In: Finance
Which bond’s price would be the most sensitive to an unexpected change in the interest rate? Please provide the formula you used, and show your work. a) A bond with a 5% coupon rate and 10 years to maturity b) A zero coupon bond with 15 years to maturity c) A zero coupon bond with 10 years to maturity d) A bond with a 10% coupon rate and 10 years to maturity.
Lets assume Face value of these bonds as $1,000
Also, assume yield to Maturity as 10% and find the price of the bond. Further, also assume that yield reduces by 1% to 9% and find the revised price of the bond.
As can be seen above, a change in interest rate (yield) impacted the 15 years zero coupon bond the most. This is primarily due to the greater maturity period.
Thus, the answer is : option b) A zero coupon bond with 15 years to maturity is the most sensitive to an unexpected change in the interest rate.
Workings: