In order to finance a shipment of Mexican pottery, Gulf Stream Imports is seeking a $500,000 one year bank loan. The Mercantile Bank requires that Gulf Stream Imports maintain a 20% compensating balance and requires four quarterly payments. The marine bank requires only a 10% compensating balance but requires twelve monthly payments. In addition marine discounts the loan. Both banks interest rate is 9%
a) Find the effective rate of both. Which is lowest?
b) If Marine Bank eliminates its compenstating balance requirement, would the answer change? What would the new effective rate be?