answers b and c are correct
3. The Swiss franc spot rate is $.90 and the Swiss franc 90-day forward rate is $.88. At what discount or
premium is the Swiss franc selling?
a. 2.22%, premium
b. -2.22%, discount
c. -9.09%, discount
d. 8.89%, premium
e. -8.89%, discount
4. What is the typical initial margin requirement for a currency futures contract?
a. $500
b. $1,000-$2,000
c. 5%-10% of the contract
d. none of the above
5. Which of the following is a similarity between the currency futures market and the forward market?
a. both are self-regulating
b. both use standardized contract sizes
c. both use standardized delivery dates
d. all of the above are similarities
e. none of the above are similarities
6. Which of the following factors does not affect the premium of a currency call option?
a. level of existing spot price relative to strike price
b. length of time before the expiration date
c. the currency of the call option
d. potential variability of currency
e. all of the above are factors
7. Suppose Darlene is a speculator who buys five British pound call options with a strike price of $1.50
and a March expiration date. The current spot price is $1.45. Darlene pays a premium of $0.01 per unit
for the call option. Just before expiration, the spot price reaches $1.53, and Darlene exercises the option.
Assume one option contract specifies 31,250 units. What is the profit or loss for Darlene?
a. $625
b. $3,125
c. $1,250
d. $6,250
e. none of the above
8. Suppose Darlene is a speculator who buys ten British pound put options with a strike price of $1.50 and
a March expiration date. The current spot price is $1.55. Darlene pays a premium of $0.02 per unit for the
call option. Just before expiration, the spot price reaches $1.48 and Darlene exercises the option. Assume
one option contract specifies 31,250 units. What is the profit or loss for Darlene?
a. $0
b. $6,250
c. $3,125
d. $625
e. none of the above
9. Peter has purchased a call option on euros () with a strike price of $1.06 and a premium of $0.01. The
current spot price of the euro is $1.04. Just before expiration, the euro's spot price is $1.09.What is the per
unit profit or loss to the writer of this option?
a. $.02 loss
b. $.02 profit
c. $.03 loss
d. $.03 profit
10. The forward rate will usually contain a premium (or discount) that reflects the difference between the
home inflation rate and the foreign inflation rate.
a. True
b. False
11. A non-deliverable forward contract (NDF) is like a regular forward contract because it is for a
specified amount and a specified exchange rate. However, it differs from a regular forward contract
because it does not have a specified future settlement date.
a. True
b. False
12. Forward contracts are used primarily by small firms and individuals because they can be tailored to
the needs of those clients.
a. True
b. False
13. A company expects to receive a foreign currency from the sale of merchandise. Because it is nervous
about possible exchange rate movements in this currency, it wants to hedge its position with an option in
the currency. The appropriate action for them to hedge is to buy a call option.
a. True
b. False
14. A European-style currency option may only be exercised on the expiration date.
a. True
b. False
15. If the spot rate of a currency increased substantially over a period, the futures price would likely
increase by about the same amount.
a. True
b. False
1. Some countries use a _________ exchange rate arrangement, in which their home currency's value is
pegged to a foreign currency or to some unit of account.
a. fixed
b. freely floating
c. managed float
d. pegged
e. none of the above
2. Currently, the U.S. dollar is under which type of exchange rate system?
a. fixed
b. freely floating
c. managed float
d. pegged
e. none of the above
3. The U.S. dollar was under which type of exchange rate system from 1944 to 1971?
a. fixed
b. freely floating
c. managed float
d. pegged
e. none of the above
4. Which of the following countries suspended participation in the exchange rate mechanism (ERM) of the
European Economic Community during the 1992 crisis?
a. Britain
b. France
c. Italy
d. Switzerland
e. both a and c
5. Which of the following strategies would result in successful sterilized intervention by the Fed if it
wanted to make the U.S. dollar depreciate in value?
a. sell dollars in the currency markets, buy government treasury bonds
b. sell dollars in the currency markets, sell government treasury bonds
c. buy dollars in the currency markets, buy government treasury bonds
d. buy dollars in the currency markets, sell government treasury bonds
e. none of the above
6. Assume the Fed wants to boost exports for the United States. Which of the following strategies would
help boost exports?
a. raise interest rates
b. increase the money supply by selling government bonds
c. lower interest rates
d. decrease the money supply by selling government bonds
e. none of the above
7. Assume the Fed wants to decrease inflation in the United States. Which of the following strategies would
help reduce inflation?
