Interest Rate Risk Laurel, Inc., and Hardy Corp. both have 6.5 percent coupon bonds outstanding, with semiannual interest payments, and both are priced at par value. The Laurel, Inc., bond has 3 years to maturity, whereas the Hardy Corp. bond has 20 years to maturity. If interest rates suddenly rise by 2 percent, what is the percentage change in the price of these bonds? If interest rates were to suddenly fall by 2 percent instead, what would the percentage change in the price of these bonds be then? Illustrate your answers by graphing bond prices versus YTM. What does this problem tell you about the interest rate risk of longer-term bonds?

Bond Yields RAK Co. wants to issue new 20-year bonds for some much-needed expansion projects. The company currently has 6.4 percent coupon bonds on the market that sell for $1,063, make semiannual payments, and mature in 20 years. What coupon rate should the company set on its new bonds if it wants them to sell at par?