Question

Which of the following statements is CORRECT, other things held constant? Select one: a. If companies have fewer good investment opportunities, interest rates are likely to increase. b. If individuals increase their savings rate, interest rates are likely to increase. c. If expected inflation increases, interest rates are likely to increase. d. Interest rates on all debt securities tend to rise during recessions because recessions increase the possibility of bankruptcy, hence the riskiness of all debt securities. e. Interest rates on long-term bonds are more volatile than rates on short-term debt securities like T-bills.

Answer 1

Answer: e. Interest rates on long-term bonds are more volatile than rates on short-term debt securities like T-bills.

Explanation:

Long term bonds are considered to be more sensitive to interest rates as opposed to short term securities. If interest rates were to rise, the bond could lose value.

They are also more sensitive to inflation. If inflation rates rise, the value of payment reduces. It is for this reason that longer term bonds have maturity risk premiums added to them to cater for the amount of time the bond has till maturity.

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