Module: | MODULE B: RISK MANAGEMENT
Q349: A treasury forex dealer holds a long call option on the USD/INR currency pair with a notional principal of USD 1,000,000. The option currently has a Delta (Δ) of 0.60. The current USD/INR spot rate is ₹ 83.50.
Calculate the expected immediate change in the INR value of this option position if the underlying USD/INR spot rate appreciates by ₹ 0.50.
✅ Correct Answer: B
The correct answer is B (Profit of ₹ 300,000). Delta (Δ) measures the sensitivity of an option's price relative to a $1 change in the underlying asset's price.
The formula for the change in the option's value is: Change in Value = Delta × Change in Underlying Spot Price × Notional Principal.
Given the Delta is 0.60 and the USD/INR spot rate increases by ₹ 0.50, the change in the option premium per dollar is 0.60 × ₹ 0.50 = ₹ 0.30.
Multiply this per-dollar change by the total notional principal of USD 1,000,000: ₹ 0.30 × 1,000,000 = ₹ 300,000.
Since the dealer holds a "long call" and the underlying asset appreciated (went up), this positive change represents a profit.
Option A (₹ 500,000) incorrectly assumes a Delta of 1.0. Option C incorrectly assumes a loss.
The formula for the change in the option's value is: Change in Value = Delta × Change in Underlying Spot Price × Notional Principal.
Given the Delta is 0.60 and the USD/INR spot rate increases by ₹ 0.50, the change in the option premium per dollar is 0.60 × ₹ 0.50 = ₹ 0.30.
Multiply this per-dollar change by the total notional principal of USD 1,000,000: ₹ 0.30 × 1,000,000 = ₹ 300,000.
Since the dealer holds a "long call" and the underlying asset appreciated (went up), this positive change represents a profit.
Option A (₹ 500,000) incorrectly assumes a Delta of 1.0. Option C incorrectly assumes a loss.