Par-Par Asset Swap Spreads: An Illustration of How to Price Asset Swaps

Abstract

Asset swaps provide a form of asset financing, where investors borrow funds to purchase an asset, typically a bond. Asset swaps are also a good bond rich-cheap analysis tool. Such swaps can of course be used for speculative purposes. In this paper we provide a brief overview of asset swaps and derive a par-par asset swap spread formula incorporating bond accrued interest. Finally we illustrate how to calculate both the yield-yield and par-par asset swap spread using the liquid 10 year German Bund.