9. Suppose that the risk-free zero-coupon curve is flat at 4.0% per annum with continuous compounding and that defaults can occur half way through each year in a new four-year credit default swap. You have estimated that the expected recovery rate is 32% and the hazard rate () is 2.6%. Assume that the CDS payments will be made annually in arrears.

1. (a) Calculate the credit default swap spread using the available information to model the cash flows of the CDS. Use the equation: V(t) = et to determine the likelihood of survival at each potential default time.