a. raise interest rates
b. increase the money supply by buying government bonds
1. Bank A quotes a bid price of $1.52 and an ask price of $1.54 for the British pound. Bank B quotes a bid
price of $1.51 and an ask price of $1.53 for the British pound. If a trader has $100,000 to invest, what
should the trader do to take advantage of locational arbitrage and how much profit would the trader
make?
a. buy pounds at Bank A, sell pounds at Bank B, make $1,000
b. buy pounds at Bank A, sell pounds at Bank B, make $657.89
c. buy pounds at Bank B, sell pounds at Bank A, make $1,000
d. buy pounds at Bank B, sell pounds at Bank A, make $657.89
e. none of the above, locational arbitrage is not possible
2. National Bank quotes a bid price of $1.15 and an ask price of $1.17 for the euro. City Bank quotes a bid
price of $1.10 and an ask price of $1.14 for the euro. If you have $1,000,000 to invest, what would your
profit be from conducting locational arbitrage?
a. locational arbitrage is not possible in this situation
b. $30,000
c. $10,000
d. $50,000
e. none of the above
3. A bank quotes a bid price of $1.50 for the British pound (), a rate of $0.75 for the Swiss franc (Sf), and
a rate of Sf2.02 for the British pound. If I have $100,000 to invest, what should I do to take advantage of
triangular arbitrage and how much profit would I make (assume the bid and ask prices are the same)?
a. buy pounds with dollars, sell pounds for francs, buy dollars with francs, make $101,000 profit.
b. buy pounds with dollars, sell pounds for francs, buy dollars with francs, make $1,000 profit.
c. buy francs with dollars, sell francs for pounds, buy dollars with pounds, make $101,000 profit.
d. buy francs with dollars, sell francs for pounds, buy dollars with pounds, make $1,000 profit.
e. none of the above, triangular arbitrage is not possible.
4. The spot rate is $0.75 for the Swiss franc (Sf), the 180 day forward rate for the Swiss franc is $0.80, the
180 day interest rate in the U.S. is 4%, and the 180 day interest rate in Switzerland is 3%. If I have
$100,000 to invest, what would my approximate annual yield be from covered interest arbitrage?
a. 9.87%
b. 10.93
c. 21.87
d. 19.73%
e. none of the above, a covered interest arbitrage profit cannot be made.
5. Assume the Swiss franc has a 90-day interest rate of 3% and the U.S. dollar has a 4% 90-day interest
rate. What is the non-annualized discount or premium on the Swiss franc?
a. 9.7% premium
b. 9.7% discount
c. 0.97% premium
d. 0.97% discount
e. none of the above
6. Assume interest rate parity does not hold, yet covered interest arbitrage is still not possible. Which of
the following is not a reason for this anomaly?
a. accounting differences
b. transaction costs
c. currency restrictions
d. differential tax laws
e. all of the above are reasons
7. Which of the following forms of arbitrage takes advantage of differentials in cross exchange rates?
a. locational arbitrage
b. covered interest arbitrage
c. triangular arbitrage
d. interest rate arbitrage
e. none of the above
8. The British pound () is worth $1.60, while the euro () is worth $.95. What is the value of the British
pound with respect to the euro?
a. 0.59
b. 1.68
c. 1.68
d. 0.59
e. none of the above
9. Arbitrage can be loosely defined as capitalizing on a discrepancy in quoted prices. In many cases, there
is no investment of funds tied up for any length of time and no risk involved in the strategy.
a. True
b. False
10. According to interest rate parity, if the interest rate in the U.S. is greater than the interest rate in
Canada, then the Canadian dollar forward rate should be at a discount.
a. True
b. False
11. If the interest rate in the United Kingdom is 6% and the interest rate in the U.S. is 4%, the
approximate premium on the British pound forward rate should be 2%.
a. True
b. False
12. If interest rate parity exists, then foreign investors will earn the same return as U.S. investors.
a. True
b. False
13. In triangular arbitrage, currency transactions are conducted in the spot market to capitalize on a
discrepancy in the cross exchange rate between two currencies.
a. True
b. False
1. There are various forms of purchasing power parity (PPP) theory. Which form of PPP is also known as
the "law of one price"?
a. numerical form
b. relative form
c. accounting form
d. absolute form
e. none of the above
2. Inflation in the U.S. is 3% and the inflation rate in Europe is 5%. From the perspective of the U.S.,
what should the euro adjustment be if purchasing power parity (PPP) applies?
