Old Midterms 340
Old Midterms 340
Old Midterms 340
1. On September 18, 2007 the U.S. Federal Reserve Board began cutting
its fed funds rate (short term interest rate) target. This policy move
has brought the fed funds rate from 5.25% to 0.25%, in an attempt to
stimulate consumer and business spending, reduce interest rate resets
on mortgages and shore up the economy.
(a) (15 points) Use a supply and demand for bonds model to deter-
mine what is likely to happen to interest rates on 1-year bills.
(Explain your graph)
(b) (15 points) Write down and explain an equation representing the
liquidity premium model of the term-structure of interest rates.
Given your answer to 2. (a) and the actions of the Federal Reserve
described in question 1., use your model to predict the shape of
the yield curve.
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Multiple Choice 2 points each
Circle the correct answer, do not transfer answers to blue book
2. The present value of $200 received in 3 years with interest rate i is:
(a) $200/(1 + i)
(b) $2003 ∗ (1 + i)
(c) $200/(1 + i)3
(d) $200 ∗ (1 + i)3
(a) market interest rates could be the same, higher, or lower than the
coupon rate.
(b) market interest rates below the coupon rate.
(c) market interest rates above the coupon rate.
(d) market interest rate the same as the coupon rate.
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5. An decrease in the expected inflation rate will:
(a) increase the demand for bonds, increase the supply of bonds and
increase the interest rate.
(b) decrease bond demand, increase the supply of bonds and increase
the interest rate.
(c) increase bond demand, decrease the supply of bonds and increase
the interest rate.
(d) decrease bond demand, decrease the supply of bonds and increase
the interest rate.
7. If a bond sells at a discount, where price is less than face value, then
we would expect to see:
(a) market interest rates could be the same, higher, or lower than the
coupon rate.
(b) market interest rates below the coupon rate.
(c) market interest rates above the coupon rate.
(d) market interest rate the same as the coupon rate.
(a) borrowers who are high risk will most aggressively seek to borrow
funds.
(b) borrowers who face income shortfalls may repay their loans early.
(c) borrowers may take on more risk after getting a loan.
(d) borrowers may turn to financial markets to get funds for high-risk
projects.
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9. According to the expectations theory of the term structure, if the in-
terest rate on a one year bond is 1% and the interest rate on a two year
bond is 2%, then:
(a) the market expects the interest rate on a one year bond in one
year to be 1/2%.
(b) the market expects the interest rate on a two year bond in one
year to be 1%.
(c) the market expects the interest rate on a two year bond in one
year to be 2%.
(d) the market expects the interest rate on a one year bond in one
year to be 3%.
10. Determine whether the below statements are true or false. I. Bond
prices are inversely related to interest rates. II. The smaller a bond’s
duration, the greater its interest-rate risk.
12. The liquidity premium theory is based upon the idea that, other things
remaining equal,
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13. According to the law of one price, if the UK price level rises by 5%,
and the U.S. price level falls by 5%, then:
14. The Fisher effect is the −−−−−−− relationship between −−−−−−− and
−−−−−−− .
16. Which of the following are true concerning the distinction between
interest rates and return?
(a) The rate of return on a bond will be equal to the interest rate on
that bond.
(b) The return can be expressed as the sum of the current yield and
the rate of capital gains.
(c) The rate of return will be greater than the interest rate when the
price of the bond falls between time t and time t+1.
(d) All of the above are true.
(e) Only (a) and (b) of the above are true.
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17. Treasury inflation-indexed bonds reduce investors’ inflation risk by in-
creasing the bond’s −−−−−−− when the consumer price index rises.
18. Which of the following will increase the demand for an asset?
20. Suppose the interest rate on a taxable corporate bond is 6% and the
marginal tax rate is 25%. What is the equivalent tax-free interest rate
on this bond?
(a) 2.5%
(b) 6.25%
(c) 4.5%
(d) 25%
(e) none of the above.
