Suppose Treasury STRIPS (synthetic zero coupon bonds) aretraded for maturities out to 4 years. The yields on these zero coupon bonds are shown in the Table below:

Now consider Treasury note X, a 4-year bond with a 2% coupon rate and a face valueof$100. (for this problem assume coupons are paid annually as opposed to semi-annually)

Let us assume that you are able to both buy and sell X at par value. We want to explore if there exists an arbitrage strategy that captures a positive profit today, and leaves no obligations in the future.

1. How much of each Treasury Strip in the Table is needed to replicate the payoffs ofX? Assume all bonds have the same face value of$100.

2. You have now construct a basket of zero-coupon bonds to replicate the payoffs of bond X. What is the price of this basket?

3. You now have note X, and a basket of zero-coupon bonds that replicate the payoffs of X. Could you earn an arbitrage profit? How would you do so? How much profit can you earn?

Time to Maturity Yield 1 yr 2.6% 3.1% 3.3% 4 yr 3.5% Note: assume quoted yields use semi-annual compounding 2 yr 3 yr Time to Maturity Yield 1 yr 2.6% 3.1% 3.3% 4 yr 3.5% Note: assume quoted yields use semi-annual compounding 2 yr 3 yr