a. 1.94% appreciation
b. -1.9% depreciation
c. -1.94% depreciation
d. 1.9% appreciation
e. none of the above
3. Which of the following is not a reason for deviations in PPP?
a. relative income levels
b. trade barriers
c. interest rate differentials
d. several substitutes for traded goods
e. all of the above are reasons for deviations
4. Assume Switzerland has a one-year interest rate of 3% and the U.S. has a 4%, one-year interest rate. If
the International Fisher effect (IFE) holds, what would your forecast for the Swiss franc exchange rate
with respect to the dollar be?
a. 9.7% appreciation
b. 9.7% depreciation
c. 0.97% appreciation
d. 0.97% depreciation
e. none of the above
5. Assume the United Kingdom has a one-year interest rate of 6% and the U.S. has a 4%, one-year interest
rate. If the spot rate is $1.50 per British pound and the international Fisher effect (IFE) holds, what would
you forecast for the future spot rate of the pound in one year (using the simplified method)?
a. $1.5288
b. $1.5300
c. $1.4700
d. $1.4717
e. none of the above
6. Which of the following statements is false?
a. the international Fisher effect (IFE) uses interest rates to predict forward rates.
b. the international Fisher effect (IFE) uses interest rates to predict future spot rates.
c. interest rate parity (IRP) uses interest rates to predict forward rates.
d. purchasing power parity (PPP) uses inflation rates to predict future spot rates.
e. all of the above are true statements.
7. The absolute form of purchasing power parity (PPP) accounts for the possibilities of market
imperfections such as transportation costs, tariffs, and quotas.
a. True
b. False
8. While the relationship between inflation differentials and exchange rates is not perfect even in the long
run, recent research supports the use of inflation differentials to forecast long-run movements in exchange
rates.
a. True
b. False
9. The International Fisher effect (IFE) uses interest rates rather than inflation rate differentials to
explain exchange rate changes over time. It is closely related to the PPP theory because interest rates are
often not correlated with inflation rates.
a. True
b. False
10. It is possible for purchasing power parity (PPP) to hold but for the international Fisher effect (IFE) to
not hold over the same time period.
a. True
b. False
11. Unlike purchasing power parity (PPP), the international Fisher effect (IFE) consistently holds over the
short run.
a. True
b. False
12. The international Fisher effect (IFE) and interest rate parity (IRP) use interest rate differentials to
predict expected future spot rates.
a. True
b. False
13. A somewhat simplified statistical test of purchasing power parity (PPP) could be developed by
applying regression analysis to historical exchange rates and inflation differentials.
a. True
b. False
1. Which of the following is not a corporate function that makes exchange rate forecasting necessary?
a. hedging decisions
b. capital budgeting decisions
c. earnings assessments
d. short-term investment decisions
e. all of the above are corporate functions that make exchange rate forecasting necessary
2. Which of the following is not a method of forecasting exchange rates?
a. institutional
b. fundamental
c. technical
d. market-based
e. all of the above are general groups for forecasting exchange rates
3. Which of the following is a limitation in fundamental forecasting?
a. uncertain timing of impact
b. the forecasts are always inaccurate
c. omission of other relevant factors from the model
d. both a and c
e. all of the above
4. Market-based forecasting is based on what?
a. spot rates
b. forward rates
c. either a or b
d. neither a nor b
5. ___________ forecasting involves use of historical exchange rate data to predict future values.
a. fundamental
b. technical
c. market-based
d. none of the above
6. Using the mixed forecasting method to predict the value of the Japanese yen, which of the following
factors should be considered?
a. recent movements in the yen
b. Japanese inflation
c. the current spot rate of the yen
d. all of the above
e. none of the above
7. If a forecaster predicts the British pound to be $1.70 in one year, but the spot rate of the pound turns
out to be $1.80 in one year, what is the absolute forecast error as a percentage of realized value?
a. 5.56%
b. -5.56%
c. -5.88%
d. 5.88%
e. none of the above
8. MNC A uses a regression model to forecast the value of the euro in the upcoming period. The following
regression model was developed: t = b0 + b1INFt-1 + b2INCt-1, where the two variables are the
percentage change in the inflation differential between the U.S. and Europe and the quarterly percentage
change in the income growth differential between the U.S. and Europe, respectively. The coefficients for
the regression model are: b0 = 0.005, b1 = 0.9, and b2 = 0.7. In the most recent quarterly, U.S. inflation
increased by 1%, while European inflation increased by 2%. Also in the most recent quarter, U.S. income
growth increased by 1.5%, while European income growth increased by 2%. Based on this information,
what is the expected change in the euro?
a. 0.75% appreciation
b. 0.75% depreciation
c. 1.05% appreciation
d. 0.05% depreciation
e. none of the above
9. From a corporate point of view, use of technical forecasting may be limited in that it typically focuses on
the near future.