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Econ 340: Financial Markets & Institutions
Midterm Exam March 5, 2007
Essay (35 minutes): 60 points
1. In 2005 and 2006, the U.S. inflation rate averaged 3.3%, a rate or inflation not seen since the
early 1990s. Yet over the past few months, there have been signs that inflationary pressures
may be easing. Suppose that bond traders now expect inflation to fall to 2.5% in 2007 and
to fall further to 2% in both 2008 and 2009.
(a) (30 points) Using the theory of asset demand, explain the impact of a decline in expected
inflation on the demand for commercial paper. What effect would a decline in expected
inflation have on the supply of commercial paper? Using a graph of the supply and
demand for commerical paper, illustrate and fully explain the effect on commercial paper
yields if bond traders expect a decline in the inflation rate in 2007.
(b) (30 points) Given your answer above, what do you expect to happen to the yields on
treasury bills? Why? Write down an equation that represents the liquidity premium
theory of the term-structure of interest rates. Given that bond traders expect inflation
will fall even further in 2008-09, draw and explain the shape of today’s yield curve (for
1 - 3 year notes).
1. The interest rate on municipal bonds falls relative to the interest rate on Treasury securities
when
3. A bond that is bought at a price below its face value and the face value is repaid at a maturity
date is called a
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4. Adverse selection is a problem associated with equity and debt contracts arising from
(a) the lenders relative lack of information about the borrowers potential returns and risks
of his investment activities.
(b) the lenders ability to legally require sufficient collateral to cover a 100 percent loss if the
borrower defaults.
(c) the borrowers lack of incentive to seek a loan for highly risky investments.
(d) none of the above.
5. Which of the following are true concerning the distinction between interest rates and return?
(a) The rate of return on a bond will necessarily equal the interest rate on that bond.
(b) The return can be expressed as the sum of the current yield and the rate of capital gains.
(c) The rate of return will be greater than the interest rate when the price of the bond falls
between time t and t+1.
(d) none of the above.
(e) Both (a) and (b).
6. Which of the following $1,000 face value securities has the highest yield to maturity?
(a) A 5 percent coupon bond selling for $1,000
(b) A 10 percent coupon bond selling for $1,000
(c) A 15 percent coupon bond selling for $1,100
(d) A 15 percent coupon bond selling for $900
7. With an interest rate of 4 percent, the present value of a security that makes two payments,
one for $1,100 next year and another for $1,460 four years from now is approximately
(a) $1,200.
(b) $2,300.
(c) $3,000.
(d) $1,900.
8. Determine whether the below statements are true or false. I. Prices and returns for short-
term bonds are less volatile than those for long-term bonds. II. The prices of longer-maturity
bonds respond more dramatically to changes in interest rates.
(a) I is true, II false.
(b) Both are false.
(c) Both are true.
(d) I is false, II true.
9. A bond investor faces reinvestment risk if his or her holding period is
(a) shorter than the maturity of the bond.
(b) identical to the maturity of the bond.
(c) longer than the maturity of the bond.
(d) none of the above.
turn the page . . .
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10. If the interest rate on euro-denominated deposits is 11 percent and it is 8 percent on dollar
deposits, and if the euro is expected to depreciate at a 4 percent rate, for Francois the
Foreigner the expected rate of return on dollar deposits is
(a) 8%.
(b) 11%.
(c) 20%.
(d) 16%.
(e) 12%
11. If the inflation rate in the United States is higher than that in Europe, then, in the long run,
12. The theory of purchasing power parity cannot fully explain exchange rate movements because
13. Government budget deficits shift the bond −−−−−−− curve to the −−−−−−− .
14. An increase in default risk on corporate bonds −−−−−−− the demand for these bonds and
−−−−−−− the demand for default-free bonds.
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15. If you expect the inflation rate to be 2 percent over the next year and a one-year bond has a
yield to maturity of 5 percent, then the real interest rate on this bond is
(a) 7 percent.
