The following graph plots the current security market line (SML) and indicates the return that investors require from holding stock from Happy Corp. (HC). Based on the graph, complete the table that follows:

00.51.01.52.020.016.012.08.04.00REQUIRED RATE OF RETURN (Percent)RISK (Beta)Return on HC's Stock

CAPM Elements	Value
Risk-free rate (rRFrRF)	Options: 2.2, 4.4, 7.6, 4.0
Market risk premium (RPMRPM)	Options: 10.8, 7.8, 6.0, 4.5
Happy Corp. stocks beta	Options: 1.4, 1.0, .2, .6
Required rate of return on Happy Corp. stock	Options: 7.6, 6.5, 6.8, 9.5

An analyst believes that inflation is going to increase by 2.0% over the next year, while the market risk premium will be unchanged. The analyst uses the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM). The following graph plots the current SML.

Calculate Happy Corp.s new required return. Then, on the graph, use the green points (rectangle symbols) to plot the new SML suggested by this analysts prediction.

Happy Corp.s new required rate of return is Options: 10.6, 6.7, 9.6, 22.1

Tool tip: Mouse over the points on the graph to see their coordinates.

New SML00.40.81.21.62.0201612840REQUIRED RATE OF RETURN (Percent)RISK (Beta)

The SML helps determine the risk-aversion level among investors. The steeper the slope of the SML, the (higher or lower) the level of risk aversion.

Which of the following statements best describes a shift in the SML caused by increased risk aversion?

The risk-free rate will remain constant.

The risk-free rate will increase.

The risk-free rate will decrease.