In addition to price$-$weighted and value$-$weighted indexes, an equally weighted index is one in which the index value is computed from

the average rate of return of the stocks comprising the index. Equally weighted indexes are frequently used by financial researchers to

measure portfolio performance.

The following three defense stocks are to be combined into a stock index in January $2022($perhaps a portfolio manager believes

these stocks are an appropriate benchmark for his or her performance$)$:

a$.$ Compute the rate of return on an equally weighted index of the three defense stocks for the year ending December $31,2022.$

Note: A negative value should be indicated by a minus sign. Do not round intermediate calculations. Enter your answer as a

percent rounded to $2$ decimal places.

Index return

b$.$ If the index value is set to $100$ on January $1,2022,$ what will the index value be on January $1,2023?$

Note: Do not round intermediate calculations. Round your answer to $2$ decimal places.

Index value

c$.$ What is the rate of return on the index for $2023?$

Note: Do not round intermediate calculations. Enter your answer as a percent rounded to $2$ decimal places.