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Understanding Interest Rates Money and Banking Cesar E. Tamayo Department of Economics, Rutgers University July 15, 2011 C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 1 / 16
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Page 1: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Understanding Interest RatesMoney and Banking

Cesar E. TamayoDepartment of Economics, Rutgers University

July 15, 2011

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 1 / 16

Page 2: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Program

ReCap

Cash flow, present value and yield to maturity

Returns vs. interest rates

Nominal and real interest rates

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 2 / 16

Page 3: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

ReCap

An asset is money as long as people think it will be accepted aspayment.

The three functions of money: medium of exchange, unit of accountand store of value.

Some financial assets other than currency are considered money.

Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relativelystable.

The Fed is responsible for measuring and adjusting the money supply.

The two main monetary aggregates are M1 and M2=M1+somedeposits

There are some issues with measuring these aggregates.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 3 / 16

Page 4: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

ReCap

An asset is money as long as people think it will be accepted aspayment.

The three functions of money: medium of exchange, unit of accountand store of value.

Some financial assets other than currency are considered money.

Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relativelystable.

The Fed is responsible for measuring and adjusting the money supply.

The two main monetary aggregates are M1 and M2=M1+somedeposits

There are some issues with measuring these aggregates.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 3 / 16

Page 5: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

ReCap

An asset is money as long as people think it will be accepted aspayment.

The three functions of money: medium of exchange, unit of accountand store of value.

Some financial assets other than currency are considered money.

Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relativelystable.

The Fed is responsible for measuring and adjusting the money supply.

The two main monetary aggregates are M1 and M2=M1+somedeposits

There are some issues with measuring these aggregates.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 3 / 16

Page 6: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

ReCap

An asset is money as long as people think it will be accepted aspayment.

The three functions of money: medium of exchange, unit of accountand store of value.

Some financial assets other than currency are considered money.

Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relativelystable.

The Fed is responsible for measuring and adjusting the money supply.

The two main monetary aggregates are M1 and M2=M1+somedeposits

There are some issues with measuring these aggregates.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 3 / 16

Page 7: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

ReCap

An asset is money as long as people think it will be accepted aspayment.

The three functions of money: medium of exchange, unit of accountand store of value.

Some financial assets other than currency are considered money.

Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relativelystable.

The Fed is responsible for measuring and adjusting the money supply.

The two main monetary aggregates are M1 and M2=M1+somedeposits

There are some issues with measuring these aggregates.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 3 / 16

Page 8: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

ReCap

An asset is money as long as people think it will be accepted aspayment.

The three functions of money: medium of exchange, unit of accountand store of value.

Some financial assets other than currency are considered money.

Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relativelystable.

The Fed is responsible for measuring and adjusting the money supply.

The two main monetary aggregates are M1 and M2=M1+somedeposits

There are some issues with measuring these aggregates.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 3 / 16

Page 9: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

ReCap

An asset is money as long as people think it will be accepted aspayment.

The three functions of money: medium of exchange, unit of accountand store of value.

Some financial assets other than currency are considered money.

Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relativelystable.

The Fed is responsible for measuring and adjusting the money supply.

The two main monetary aggregates are M1 and M2=M1+somedeposits

There are some issues with measuring these aggregates.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 3 / 16

Page 10: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Cash flow and present value (PV)

Suppose we invest $500 in the simplest type of asset which offerstopay 10% of interest per year. The original amount invested is calledprincipal.

With the following convention: ↑=outflow and ↓=inflow,the cashflow of such asset would be:

How does this $50 per year comes about? interestpayment=principal×interest rate=⇒$500×10% = $50.Or alternatively, if we have the actual amounts, we can work back theinterest rate: interest payedprincipal = $50

$500 = 10%

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 4 / 16

Page 11: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Cash flow and present value (PV)

Suppose we invest $500 in the simplest type of asset which offerstopay 10% of interest per year. The original amount invested is calledprincipal.With the following convention: ↑=outflow and ↓=inflow,the cashflow of such asset would be:

How does this $50 per year comes about? interestpayment=principal×interest rate=⇒$500×10% = $50.Or alternatively, if we have the actual amounts, we can work back theinterest rate: interest payedprincipal = $50

$500 = 10%

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 4 / 16

Page 12: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Cash flow and present value (PV)

Suppose we invest $500 in the simplest type of asset which offerstopay 10% of interest per year. The original amount invested is calledprincipal.With the following convention: ↑=outflow and ↓=inflow,the cashflow of such asset would be:

How does this $50 per year comes about? interestpayment=principal×interest rate=⇒$500×10% = $50.

