1. Assume that as of today, the annualized interest rate on a three-year security is 8 percent, while the annualized interest rate on a two-year security is 6 percent. Use only this information to estimate the one year forward rate two years from now.
2. You need to choose between investing in a a one-year municipal bond with a 6 percent yield and a one year corporate bond with a 9 percent yield. If your marginal federal income tax rate is 20 percent and no other differences exist between these two securities, which one would you invest in?
3. Assume that interest rates for one-year securities are expected to be 3 percent today, 6 percent one year from now, and 7 percent two years from now. Using only the pure expectations theory, what are the current interest rates on two-year and three-year securities?
4. Identify some factors that influence the shape of the yield curve. Describe how financial market participants use the yield curve to make decisions.
5. Assume there is a sudden expectation of increasing interest rates in the future. What would be the effect on the shape of the interest curve? Explain.
6. Identify the primary objectives of the Federal Open Market Committee and the means by which it attempts to achieve these objectives.
7. What is the Beige Book and why do market participants pay attention to it?
8. Is it the role of the Fed or Congress to determine the fate of large financial institutions that are near bankruptcy?
9. Does the Federal Reserve directly or indirectly influence equity security prices? Based on your response, do equity market participants focus on current Fed actions or the expected ones when it comes to pricing equity securities?
10. Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's website. Identify one policy objective and its effects on consumers and businesses.