Suppose the real risk-free rate is 3.25%, the average future inflation rate is 4.35%, and a maturity risk premium of 0.07% per year to maturity applies to both corporate and T-bonds, i.e., MRP = 0.07%(t), where t is the number of years to maturity. Suppose also that a liquidity premium of 0.50% and a default risk premium of 1.20% apply to A-rated corporate bonds but not to T-bonds. How much higher would the rate of return be on a 10-year A-rated corporate bond than on a 5-year Treasury bond? Here we assume that the pure expectations theory is NOT valid. Disregard cross-product terms, i.e., if averaging is required, use the arithmetic average.

a. 2.05%

b. 1.89%

c. 1.72%

d. 2.28%