ANSWER. The dollar return from a three-month investment in Japan can be found by converting dollars to yen at the spot rate, investing the yen at 1.75% (7%/4), and then selling the proceeds forward for dollars. This yields a dollar return equal to 142 x 1.0175/139 = 1.0395 or 3.95%. This return significantly exceeds the 2.25% (9%/4) return available from investing in the United States.
b. Where would you borrow?
ANSWER. The flip side of a lower return in the United States is a lower borrowing cost. Borrow in the United States.