TThe 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$).$ Suppose that Douglas McDonnell shareholders approve a $2-$

for$-1$ stock split on January $1,2023.$

a$.$ What is the new divisor for the index?

Note: Do not round intermediate calculations. Round your answer to $3$ decimal places.

New divisor

b$.$ Calculate the rate of return on the index for the year ending December $31,2023,$ if Douglas McDonnell's share price on January $1,$

$2024,$ is $$26\mathrm{.}15$ per share.

Note: Do not round intermediate calculations. Enter your answer as a percent rounded to $2$ decimal places.he 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$).$ Suppose that Douglas McDonnell shareholders approve a $2-$for$-1$ stock split on January $1,2023.$