Janice Delsing, a U.S.-based portfolio manager, manages an $800 million portfolio ($600 million in stocks and $200 million in bonds). In reaction to anticipated short-term market events, Delsing wishes to adjust the allocation to 50% stock and 50% bonds through the use of futures.

Her position will be held only until “the time is right to restore the original asset allocation.”

Delsing determines a financial futures–based asset allocation strategy is appropriate. The stock futures index multiplier is $50 and the denomination of the bond futures contract is $100,000.

Other information relevant to a futures-based strategy is as follows: P-63

a. Describe the financial futures–based strategy needed and explain how the strategy allows Delsing to implement her allocation adjustment. No calculations are necessary.

b. Compute the number of each of the following needed to implement Delsing’s asset allocation strategy. (You can assume that investors can hold fractional positions in futures contracts.)
i. Bond futures contracts.
ii. Stock-index futures contracts.