Answer:
The answer is below
Explanation:
The optimal hedge ratio shows the degree of correlation between an asset or liability and the final product.
The optimal hedge ratio = correlation * (standard deviation of monthly changes in the spot price) / (standard deviation of monthly changes in the futures price)
The optimal hedge ratio = 0.7 * (1.2/1.4) = 0.6
The beef producer requires a long position = 0.6 * 200000 lbs = 120000 lbs of cattle.
The beef producer should take a long position in 3 December contracts closing out the position on November 15.