CFA® Level 1 Exam: Estimating Potential Return on Bonds

Estimating Potential Return on Bonds

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Question

What rate should be used to estimate the potential return on this bond?

Answers

Explanations

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A. B. C. D.

D

To determine the potential return on a bond, several rates can be considered. Let's analyze each answer choice to identify the most appropriate rate.

A. The YTM (Yield to Maturity) represents the total return an investor would earn if they hold the bond until its maturity date, assuming all coupon payments are reinvested at the YTM rate. YTM takes into account the bond's current market price, coupon rate, time to maturity, and any premium or discount on the bond. It considers both the periodic coupon payments and the final payment of the bond's face value. Since YTM incorporates all relevant factors related to the bond's return, it is a suitable rate to estimate the potential return. Therefore, answer choice A, the YTM, is a plausible option.

B. 12.00% is a specific percentage provided as an answer choice. However, without any context or explanation regarding its relevance to the bond, it is difficult to determine if this rate is appropriate for estimating the potential return. The question does not provide sufficient information to support this answer choice, so B is unlikely to be the correct option.

C. Similarly to answer choice B, 10.34% is a specific percentage mentioned without any explanation or context. Without additional information, it is challenging to determine its relevance to estimating the potential return on the bond. Therefore, C is also unlikely to be the correct option.

D. The YTC (Yield to Call) is the rate of return an investor would receive if the issuer calls the bond before its maturity date. This rate considers the potential call option embedded in the bond and assumes that the bond will be called at the earliest possible date. While YTC is a valid rate for estimating returns if the bond is called, the question does not mention anything about the bond being callable or any call provisions. Without further information, it is inappropriate to use the YTC as the rate to estimate the potential return. Thus, answer choice D is unlikely to be the correct option.

Based on the analysis, the most appropriate rate to estimate the potential return on the bond is the YTM (answer choice A). It considers all the relevant factors and provides a comprehensive measure of the bond's return.