Jack was quite relieved in 2017 when he heard that the World Bank was about to issue pandemic bonds and he purchased $100,000 of the Class B bonds at par, due July 2020. His rationale for the investment was that they were part of a new asset class with little correlation with traditional asset classes, the coupon was fabulous compared to other bond issues at the time (6 m USD LIBOR+11.1%), and they were designed to make payouts in the event of a pandemic arising from one of the covered perils. In addition, they had the double protection of both a cash and insurance window. 

i) As of July 2020, what was Jack’s overall return on the bonds? 

ii) Critically evaluate Jack’s understanding of the bonds he purchased. 

iii) How close to the World Bank projections stated by Gates were the actual results from the Covid-19 pandemic (to date)? (Provide data reference).

iv) Did the bonds meet the goals set down by the World Bank when they were first issued? Explain.

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

ANSWERS i As of July 2020 Jacks overall return on the bonds was 111 ii Jacks understanding of the bo... View the full answer