Problem:
While you were visiting London, you purchased a Jaguar for £35,000, payable in three months. You have enough cash at your bank in New York City, which pays 0.35 percent interest per month, compounding monthly, to pay for the car. Currently, the spot exchange rate is $1.45/£ and the three-month forward exchange rate is $1.40/£. In London, the money market interest rate is 2.0 percent for a three-month investment. There are two alternative ways of paying for your Jaguar.
a. Keep the funds at your bank in the United States and buy £35,000 forward.
b. Buy a certain pound amount spot today and invest the amount in the U.K. for three months so that the maturity value becomes equal to £35,000.
Analyze the alternatives presented and make a recommendation on purchasing the Jaguar. Be sure to provide support for your recommendation. Why do you prefer the stated alternative? What are the advantages of the alternative that you have selected?