1. Analyze the structure of the variable rate debt described in the case (UPDATES, VRDOs, etc.). ?(a) Explain the put, call and cap features and their respective importance. ?(b) At what rate should this debt trade? Do you agree with Merrill Lynch's assessment of J.J. Kenny minus 55bpts? How did Merrill arrive at this rate?
2. Compare three forms of debt - fixed rate debt, floating rate debt (with JJK, say) - and explain for each what risks the issuer and investor bear, respectively.
3. Analyze the fixed rate alternatives as proposed by Bankers' Trust and Merrill Lynch. Which one is more favorable for the State of Connecticut?
4. Analyze the State of Connecticut's alternatives including a fixed for LIBOR (one or three months) swap with AIG. Assume AIG will quote the rates given in Exhibit 1 of the case. Which one would you recommend?
5. What part of the analysis could benefit from explicit term structure modelling? How would you use a (statistical) model of the term structure of interest rates? What additional infor- mation could be gained, what are possible disadvantages?
6. How useful are synthetic fixed-rate debt instruments in your opinion? Why would anybody want to construct such instruments? What are their advantages and disadvantages?