a. True
b. False
10. Regression analysis, sensitivity analysis, and purchasing power parity (PPP) can be used for
fundamental forecasting of exchange rates.
a. True
b. False
11. The forward rate is considered biased in market-based forecasting because of implications of interest
rate parity.
a. True
b. False
12. Some studies have shown forecast services to be not much more accurate than freely available
forecasts.
a. True
b. False
13. On a graph with X as the predicted value, Y as the realized value, and a 45 degree line drawn from the
apex, upward bias would be shown if more points are below the line than above the line.
a. True
b. False
14. If currency markets are weak-form efficient, then fundamental forecasting cannot be used to improve
forecasts.
a. True
b. False
1. A U.S.-based MNC has sold C$5,000,000 of product to a Canadian company and will receive
payment in 90 days. Which of the following would provide a complete hedge of transaction
exposure for the firm?
a. buy futures contracts that expire in six months
b. buy put options that expire in 90 days
c. buy a forward contract
d. buy raw materials worth C$3,000,000 in Canada
e. none of the above
2. A U.S.-based multinational wants to hedge a payable in Swiss francs that is due in six months.
Generally, what should the company do if it wants to use a money market hedge?
a. borrow dollars, convert to francs, lend in francs for six months
b. borrow dollars, convert to francs, sell the francs forward six months
c. borrow francs, convert to dollars, lend the dollars
d. borrow francs, convert to dollars, sell the dollars forward six months
e. none of the above
3. A U.S.-based multinational expects to receive 200,000 Australian dollars (A$) in 90 days. It
wants to hedge the position with a money market hedge. Interest rates for 90 days are 3% in the
U.S. and 2% in Australia. How much should the MNC borrow approximately?
a. $194,175
b. A$200,000
c. A$194,175
d. A$196,078
e. none of the above
4. In 90 days, a company has a Swiss franc payable of Sf1,000,000 due. A call option on francs
that expires in 90 days has an exercise price of $0.85 and a premium of $0.02. A put option on
francs that expires in 90 days has an exercise price of $0.90 and a premium of $0.03. What
option should the company choose and how much will it pay in dollars if it exercise the option,
including the premium?
a. buy the call, pay $850,000
b. buy the put, pay $850,000
c. buy the call, pay $830,000
d. buy the put, pay $870,000
e. none of the above
5. In 180 days, a company expects a Mexican peso receivable of p10,000,000. The forward rate
on the peso is $0.15 and the expected peso spot rate in 180 days is $0.16. If the company chooses
to hedge, what should it do and what is the expected real cost of the hedge?
a. buy the peso forward, real hedge cost is $100,000
b. buy the peso forward, real hedge cost is $1,500,000
c. sell the peso forward, real hedge cost is $100,000
d. sell the peso forward, real hedge cost is $1,500,000
e. none of the above
6. Which of the following is not a technique for hedging long-term transaction exposure?
a. leading and lagging
b. long-term forward contract
c. currency swap
d. parallel loan
e. all of the above are techniques
7. Bulldog Corporation has payables of 125,000, 90 days from now. There is a call option
available with an exercise price of $1.05. Assume that the option premium is $0.03 per unit and
that Bulldog buys this option. Bulldog does not have to exercise its call option if it can obtain
pounds at a lower spot rate. Bulldog expects the spot rate of the euro to be $1.03 when the
payables are due. What is the total amount Bulldog will pay for the 125,000, including the
option premium?
a. $135,000
b. $132,500
c. $263,750
d. none of the above
8. A company should hedge every expected transaction.
a. True
b. False
9. A company can hedge transaction exposure by buying call options or selling put options.
a. True
b. False
10. To hedge receivables with a futures contract, the company would need to sell currency
futures representing the currency and amount related to the receivable.
a. True
b. False
11. Overhedging is hedging a larger amount in a currency than the actual transaction amount. A
solution to avoid overhedging is to hedge only the minimum known amount in the future
transaction.
a. True
b. False
12. A Japanese company that expects the yen to appreciate would want to lead payables that are
in U.S. dollars.
a. True
b. False
13. An MNC reduces its transaction exposure to exchange rate movements by diversifying its
business among numerous countries that do not have highly correlated currencies. This method
of reducing exposure is called cross-hedging.
a. True
b. False
14. Selective hedging occurs when a company chooses to hedge only in those situations in which
it expect the currency to move in a direction that will make hedging feasible.
a. True
b. False
15. A currency swap involves an exchange of currencies between two parties with a promise to
reexchange currencies at a specified exchange rate and future date.
