Answer:
discount, the size of the discount increased
Explanation:
As per the interest rate parity theory (IRPT) , the difference between forward and spot rate of a currency is equal to the difference between their respective interest rates.
Forward rate for SGD i.e Singapore dollar means the US Dollars which can be purchased by 1 SGD i.e US Dollars per SGD.
Also, the currency whose interest rate is higher would be at a forward discount whereas the currency with lower interest rate would be at a forward premium. This effect mitigates the possibility of any arbitrage gain.
[tex]\frac{FR}{SR} = \frac{1\ +\ I_{USD} }{1\ +\ I_{SGD} }[/tex]
[tex]I_{USD}[/tex] = Interest rate in USA
[tex]I_{SGD}[/tex] = Interest rate in Singapore
As per the given information, FR = SR × [tex]\frac{(1\ +\ .04)}{(1\ +\ .05)}[/tex] = Spot Rate × 0.99
when interest rate in Singapore rises and falls in USA.. Let's assume, new interest rates being 3% in USA and 6% in Singapore.
Forward Rate would be, Spot Rate × [tex]\frac{(1\ +\ .03)}{(1\ +\ .06)}[/tex] = Spot rate × 0.972
Thus, it can be seen that SGD was at a forward discount at the beginning and with increase in it's interest rates and reduction in US Dollar interest rates, SGD forward discount increased.