Question

20. The consumer price index was 120 in 2013 and 126 in 2014. The nominal interest rate during this period was 8 percent. What was the real interest rate during this period? A) 3 percent B) 2 percent C) 3.3 percent D) 5.2 percent E) 12.8 percent

Answer 1

Answer: 3%

Explanation:

To calculate the real interest rate, it should be noted that the inflation rate is needed and this can be calculated using the consumer price index as:

= [(126-120)/120] × 100

= 6/120 × 100

= 5%

Real interest rate will now be:

= Nominal Rate - Inflation Rate

= 8% - 5%

= 3%