Question Tag: Technological advancements

a) Gyenyame Pharmaceuticals LTD (GPL), a Ghanaian company, imports raw materials from the United States of America to produce generic drugs for the local market. Due to recent fluctuations in the foreign exchange market, the company’s management is concerned about the impact of exchange rate movements on its costs and profitability.
The company is expected to pay USD750,000 in three months for a shipment of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). GPL also exports locally produced herbal medicine called ‘Koo-pile’ to the Ghanaian community in Oklahoma, USA on credit basis. The company is expecting a receipt of USD250,000 in three months for a consignment exported a month ago.
GPL is considering two hedging strategies to manage the foreign exchange risk: a forward contract and a money market hedge.
The following financial information is available:

• Current Spot Rate (GHS/USD): 12.00
• 3-Month Forward Rate (GHS/USD): 12.20
• 3-Month USD Interest Rate: 3% per annum
• 3-Month GHS Interest Rate: 14% per annum
• Expected Future Spot Rate in 3 Months (GHS/USD): 12.50

Required:
i) Determine the outcome of the two hedging techniques and recommend the appropriate technique to GPL based on your computations.
(9 marks)

ii) Explain THREE internal hedging techniques that GPL could use to manage its foreign exchange risk.

b) Technological advancements have significantly transformed financial markets, enhancing the way transactions are conducted, information is accessed and risks are managed. As financial institutions and individual investors increasingly depend on digital tools and innovative technologies, financial markets have become more efficient, accessible and transparent.

Required:
Explain FIVE positive impacts of technological development on financial markets.
(5 marks)