A U.S.-based importer,Zarb Inc.,makes a purchase of crystal glassware from a firm in Switzerland for 39,960 Swiss francs,or $24,000,at the spot rate of 1.665 francs per dollar.The terms of the purchase are net 90 days,and the U.S.firm wants to cover this trade payable with a forward market hedge to eliminate its exchange rate risk.Suppose the firm completes a forward hedge at the 90-day forward rate of 1.682 francs.If the spot rate in 90 days is actually 1.638 francs,how much will the U.S.firm have saved or lost in U.S.dollars by hedging its exchange rate exposure?

Question

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Time line:
 11ea42d0_c0a1_ee70_9abf_75e11c219964_TB2090_00 
Calculate the cost of the forward contract at the forward rate:
39,960 SFr/(1.682 SFr/US$)= $23,757.43.Calculate the cost of purchasing exchange currency at the spot rate in 90 days to satisfy the payable:
39,960 SFr/1.638 SFr/US$ = $24,395.60.Calculate the savings from the forward market hedge:
$24,395.60-$23,757.43 = $638.17 $\approx$ $638.

A US-Based Importer,Zarb Inc