Question 5
a. Explain the difference between a regular CDS and a binary CDS. Which one is more
suitable for hedging? Which one is more suitable for speculation?
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b. The spread for a new 5-year CDS is 100 basis points per annum, payable annually.
Using function implied_hazard developed during the course, compute implied hazard rates
when the recovery rate is 20%, 25%, 30%, 35% and 40%. Assume default always occurs
half way through a year and the risk-free rate for all maturities is 2% per annum
continuously compounded.
Code your answer in the box below. Clearly comment your working. Display the final
results by running the section
c. Based on the results in b), describe the relationship between the hazard rate and the
recovery rate, holding the spread constant. What is the intuition of this relationship?
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