Consider the information below which shows the rates at which firm X and firm Y are able to borrow in the fixed- and variable-rate debt markets. Prepare a fully labelled diagram to show the construction and cash flows of the direct interest rate swap. In your diagram, show which firm will initially borrow fixed-rate debt and which firm will borrow variable-rate debt. Assume the comparative advantage net differential is to be shared equally between the companies.

This will be a direct swap without an intermediary.

LIBOR rate 1.90800%

Debt markets Firm X Firm Y

Fixed-rate funds 12.00% 14.00%

Variable-rate funds LIBOR + 0.50% LIBOR + 1.70%