(b) -7 percent.
(c) 3 percent.
(d) -3 percent.
17. A decrease in the domestic interest rate shifts the expected return schedule for −−−−−−−
deposits to the −−−−−−− and causes the domestic currency to −−−−−−− .
18. According to the interest parity condition, the domestic interest rate is equal to the foreign
interest rate
20. Suppose the interest rate on a taxable corporate bond is 8% and the marginal tax rate is
30%. What is the equivalent tax-free interest rate on this bond?
(a) 12.0%
(b) 7.5%
(c) 2.5%
(d) 5.6%
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Econ 340: Financial Markets & Institutions
Midterm Exam October 17, 2006
Essay (50 minutes): 50 points
1. In late 2005 and through the first half of 2006, the U.S. inflation rate averaged betwen 3.5
and 4.5%, rates not seen since the early 1990s. Yet over the past few months, there have
been signs that inflationary pressures may be easing. Suppose that bond traders now expect
inflation to fall below 4% in 2007 and to fall further to 3% in 2008.
(a) (20 points) Using the theory of asset demand, explain the impact of a decline in expected
inflation on the demand for commercial paper. What effect would a decline in expected
inflation have on the supply of commercial paper? Using a graph of the supply and
demand for commerical paper, illustrate and fully explain the effect on commercial paper
yields if bond traders expect a decline in the inflation rate in 2007.
(b) (30 points) Given your answer above, what do you expect to happen to the yields on
treasury bills? Why? Write down an equation that represents the liquidity premium
theory of the term-structure of interest rates. Explain the intuition behind your model.
Given that bond traders expect inflation will fall even further in 2008, draw and explain
the shape of today’s yield curve (for 3mth - 2 year notes).
(a) borrowers who are high risk will most aggressively seek to borrow funds.
(b) borrowers who face income shortfalls may default on loans.
(c) borrowers may turn to financial markets to get funds for high-risk projects.
(d) borrowers may take on more risk after getting a loan.
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4. Which of the following is no longer used to ensure the soundness of financial intermediaries?
5. A bond that is bought at a price below its face value and the face value is repaid at a maturity
date is called a
6. Adverse selection is a problem associated with equity and debt contracts arising from
(a) the lenders relative lack of information about the borrowers potential returns and risks
of his investment activities.
(b) the lenders ability to legally require sufficient collateral to cover a 100 percent loss if the
borrower defaults.
(c) the borrowers lack of incentive to seek a loan for highly risky investments.
(d) none of the above.
7. The interest rate on municipal bonds falls relative to the interest rate on Treasury securities
when
8. Which of the following are true concerning the distinction between interest rates and return?
(a) The rate of return on a bond will necessarily equal the interest rate on that bond.
(b) The return can be expressed as the sum of the current yield and the rate of capital gains.
(c) The rate of return will be greater than the interest rate when the price of the bond falls
between time t and t+1.
(d) none of the above.
(e) Both (a) and (b).
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9. Which of the following $1,000 face value securities has the highest yield to maturity?
(a) A 5 percent coupon bond selling for $1,000
(b) A 10 percent coupon bond selling for $1,000
(c) A 15 percent coupon bond selling for $1,100
(d) A 15 percent coupon bond selling for $900
10. With an interest rate of 6 percent, the present value of a security that pays $1,100 next year
and $1,460 four years from now is approximately
(a) $1,200.
(b) $2,960.
(c) $3,000.
(d) $2,200.
11. Determine whether the below statements are true or false. I. Prices and returns for short-
term bonds are less volatile than those for long-term bonds. II. The prices of longer-maturity
bonds respond more dramatically to changes in interest rates.
(a) I is true, II false.
(b) Both are false.
(c) Both are true.
(d) I is false, II true.
12. A bond investor faces reinvestment risk if his or her holding period is
(a) shorter than the maturity of the bond.
