Question 1Canadas primary aluminium industry is the fifth largest in the world with an annual production of 2.9 million tons of primary aluminium with the lowest carbon footprint. Alcoa, Aluminerie Alouette and Rio Tinto operate 9 plants in Canada (8 plants in Quebec and 1 in British Columbia). The industry supports more than 8,800 jobs in Canada generating CDN$8.3 billion in exports.

It is February 1st. An aluminium plant in Quebec agrees to deliver 250 metric tons (MT) of aluminium in 9 months to a car part manufacturer in Guelph. The current spot aluminium price is $1,994 per MT, and the risk-free rate of interest is 5% per year with continuous compounding. The aluminium plant has just taken a short position in a 9-month forward contract on 250 metric tons (MT) of aluminium.

1. Suppose that there are no storage costs for aluminium. Calculate the 9-month aluminium forward price for the contract. Calculate the value of the forward contract on Febuary1^st, 2021, at the time the contract is first entered.