Applying IRP and IFE

Assume that Mexico has a one-year interest rate that is higher than the U.S. one-year interest rate. Assume that you believe in the international Fisher effect (IFE), and interest rate parity. Assume zero transactions costs.

 

Ed is based in the U.S. and he attempts to speculate by purchasing Mexican pesos today, investing the pesos in a risk-free asset for a year, and then converting the pesos to dollars at the end of one year. Ed did not cover his position in the forward market.

 

Maria is based in Mexico and she attempts covered interest arbitrage by purchasing dollars today and simultaneously selling dollars one year forward, investing the dollars in a risk-free asset for a year, and then converting the dollars back to pesos at the end of one year.

 

Do you think the rate of return on Ed’s investment will be higher than, lower than, or the same as the rate of return on Maria’s investment? Explain.