(b) identical to the maturity of the bond.
(c) longer than the maturity of the bond.
(d) none of the above.
13. Stock A has an expected return of 15% with a standard deviation of returns of 10%. Stock
B has an expected return of 15% with a standard deviation of returns of 5%. Most investors
are −−−−−−− , which means they would prefer to invest in −−−−−−− .
14. If the interest rate on euro-denominated deposits is 13 percent and it is 15 percent on dollar
deposits, and if the euro is expected to appreciate at a 4 percent rate, for Francois the
Foreigner the expected rate of return on dollar deposits is
(a) 9%.
(b) 11%.
(c) 17%.
(d) 19%.
(e) 15%
turn the page . . .
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15. According to the market segmentation theory of the term structure,
(a) the interest rate for bonds of one maturity is determined by supply and demand for
bonds of that maturity.
(b) bonds of one maturity are not substitutes for bonds of other maturities; therefore, in-
terest rates on bonds of different maturities do not move together over time.
(c) investors strong preference for short-term relative to long-term bonds explains why yield
curves typically slope downward.
(d) only (A) and (B) of the above.
16. The theory of purchasing power parity cannot fully explain exchange rate movements because
17. During a business cycle expansion, the supply of bonds shifts to the −−−−−−− as businesses
perceive more profitable investment opportunities, while the demand for bonds shifts to the
−−−−−−− as a result of the increase in wealth generated by the economic expansion.
18. Government budget deficits shift the bond −−−−−−− curve to the −−−−−−− .
19. An increase in default risk on corporate bonds −−−−−−− the demand for these bonds and
−−−−−−− the demand for default-free bonds.
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20. When the price of a bond is −−−−−−− the equilibrium price, there is an excess demand of
bonds and the price will −−−−−−−
22. A decrease in the domestic interest rate shifts the expected return schedule for −−−−−−−
deposits to the −−−−−−− and causes the domestic currency to −−−−−−− .
23. The theory of PPP suggests that if one country’s price level falls relative to another’s, its
currency should
(a) float.
(b) depreciate.
(c) appreciate.
(d) do none of the above.
24. According to the interest parity condition, the domestic interest rate is equal to the foreign
interest rate
25. Treasury inflation-indexed bonds reduce investors’ inflation risk by increasing the bond’s
−−−−−−− when the consumer price index rises.
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Econ 340: Financial Markets & Institutions
Midterm Exam March 3, 2006
Essay (30 minutes): 40 points
1. In 2004 the U.S. central bank began raising its target for the fed funds rate in an effort
to push up interest rates and reduce inflationary pressures. The expectation that inflation
would be increasing over the next serveral years proved to be accurate.
(a) (20 points) If the Federal Reserve conducts monetary policy by buying and selling
U.S. t-bills, using a supply and demand for t-bills model, illustrate and explain the
role of tight monetary policy on treasury bill yields in 2004, 2005 and 2006. (assume
the the Fed continues to tighten monetary policy each year in the face of rising
inflationary expectations).
(b) (20 points) Write down an equation representing the short run equilibrium in foreign
currency markets. explain the intuition behind your model. Given your answer to
part (a), and assuming everything else remains unchanged. Illustrate and explain the
impact of an increase in expected inflation on the spot exchange rate.
1. Adverse selection is a problem associated with equity and debt contracts arising from
(a) the lenders relative lack of information about the borrowers potential returns and
risks of his investment activities.
(b) the lenders ability to legally require sufficient collateral to cover a 100 percent loss if
the borrower defaults.
(c) the borrowers lack of incentive to seek a loan for highly risky investments.
(d) none of the above.
2. When Americans or foreigners expect the return on dollar deposits to be high relative
to the return on foreign deposits, there is a −−−−−−− demand for dollar deposits and a
correspondingly −−−−−−− demand for foreign deposits.
