The following yield data for a number of highest-quality corporate bonds existed at each of the three points in time noted.

a. On the same set of axes, draw the yield curve at each of the three given times.
b. Label each curve in part a with its general shape (downward-sloping, upward-sloping, flat).
c. Describe the general interest rate expectation existing at each of the three times.
d. Examine the data from 5 years ago. According to the expectations theory, what approximate return did investors expect a 5-year bond to pay as of today?

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Yield Today Time to maturity (years) years ago 2 years a 9.1% 9.2 9.3 9.5 9.4 9.3 9.4 14.6% 12.8 12.2 10.9 10.7 10.5 10.5 9.3% 9.8 10.9 12.6 12.7 12.9 13.5 1S 2 30