# 2: Excel's Solver utility can also find an optimum solution involving more than one variable. We will use Solver to nd the best t of a straight line yield curve for some bond prices (more information on Solver is available in the previous assignment, or in the online tutorial). You are to calibrate a straight line yield curve where J10) = yo + m? by nding appropriate values for yo and m. The value y(t) is the semiannually compounding bond yield, or IRR, for a bond of maturity t. The yield curve is to be the best straight-line fit for the following four bonds: Bond 1 has face value $100 and a term of 1 year with semiannual coupons of 9% and a price of $104.17. Bond 2 has face value $100 and a term of 1.5 year with semiannual coupons of 8% and a price of $102.98. Bond 3 has face value $100 and a term of 2 year with a semiannual coupon of 4% and a price of $95.72. Bond 4 has face value $100 and a term of 5 year with a semiannual coupon of 6% and a price of $91.89. Create a spreadsheet with headings similar to the following: Alalclnlelrle II | J LO m Crete: crate change) |Wl~|lmlulelwl~lrg Term Face Coupon Frequ enqr Yield Model pee Market price Dterenoe squared 1 $100 ? 2 2L0 + m ' B? :{GTH7J"2 1.5 $100 ? 2 443+ m '38 ? 2 $100 ? 2 ? ? 1n 5 $100 ? 2 ? <35 given> ? A i Objectlve 13 =sum[|?:l10} ala\"-l In column G, you are to price the bond based on the yield from column F. Column H contains the actual price of the bond. Column 1 is the difference between the two prices, squared. In cell 113, we have the sum of the diferences squared, and it is this value that we seek to minimize. Use Excel's Solver add-in to simultaneously solve for yo and m to minimize the sum of the differences squared. (a) What is the value for yo found by Solver? (b) What is the value for m found by Solver