Question:
i) What are the rationales of interest swaps?
ii) You are the corporate treasurer of LSE International Inc. Your firm, rated as AAA, is able to raise capital in US dollars at a floating rate of LIBOR+0.6% or Canadian dollar at 5.25% flat. However, Ox International ltd, with a rating of BB is only able to receive the capital in US dollar at floating rate of LIBOR +1% or in Canadian Dollar at a fixed rate of 6.75%.
Consider that LSE International Inc wants to borrow in US dollars at a floating rate of interest and Ox International ltd wants to borrow Canadian dollars at a fixed rate of interest. A financial institution is planning to arrange a swap and requires a 50-basis-point spread. If the swap is equally attractive to both LSE International Inc and Ox International Inc, construct a swap and show the rates of interest they
will end up paying.
iii) Are there any risks involved in such a transaction? Briefly discuss.