a. True
b. False
7. Some revenue or expenses may be more exchange rate sensitive than others.
a. True
b. False
8. When a firm has exposure in a foreign currency that has a greater impact on cash outflows
than cash inflows, the firm should increase foreign supply orders.
a. True
b. False
9. Since economic exposure is not considered "real" exposure, there are good arguments against
hedging this exposure.
a. True
b. False
10. A U.S. MNC expects earnings of 200,000 at a British subsidiary, which it expects to reinvest
in the subsidiary. A good translation exposure strategy if the MNC fears an appreciation of the
pound through the year is to sell the pounds forward.
a. True
b. False
11. Some MNCs do not consider hedging translation exposure because they do not perceive this
exposure to be relevant.
a. True
b. False
1. Establishing subsidiaries in markets whose business cycles differ from those where existing
subsidiaries are based identifies which cost-related motive of direct foreign investment (DFI)?
a. the use of foreign technology
b. the exploitation of monopolistic advantages
c. international diversification
d. entering profitable markets
e. none of the above
2. Establishing a subsidiary in a new market that results in increased production and possibly
greater production efficiency identifies which benefit of direct foreign investment (DFI)?
a. the entrance into markets in which superior profits are possible
b. international diversification
c. the exploitation of monopolistic advantages
d. full benefits from economies of scale
e. none of the above
3. Establishing a subsidiary in a market to sell a product in which competitors are unable to
produce the identical product identifies which benefit of direct foreign investment?
a. the entrance into profitable markets
b. international diversification
c. the exploitation of monopolistic advantages
d. full benefits from economies of scale
e. none of the above
4. If the U.S. places restrictions on the import of automobiles, what would likely happen to direct
foreign investment (DFI) by foreign automobile producers in the U.S.?
a. it would increase
b. it would decrease
c. it would remain unchanged
d. any of the above might happen
5. A U.S.-based MNC invests 60% of its funds in U.S. projects with an expected annual return of
20% and a standard deviation of 10%. This MNC invests 40% of its funds in European projects
with an expected annual return of 30% and a standard deviation of 15%. If the correlation
coefficient is 0.5, what is the portfolio variance?
a. 10.39%
b. 1.08%
c. 1.88%
d. 13.69%
e. none of the above
6. A U.S.-based MNC invests 60% of its funds in U.S. projects with an expected annual return of
20% and a standard deviation of 10%. This MNC invests 40% of its funds in foreign projects
with an expected annual return of 30% and a standard deviation of 15%. If the correlation
coefficient is 0.5, what is the portfolio return?
a. 25%
b. 26%
c. 22%
d. 24%
e. none of the above
7. Some governments allow international acquisitions, but impose special requirements on
MNCs. Which of the following are examples of these requirements?
a. install pollution control equipment
b. require MNCs to export the products they produce
c. retain all employees of the target firm
d. both b and c
e. all of the above
8. Corporations are increasingly establishing or acquiring overseas plants to learn about the
technology of foreign countries.
a. True
b. False
9. The conversion of European currencies to the euro in 1999 for business transactions and in
2002 for all transactions reduced the influence of exchange rates on the selection of a European
country for direct foreign investment.
a. True
b. False
10. The Asian crisis in 1997 created potentially profitable opportunities for direct foreign
investment in many of the affected countries by U.S. and European MNCs.
a. True
b. False
11. When examining the frontier of efficient project portfolios, the term "efficient" refers to a
maximum return for a given expected risk.
a. True
b. False
12. MNCs can probably achieve the most desirable risk-return characteristics from the project
portfolios if they sufficiently diversify among products but not among geographic markets.
a. True
b. False
13. Reacting to trade restrictions is a cost-related motive for direct foreign investment (DFI).
a. True
b. False
14. An implicit barrier to DFI in some countries is the "red tape" involved, such as procedure
and documentation requirements.
a. True
b. False
1. Suppose the home tax rate is high for the parent company and the host country taxes imposed
on the subsidiary are low. Which of the following statements is true?
a. Capital budgeting projects would look better from the parent's point of view than the subsidiary's
point of view.
b. Capital budgeting projects would look worse from the parent's point of view than the subsidiary's
point of view.
c. Capital budgeting projects would look worse from the subsidiary's point of view than the parent's
point of view.
d. both a and c
e. none of the above
2. Suppose the parent company obtains excessive remittances on the subsidiary by charging it
high administrative fees. Which of the following statements is probably true?
a. Capital budgeting projects would look better from the parent's point of view than the subsidiary's
point of view.
b. Capital budgeting projects would look worse from the parent's point of view than the subsidiary's
point of view.
c. Capital budgeting projects would look worse from the subsidiary's point of view than the parent's
point of view.
d. Both a and c.
e. None of the above.
