j. Define the real risk-free rate (r*). What security can be used as an estimate of
r*? What is the nominal risk-free rate (rRF)? What securities can be used as
estimates of rRF?
Answer: The real risk-free rate, r*, is the rate that a hypothetical riskless security pays each
moment if zero inflation were expected. The real risk-free rate is not constant—r*
The nominal risk-free rate, rRF, can be approximate by the yield on a Treasury
There is no truly riskless security, but the closest thing is a short-term U. S.
k. Describe a way to estimate the inflation premium (IP) for a T-Year bond.
Answer: Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) are indexed to inflation. The IP for a
.
l. What is a bond spread and how is it related to the default risk premium? How
are bond ratings related to default risk? What factors affect a company’s bond
rating?
Answer: A “bond spread” is often calculated as the difference between a corporate bond’s yield
and a Treasury security’s yield of the same maturity. Therefore:
Mini Case: 5 – 1
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