In: Finance
An investor in Treasury securities expects in ation to be 2.5 %
in Year 1, 3.2 % in Year
2, and 3.6 % each year thereafter. Assume that the real risk free
rate is 2.75 % and that this rate
will remain constant. Three-year treasury securities yield 6.25 %,
while 5-year Treasury securities
yield 6.8 %. What is the dierence in the maturity risk premiums
(MRPs) on the two securities;
that is MRP5 ?MRP2
Average inflation over three years, IP3 = (2.5% + 3.2% + 3.6%) / 3 = 3.10%
Average inflation over five years, IP5 = (2.5% + 3.2% + 3.6% + 3.6% + 3.6%) / 5 = 3.30%
Treasury security yield = the real risk free rate + IP + MRP
Three-year treasury securities yield = 2.75% + IP3 + MRP3 = 2.75% + 3.10% + MRP3 = 6.25%
Five-year treasury securities yield = 2.75% + IP5 + MRP5 = 2.75% + 3.30% + MRP5 = 6.80%
Take the difference to get:
MRP5 - MRP3 + 0.20% = 0.55%
Hence, the dierence in the maturity risk premiums (MRPs) on the two securities = MRP5 - MRP3 = 0.55% - 0.20% = 0.35%