3. Suppose a parent company projects the euro to appreciate over the life of a capital budgeting
project for its European subsidiary. Which of the following statements is probably true?
a. Capital budgeting projects would look better from the parent's point of view than the subsidiary's
point of view.
b. Capital budgeting projects would look worse from the parent's point of view than the subsidiary's
point of view.
c. Capital budgeting projects would look worse from the subsidiary's point of view than the parent's
point of view.
d. Both a and c.
e. None of the above.
4. Which of the following would have a positive affect on the cash flows received by a parent
company from a foreign subsidiary?
a. blocked funds
b. an increase in the relative inflation rate of the host country
c. host government incentives
d. both b and c
e. all of the above
5. Which of the following would have a negative affect on the cash flows of a foreign subsidiary?
a. blocked funds
b. a currency depreciation of the host currency
c. host government incentives
d. all of the above
e. none of the above
6. When adjusting project assessment for risk, which of the following is used to generate a
probability distribution of net present value (NPV) based on a range of possible values for one or
more input variables?
a. risk-adjusted discount rate
b. sensitivity analysis
c. simulation
d. both b and c
e. none of the above
7. A parent company wishes to compute the net present value (NPV) of a capital budgeting
project for its German subsidiary. The initial investment by the parent is $5,000,000. The
project will last three years. Estimated remittances to the parent by the German subsidiary are
expected to be 2,000,000, 3,000,000, and 2,000,000, in years 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The
current spot rate of the euro is $1.03. Exchange rates for the euro are expected to be $1.05,
$1.07, and $1.01 in years 1, 2, and 3, respectively. An appropriate discount rate for this project is
12%. What is the NPV of this project? Should the project be undertaken?
a. NPV = $2,000,000; undertake project
b. NPV = $871,788; undertake project
c. NPV = $721,788; undertake project
d. NPV = $871,788; do not undertake project
e. NPV = $721,788; do not undertake project
8. A withholding tax affects the cash flows of the parent and the subsidiary.
a. True
b. False
9. The parent's perspective should always be used to decide whether a capital budgeting project
should be undertaken.
a. True
b. False
10. Once the relevant cash flows for a project have been estimated, they should be discounted at
the MNC's cost of capital.
a. True
b. False
11. The net present value (NPV) from the parent's perspective is based on a comparison of the
present value of the cash flows received by the parent to the initial outlay by the parent.
a. True
b. False
12. From the viewpoint of the parent, the joint impact of inflation and exchange rate fluctuations
on a subsidiary's net cash flows may produce a partially offsetting effect.
a. True
b. False
13. Multinational capital budgeting problems should not include debt payments in the
measurement of cash flows, because all financing costs are captured by the discount rate.
a. True
b. False
15 Multinational Restructuring
1. Which of the following is a viable choice for handling the managerial talent of a target
following an acquisition?
a. allow the target to be managed as it was before
b. downsize the target firm
c. maintain the existing employees but restructure the operations
d. b and c only
e. all of the above
2. Which of the following is not a country-specific factor when estimating the cash flows that will
be provided by the foreign target to the parent following an acquisition?
a. target's previous cash flows
b. target's local economic conditions
c. target's currency conditions
d. target's industry's conditions
e. all of the above are country-specific factors
3. Target A is receptive to an acquisition, has favorable local economic and industry conditions,
acceptable political and currency conditions, high prevailing stock prices, and reasonable tax
laws. Target B is not receptive to an acquisition, has favorable local economic and industry
conditions, acceptable political and currency conditions, low prevailing stock prices, and
reasonable tax laws. Target C is receptive to an acquisition, has unfavorable local economic and
industry conditions, acceptable political and currency conditions, low prevailing stock prices,
and reasonable tax laws. Which target(s) should the firm pursue for acquisition?
a. target A only
b. target B only
c. target C only
d. both a and c
e. none of the above
4. Which of the following is not a reason for different valuations of a specific target among
MNCs?
a. estimated cash flows of the target
b. exchange rate effects on remitted funds
c. the required rate of return
d. all of the above are reasons for different valuations
5. A joint venture or licensing agreement represents which type of multinational restructuring?
a. international acquisitions of privatized businesses
b. international partial acquisition
c. international alliance
d. international divestiture
e. none of the above
d. purchase insurance
e. all of the above will reduce exposure
7. Currency incompatibility occurs when governments do not allow the home currency to be
exchanged into other currencies.
