answersLogoWhite

0

In this section, we continue our consideration of factors that you must consider when selecting securities for an investment portfolio. You will recall that this selection process involves finding securities that provide a rate of return that compensates you for: (1) the time value of money during the period of investment, (2) the expected rate of inflation during the period, and (3) the risk involved.

The summation of these three components is called the required rate of return. This is the minimum rate of return that you should accept from an investment to compensate you for deferring consumption. Because of the importance of the required rate of return to the total investment selection process, this section contains a discussion of the three components and what influences each of them.

The analysis and estimation of the required rate of return are complicated by the behavior of market rates over time. First, a wide range of rates is available for alternative investments at any time. Second, the rates of return on specific assets change dramatically over time. Third, the difference between the rates available (that is, the spread) on different assets changes over time.

First, even though all these securities have promised returns based upon bond contracts, the promised annual yields during any year differ substantially. As an example, during 1999 the average yields on alternative assets ranged from 4.64 percent on T-bills to 7.88 percent for Baa corporate bonds. Second, the changes in yields for a specific asset are shown by the three-month Treasury bill rate that went from 4.64 percent in 1999 to 5.82 percent in 2000. Third, an example of a change in the difference between yields over time (referred to as a spread) is shown by the Baa-Aaa spread.4 The yield spread in 1995 was only 24 basis points (7.83 - 7.59), but the spread in 1999 was 83 basis points (7.88 - 7.05). (A basis point is 0.01 percent.)

Because differences in yields result from the riskiness of each investment, you must understand the risk factors that affect the required rates of return and include them in your assessment of investment opportunities. Because the required returns on all investments change over time, and because large differences separate individual investments, you need to be aware of the several components that determine the required rate of return, starting with the risk-free rate. The discussion in this series of posts considers the three components of the required rate of return and briefly discusses what affects these components

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Economics

Basic determinants of investment?

The immediate determinants of investment are: (a) the expected rate of return and (b) the real rate of interest.


What are the determinants of investment?

1. Revenue: Economic Growth and Business Cycle 2. Cost: Interest rates and Taxes 3. Expectation: Stable economic and political condition of any country.


What is the relationship between required rate of return and bond price?

The required rate of return and bond price are inversely related. When the required rate of return increases, bond prices typically fall because existing bonds with lower interest rates become less attractive to investors. Conversely, if the required rate of return decreases, bond prices tend to rise as existing bonds with higher interest rates become more appealing. This relationship is fundamental to understanding bond valuation in response to changes in market interest rates.


Why is cost associated with internal equity?

nIf managers are investing shareholders' funds, shareholders will expect to earn their required rate of return nFor internal equity, the required rates of return are equivalent to the cost as no issue costs are involved


What is the relationship between required rate of return and coupon rate on the value of bond?

The relationship between the required rate of return and the coupon rate significantly affects a bond's value. If the required rate of return is higher than the coupon rate, the bond will typically trade at a discount, as investors seek higher yields elsewhere. Conversely, if the required rate of return is lower than the coupon rate, the bond will trade at a premium, since it offers more attractive returns relative to current market rates. Thus, changes in the required rate of return directly influence the bond's market price.

Related Questions

Can required rates of return be negative?

yeah


Basic determinants of investment?

The immediate determinants of investment are: (a) the expected rate of return and (b) the real rate of interest.


What are the determinants of investment?

1. Revenue: Economic Growth and Business Cycle 2. Cost: Interest rates and Taxes 3. Expectation: Stable economic and political condition of any country.


What is the relationship between required rate of return and bond price?

The required rate of return and bond price are inversely related. When the required rate of return increases, bond prices typically fall because existing bonds with lower interest rates become less attractive to investors. Conversely, if the required rate of return decreases, bond prices tend to rise as existing bonds with higher interest rates become more appealing. This relationship is fundamental to understanding bond valuation in response to changes in market interest rates.


Should companies in the same industries have approximately the same required rates of return on investment projects?

Yes, companies in the same industry typically have similar required rates of return on investment projects due to comparable risk profiles, market conditions, and competitive dynamics. However, differences in factors such as company size, financial health, and operational efficiency can lead to variations in their specific required rates of return. Ultimately, while industry benchmarks provide a guideline, individual company circumstances must also be considered.


Why is cost associated with internal equity?

nIf managers are investing shareholders' funds, shareholders will expect to earn their required rate of return nFor internal equity, the required rates of return are equivalent to the cost as no issue costs are involved


What are the objective and subjective determinants of consumption?

Objective determinants of consumption include factors such as income, prices, and interest rates that impact how much individuals can afford to spend. Subjective determinants of consumption involve personal preferences, tastes, and attitudes towards saving and spending that influence consumer behavior. Both types of determinants interact to shape overall consumption levels in an economy.


Why do bond investors have lower required rates of return than do stock investors?

They take less risk, theoretically, so they have lower expectations.


What is the relationship between bond value and its required rate of return?

The value of a bond is inversely related to its required rate of return. When the required rate of return increases, the present value of the bond's future cash flows decreases, leading to a lower bond price. Conversely, if the required rate of return decreases, the bond's present value increases, resulting in a higher bond price. This relationship highlights how market interest rates and bond prices move in opposite directions.


What is the relationship between required rate of return and coupon rate on the value of bond?

The relationship between the required rate of return and the coupon rate significantly affects a bond's value. If the required rate of return is higher than the coupon rate, the bond will typically trade at a discount, as investors seek higher yields elsewhere. Conversely, if the required rate of return is lower than the coupon rate, the bond will trade at a premium, since it offers more attractive returns relative to current market rates. Thus, changes in the required rate of return directly influence the bond's market price.


What does determinants of demand mean?

The urgency of need, the availability of adequate substitutes, and the amount of income required to buy the item


Discuss the determinants of Consumption?

The determinants of consumption include factors such as income levels, consumer confidence, interest rates, and wealth. Higher disposable income typically leads to increased consumption as people have more resources to spend. Additionally, consumer confidence can influence spending habits; when individuals feel optimistic about the economy, they are more likely to spend. Interest rates also play a role, as lower rates can encourage borrowing and spending, while higher rates may discourage it.