Review the data available from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis FRED database, then answer the following questions (Hint: Use the search box on the top right of the website to find the required information):

What is the difference in the interest rates on commercial paper for financial firms versus nonfinancial firms? Explain possible reasons for the difference.

What is the most recent interest rate reported for, 1-year, 2-year, 5-year, 10-year, and 30-year maturity Treasuries?

Provide the graph of the rates over the maturity (the yield curve) and interpret the shape of the yield curve.

2. The most famous financial market in the world is the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Visit the NYSE website and then answer the following questions:

• What is the mission of the NYSE?

• What would be the fee for a firm with five million common shares outstanding?