a. True
b. False
8. Exchange rates, foreign interest rates, and foreign inflation rates are financial risk factors
that should be considered when assessing country risk.
a. True
b. False
9. Regression analysis may be used to assess country risk, since it can measure the sensitivity of
one variable to other variables.
a. True
b. False
10. The foreign investment risk matrix (FIRM) quantifies an overall country risk rating for
individual countries.
a. True
b. False
11. Industrialized countries such as Germany and Japan are assigned a higher political risk
rating than economic risk rating.
a. True
b. False
12. Many home countries of MNCs have investment guarantee programs that insure to some
extent the risks of expropriation, wars, or currency blockage.
a. True
b. False
1. The cost of capital is typically different for MNCs than for domestic firms. According to the
author, which of the following does not result in a higher cost of capital for MNCs?
a. international diversification
b. exposure to exchange rate risk
c. exposure to country risk
d. all of the above significantly affect the probability of bankruptcy
2. The cost of debt varies across countries for several reasons. Which of the following can cause
a difference in the debt risk premiums across countries?
a. demographics
b. monetary policies
c. tax laws
d. government willingness to rescue failing firms
e. none of the above affect the risk premium
3. Which of the following can affect the cost of equity?
a. price/earnings multiple
b. opportunity cost
c. investment opportunities
d. all of the above
e. none of the above
4. Which of the following corporate characteristics will lead to more equity financing over debt
financing in the capital structure of an MNC?
a. stable cash flows
b. parent guarantees on subsidiary debt
c. lower credit risk
d. agency problems
e. none of the above
5. If markets are segmented and the cost of funds in the subsidiary's country is excessive, which
of the following country characteristics will lead to more equity financing over debt financing in
the capital structure of the MNC?
a. high local interest rates
b. a depreciating local currency
c. a threat by the host country to block funds
d. all of the above
e. none of the above
6. Which of the following equations is a valid representation of the CAPM?
a. Kd = Rf + B(Rm - Rf)
b. Ke = (Rf + B)(Rm - Rf)
c. ke = Rf + B(Rm - Rf)
d. ke = Rf + BRm - Rf
e. none of the above
7. Under the capital asset pricing model (CAPM), we can say with certainty that an MNC will
have a lower cost of capital than a purely domestic firm in the same industry.
a. True
b. False
8. German and Japanese firms can have a higher degree of financial leverage than U.S. firms.
However, the Japanese and German firms do not necessarily have a higher associated risk
premium associated with their cost of debt.
a. True
b. False
9. One method of accounting for a foreign project's risk is to adjust the firm's weighted average
cost of capital. If the project has a risk higher than the firm's risk, then the weighted average
cost of capital should be reduced.
a. True
b. False
10. Investors in some countries are restricted by their governments to invest in local markets
only. Even when investors are allowed to invest in other countries, they may not have complete
information about stocks of companies outside their home countries. This represents an implicit
barrier to cross-border investing.
a. True
b. False
11. Increased debt financing by the subsidiary will always be offset by reduced debt financing by
the parent to keep the "global" target capital structure.
a. True
b. False
12. One appropriate way for a parent to offset one subsidiary's low degree of financial leverage
is for the parent to have another subsidiary issue more debt in some other host country.
a. True
b. False
13. It can be argued that the adoption of the euro increased the cost of equity capital in Europe
by reducing market imperfections.
a. True
b. False
18 Long-Term Financing
1. When making long-term financing decisions, an MNC would prefer to borrow in a country
with a currency that is expected to:
a. remain stable
b. appreciate currency
c. depreciate currency
d. none of the above
2. Suppose a U.S.-based MNC borrowed 10,000 at 10% for three years. The current spot rate is
$1.50. The MNC expects the pound's spot rate to be $1.55 at the end of year one, $1.60 at the end
of year 2, and $1.55 at the end of year 3. What is the MNC's annual cost of financing if it has no
existing business in the United Kingdom and has to convert dollars to meet the pound
obligation?
a. 11.44%
b. 10%
c. 8.59%
d. 13.56%
e. none of the above
3. A U.S.-based MNC borrowed 15,000 at 8% for three years. The current spot rate is $1.10.
The MNC expects the euro's spot rate to be $1.09 at the end of year one, $1.08 at the end of year
2, and $1.05 at the end of year 3. What is the MNC's annual cost of financing?
