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Simplifying a LIBOR versus 24% minus twice LIBOR swap

Question

In a swap, party A pays LIBOR and in return receives 24%−2×LIBOR24\% - 2 \times \text{LIBOR} on the same notional. Describe A's position in simpler, more familiar terms.

Short answer

A is receiving fixed in three plain vanilla swaps: receive 8%8\%, pay LIBOR, each on the full notional. Netting the legs, A receives 24%−3L=3(8%−L)24\% - 3L = 3(8\% - L), so A gains when LIBOR falls, with three times the rate sensitivity of a single swap. If the inverse-floater leg is floored at zero (LIBOR above 12%12\%), A also effectively owns an interest-rate cap on 2×2\times notional struck at 12%12\%.

Adapted from Crack, Heard on the Street, Q2.39, p.30; question and answer rewritten by SelfMadeQuant.com.

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