The Real Risk-Free Rate of Interest Is Expected to Remain

question 26

Multiple Choice

The real risk-free rate of interest is expected to remain constant at 3% for the foreseeable future.However,inflation is expected to increase steadily over the next 30 years,so the Treasury yield curve has an upward slope.Assume that the pure expectations theory holds.You are also considering two corporate bonds,one with a 5-year maturity and one with a 10-year maturity.Both have the same default and liquidity risks.Given these assumptions,which of these statements is CORRECT?

• A) Since the pure expectations theory holds,the 10-year corporate bond must have the same yield as the 5-year corporate bond.
• B) Since the pure expectations theory holds,all 5-year Treasury bonds must have higher yields than all 10-year Treasury bonds.
• C) Since the pure expectations theory holds,all 10-year corporate bonds must have the same yield as 10-year Treasury bonds.
• D) The 10-year Treasury bond must have a higher yield than the 5-year corporate bond.
• E) The 10-year corporate bond must have a higher yield than the 5-year corporate bond.

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Definitions:

Proportional Tax

A taxation system where the tax rate remains constant regardless of the amount subject to tax.

Progressive Tax

A tax system where the tax rate increases as the taxable amount or income rises, meaning higher earners pay a larger percentage of their income in taxes than lower earners.

Progressive Tax

A tax system where the tax rate increases as the taxable amount increases, meaning higher income individuals pay a larger percentage of their income in taxes compared to lower-income individuals.

Tax Rate

The percentage at which an individual or corporation is taxed.