a. 4.77%
b. 10.11%
c. 6.39%
d. 2.36%
e. none of the above
4. Which of the following could be used to hedge a five-year loan denominated in euros?
a. futures contracts
b. forward contracts
c. call option contracts
d. all of the above
e. none of the above
5. A bond that is issued in several currencies is a:
a. Special Drawing Right (SDR)
b. currency cocktail bond
c. shogun bond
d. both a and b
e. all of the above
6. MNC A can borrow fixed rate at 8% or variable rate at LIBOR +1%. MNC B can borrow
fixed rate at 9.5% fixed or variable rate at LIBOR +1.5%. What type of swap should these
companies use given this information?
a. interest rate swap
b. parallel loan
c. currency swap
d. all of the above
e. none of the above
7. Eurobonds are often issued with a floating coupon rate tied to LIBOR.
a. True
b. False
8. Issuing bonds in a foreign currency in the same volume as the company's revenues in that
foreign currency will completely eliminate the exchange rate risk of the bonds.
a. True
b. False
9. The creation of the euro has limited the use of currency cocktail bonds in Europe.
a. True
b. False
10. A "back-to-back" loan represents simultaneous loans provided by two parties with an
agreement to repay at a specified point in the future.
a. True
b. False
11. The yield curve of a country is a good tool to determine at which maturity an MNC
operating in that country should borrow.
a. True
b. False
12. Simulation can be used to incorporate possible outcomes for the exchange rate, but not for
the coupon rate over the life of the loan.
a. True
b. False
7. A bill of lading serves as a receipt for shipment and a summary of freight charges; most
importantly, it conveys title to the merchandise.
a. True
b. False
8. Forfaiting refers to the purchase of financial obligations, such as bills of exchange or
promissory notes, with recourse to the original holder.
a. True
b. False
9. A clearing account arrangement denotes the exchange of goods between two parties under two
distinct contracts expressed in monetary terms.
a. True
b. False
10. Ex-Imbank's lending rates are generally slightly above market rates because they are
insured.
a. True
b. False
11. The Domestic International Sales Corporation (DISC) is the primary tax vehicle to promote
U.S. exports.
a. True
b. False
12. Private Export Funding Corporation (PEFCO) loans are typically used to finance large
projects and have very long terms (5 to 25 years).
a. True
b. False
20 Short-Term Financing
1. Assume an MNC borrows 1,000,000 Swiss francs for one year at 9%. The spot rate for the
Swiss franc was $0.80 when it took out the loan and $0.75 when it was paid off after the year.
What was the MNC's approximate effective financing rate?
a. 9%
b. 15.81%
c. 2.19%
d. 1.73%
e. none of the above
2. Which of the following is not used directly by MNCs as a criterion for deciding whether to
borrow in a foreign currency?
a. interest rate parity
b. the forward rate as a forecast
c. purchasing power parity
d. exchange rate forecasts
e. all of the above are used directly as criteria
3. Assume the forward rate is used to forecast the future spot rate of the euro. Further assume
that an MNC is financing with euros and does not cover the position. Interest rate parity holds.
The effective financing rate will be _______ than the domestic rate if the future spot rate of the
euro is ________ than the forward rate.
a. greater; less
b. less; greater
c. less; less
d. a and b are correct
e. none of the above
4. An MNC can borrow in the U.S. at 10%. Furthermore, the MNC can borrow funds in
Germany at 8%. What is the expected exchange rate change of the euro at which this MNC
would be indifferent between borrowing in U.S. dollars or in euros?
a. 1.82% depreciation
b. 1.82% appreciation
c. 1.85% depreciation
d. 1.85% appreciation
e. none of the above
5. Assume the interest rate on British pound loans is 7% and our company expects the pound to
depreciate by 3% over the next year. What would be the expected effective financing rate?
a. 10.21%
b. 7.00%
c. 10.00%
d. 3.79%
e. none of the above
6. Euronotes are unsecured debt securities based on LIBOR with typical maturities of one,
three, or six months.
a. True
b. False
7. A negative effective financing rate implies the U.S. firm actually paid fewer dollars in total
loan payments than the number of dollars borrowed.
a. True
b. False
8. If an MNC has an expected effective financing rate of 10% from borrowing in yen, and an
interest rate of 8% on a Japanese loan, a company would expect the Japanese yen to depreciate.
a. True
b. False
9. Short-term financing decisions affect the value of the MNC by influencing the required rate of
return (k).
a. True
b. False
10. Financing with a portfolio of currencies would not be much more effective than financing
with a single currency if the currencies in the portfolio are highly correlated.
a. True
b. False
11. An MNC may consider financing in a foreign currency to offset a net payables position in
that foreign currency.
a. True
b. False