Question

1. Suppose the Kenyan shilling (KS) is currently traded at KS 1.4/$.The Ethiopian Birr (EB) is traded at E B1.39/$.Ignoring transaction costs: A. Determine the KS/EB exchange rate consistent with these direct quotations

Answer 1

The answer is KS 1.01/EB.

Step-by-step explanation:

This is an example of a cross rate.

Cross rate refers to an exchange rate between two currencies that is calculated based on the exchange rate of each of the two currencies to a third currency.

For this question, the cross rate KS/EB will be estimated by reference the US dollar which is third currency. This can be calculated by simply dividing the KS 1.4/$ by the E B1.39/$ as follows:

KS/EB = 1.4 / 1.39 = 1.01

That is, the answer is KS 1.01/EB.