Chapter 17, Problem 4BIC

Imagine an American MNC. Why it might decide to borrow in a country such as Brazil, where interest rates are high, rather than a country like Germany, where interest rates are low? Discuss why this may be the best strategy for the firm, given your understanding of the relationship between inflation, interest rates, and exchange rate.

Determine the key reasons why a multinational corporation might decide to borrow in a country such as Brazil, where interest rates are high, rather than in a country like Switzerland, where interest rates are low. Provide support for your rationale. What impact does foreign investment have on the weighted average cost of capital calculations?

Why might a foreign government’s policies be closely monitored by investors in other countries, even if the investors plan no investments in that country? Explain how monetary policy in one country can affect interest rates in other countries.