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3. A bond denominated in Japanese yen and sold in the United States is known as a
4. During business cycle expansions when income and wealth are rising, the demand for bonds
−−−−−−− and the demand curve shifts to the −−−−−−−
5. An increase in the expected rate of inflation will −−−−−−− the expected return on bonds
relative to that on −−−−−−− assets, and shift the −−−−−−− curve to the left.
(a) they allow funds to move from those without productive investment opportunities to
those who have such opportunities.
(b) they allow consumers to time their purchases better.
(c) they weed out inefficient firms.
(d) they do all of the above.
(e) they do (A) and (B) of the above.
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7. When bonds become less widely traded, and as a consequence the market becomes less
liquid, the demand curve for bonds shifts to the −−−−−−− and the interest rate −−−−−−−
8. The theory of purchasing power parity cannot fully explain exchange rate movements
because
(a) The longer a bonds maturity, the lower is the rate of return that occurs as a result
of the increase in an interest rate.
(b) Even though a bond has a substantial initial interest rate, its return can turn out to
be negative if interest rates rise.
(c) Prices and returns for long-term bonds are more volatile than those for shorter-term
bonds.
(d) All of the above are true.
(e) Only (A) and (B) of the above are true.
10. Financial intermediaries can substantially reduce transaction costs per dollar of transac-
tions because their large size allows them to take advantage of
11. With an interest rate of 10 percent, the present value of a security that pays $1,100 next
year and $1,460 four years from now is approximately
(a) $1,000.
(b) $2,560.
(c) $3,000.
(d) $2,000.
(a) bringing together people with funds to lend and people who want to borrow funds.
(b) assuring that the swings in the business cycle are less pronounced.
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(c) assuring that governments need never resort to printing money.
(d) both (A) and (B) of the above.
(e) both (B) and (C) of the above.
(a) the interest rate for bonds of one maturity is determined by supply and demand for
bonds of that maturity.
(b) bonds of one maturity are not substitutes for bonds of other maturities; therefore,
interest rates on bonds of different maturities do not move together over time.
(c) investors strong preference for short-term relative to long-term bonds explains why
yield curves typically slope downward.
(d) only (A) and (B) of the above.
14. The interest rate that equates the present value of payments received from a debt instru-
ment with its market price today is the
15. If the expected path of one-year interest rates over the next five years is 1 percent, 2
percent, 3 percent, 4 percent, and 5 percent, the pure expectations theory predicts that
the bond with the highest interest rate today is the one with a maturity of
(a) are short-term funds transferred between financial institutions, usually for a period
of one day.
(b) actually have nothing to do with the federal government.
(c) provide banks with an immediate infusion of reserves should they be short.
(d) are all of the above.
(e) are only (A) and (B) of the above.
17. Which of the following $1,000 face value securities has the highest yield to maturity?
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18. (I) If a corporation suffers big losses, the demand for its bonds will rise because of the
higher interest rates the firm must pay. (II) The spread between the interest rates on
bonds with default risk and default-free bonds is called the risk premium.
19. Successful financial intermediaries have higher earnings on their investments because they
are better equipped than individuals to screen out good from bad risks, thereby reducing
losses due to
(a) the increase in price over the year, divided by the initial price.
(b) the increase in price over the year, divided by the face value.
(c) the increase in price over the year, divided by the interest rate.
(d) none of the above.
(a) are funds that aggregate money from a group of small investors and invest it in money
market instruments.
(b) have grown enormously popular since their inception in the early 1970s.
(c) received a flood of funds in the early 1980s as depositors withdrew their funds from
banks which were restricted from paying more than 5.25percent in interest on savings
accounts.
(d) all of the above.
(e) only (A) and (B) of the above.
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22. Bonds that are sold in a foreign country and are denominated in a currency other than
that of the country in which they are sold are known as
24. The theory of purchasing power parity states that exchange rates between any two cur-
rencies will adjust to reflect changes in
25. When the exchange rate for the euro changes from $0.80 to $1.00 then, holding everything
else constant,
(a) the euro has appreciated and German cars sold in the United States become more
expensive.
