Petrol Ibrico.Petrol Ibrico, a European gas company, is borrowing $750,000,000 via a syndicated eurocredit for six years at 110 basis points over LIBOR. LIBOR for the loan will be reset every six months. The funds will be provided by a syndicate of eight leading investment bankers, which will charge up-front fees totaling 1.5%of the principal amount. What is the effective interest cost for the first year if the annual LIBOR is 4.10% during the first six months and 4.30% during the second six months.

(a) The effective interest cost for the first year is ___%.