The S&P $500$ Index is currently at $2,000.$ You manage a $$19$ million indexed equity portfolio. The S&P $500$ futures contract has a multiplier of $$250.$

a$.$ If you are temporarily bearish on the stock market, how many contracts should you sell to fully eliminate your exposure over the next six months?

Number of contracts

b$.$ If T$-$bills pay $4\mathrm{.}0\%$ per six months and the semiannual dividend yield is $1\mathrm{.}8\%,$ what is the parity value of the futures price? $($Round your answer to $2$ decimal places. Do not round intermediate calculations.$)$

Parity value