(b) the euro has appreciated and German cars sold in the United States become less
expensive.
(c) the euro has depreciated and American wheat sold in Germany becomes more expen-
sive.
(d) the euro has depreciated and American wheat sold in Germany becomes less expen-
sive.
26. Which of the following are true concerning the distinction between interest rates and
return?
(a) The rate of return on a bond will not necessarily equal the interest rate on that bond.
(b) The return can be expressed as the sum of the current yield and the rate of capital
gains.
(a) consumers moved money out of money market mutual funds because their returns
did not keep pace with inflation.
(b) banks solidified their advantage over money markets by offering higher deposit rates.
6
(c) brokerage houses introduced highly popular money market mutual funds drawing
significant amounts of money out of bank deposits.
(d) consumers were unable to take advantage of higher rates in money markets because
of the requirement of large transaction sizes.
28. Suppose that you purchase a 91-day Treasury bill for $9,850 that is worth $10,000 when
it matures. The securitys annualized yield if held to maturity is about
29. If the interest rate on dollar deposits is 10 percent, and the dollar is expected to appreciate
by 7 percent over the coming year, the expected return on dollar deposits in terms of the
foreign currency is
(a) 3 percent.
(b) 10 percent.
(c) 13.5 percent.
(d) 17 percent.
(e) 24 percent.
30. Government budget surpluses shift the bond −−−−−−− curve to the −−−−−−− .
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Financial Markets and Institutions: Old Exams
At the end of September, a barrel of light crude sold for almost $70 compared to a price near
$30 a barrel in January of 2004. To answer the following questions, assume that bond traders
expect inflation to rise from 3 percent in 2005 (history) to 5 percent in both 2006 and 2007
(expected inflation). Also, traders expect the U.S. economy to enter a recession in 2007.
Assume that prior to the recent run up in oil prices, bond traders had expected inflation to
remain stable in 2006-2007 at 3 percent.
a) (10 points) Using a model of the supply and demand for 1 year t-bills, illustrate and explain
the impact of an increase in expected inflation. Explain what your results imply for changes in
the yield on 1 year t-bills in 2006 and 2007.
b) (10 points) Using a model of the supply and demand for 1 year t-bills, illustrate and explain
the impact of a recession (a business cycle contraction). If bond traders expect that this
recession will occur in 2007, what do they expect to happen to yields on one-year t-bills in
2007.
c) (20 points) Write down an equation representing the liquidity premium theory of the term
structure of interest rates. Based on this theory, explain how the yields on short term and
medium term government bonds are related. Based on your answer to parts (a-b) above, draw
and explain a yield curve that represents the relationship between short and medium term
bonds.
Midterm Exam
March 13, 2003
Essay (40 minutes): 55 points
1. The Bush administration has proposed significant tax cuts and increases in government
spending. As a result, the Congressional Budget Office predicts a significant increase in
federal govt. budget deficits over the next three years.
a. (15 points) Using a supply and demand for bonds model, illustrate and explain the
impact these budget deficits are likely to have on treasury bills yields over the next
three years (assume the deficit is financed using t-bills).
b. (20 points) Write down an equation representing some theory of the term structure
of interest rates. Based on this theory, explain the relationship between yields on
short term and medium term government bonds. Illustrate this relationship using a
yield curve and your answer to part (a) above.
c. (25 points) Write down an equation representing the short run equilibrium in
foreign currency markets. Explain the intuition behind your model. Given your
answer to part (a), and assuming everything else remains unchanged. Illustrate and
explain the impact of the federal govt. budget deficits on the spot exchange rate.
1. A bond denominated in Japanese yen and sold in the United States is known as a
a. international bond.
b. foreign bond.
c. yenbond.
d. eurobond.
c. foreign currencies.
d. stocks.