Or alternatively, if we have the actual amounts, we can work back theinterest rate: interest payedprincipal = $50

$500 = 10%

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 4 / 16

Page 13: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Cash flow and present value (PV)

Suppose we invest $500 in the simplest type of asset which offerstopay 10% of interest per year. The original amount invested is calledprincipal.With the following convention: ↑=outflow and ↓=inflow,the cashflow of such asset would be:

How does this $50 per year comes about? interestpayment=principal×interest rate=⇒$500×10% = $50.Or alternatively, if we have the actual amounts, we can work back theinterest rate: interest payedprincipal = $50

$500 = 10%C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 4 / 16

Page 14: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Cash flow, present value (PV) and yield to maturity (YTM)

Same example but interest is payed at maturity..

The cash flow of such asset would be:

period Amount outstanding interest generatedend of period during period

1 $550 $502 $605 $553 $665.5 $60.54 $732.5 $66.555 $805 $73.25

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 5 / 16

Page 15: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Cash flow, present value (PV) and yield to maturity (YTM)

Same example but interest is payed at maturity..The cash flow of such asset would be:

period Amount outstanding interest generatedend of period during period

1 $550 $502 $605 $553 $665.5 $60.54 $732.5 $66.555 $805 $73.25

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 5 / 16

Page 16: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Cash flow, present value (PV) and yield to maturity (YTM)

From the first example we can conclude that if you are willing toinvest in this asset, it means that you are as happy having $500 inyour pocket as you are if somebody takes that $500 and retunrs you$500× (10%) at the end of each year.and $500× (1+ 10%) at theend of the contract.

From the second example we conclude that if you are willing to investin this asset, it means that you are as happy having $500 in yourpocket as you are if somebody takes that $500 and gives you nothingbut $500× (1+ 10%)n by the end of the n-th year.Note that $805 6= 5× 50+ 500 = $750. What’s the difference?Liquidity and compund interest; in the second case you don’t see adime until the very end of the contract so that interest is generatedover the amount outstanding.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 6 / 16

Page 17: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Cash flow, present value (PV) and yield to maturity (YTM)

From the first example we can conclude that if you are willing toinvest in this asset, it means that you are as happy having $500 inyour pocket as you are if somebody takes that $500 and retunrs you$500× (10%) at the end of each year.and $500× (1+ 10%) at theend of the contract.

From the second example we conclude that if you are willing to investin this asset, it means that you are as happy having $500 in yourpocket as you are if somebody takes that $500 and gives you nothingbut $500× (1+ 10%)n by the end of the n-th year.

Note that $805 6= 5× 50+ 500 = $750. What’s the difference?Liquidity and compund interest; in the second case you don’t see adime until the very end of the contract so that interest is generatedover the amount outstanding.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 6 / 16

Page 18: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Cash flow, present value (PV) and yield to maturity (YTM)

From the first example we can conclude that if you are willing toinvest in this asset, it means that you are as happy having $500 inyour pocket as you are if somebody takes that $500 and retunrs you$500× (10%) at the end of each year.and $500× (1+ 10%) at theend of the contract.

From the second example we conclude that if you are willing to investin this asset, it means that you are as happy having $500 in yourpocket as you are if somebody takes that $500 and gives you nothingbut $500× (1+ 10%)n by the end of the n-th year.Note that $805 6= 5× 50+ 500 = $750. What’s the difference?

Liquidity and compund interest; in the second case you don’t see adime until the very end of the contract so that interest is generatedover the amount outstanding.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 6 / 16

Page 19: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Cash flow, present value (PV) and yield to maturity (YTM)

From the first example we can conclude that if you are willing toinvest in this asset, it means that you are as happy having $500 inyour pocket as you are if somebody takes that $500 and retunrs you$500× (10%) at the end of each year.and $500× (1+ 10%) at theend of the contract.

From the second example we conclude that if you are willing to investin this asset, it means that you are as happy having $500 in yourpocket as you are if somebody takes that $500 and gives you nothingbut $500× (1+ 10%)n by the end of the n-th year.Note that $805 6= 5× 50+ 500 = $750. What’s the difference?Liquidity and compund interest; in the second case you don’t see adime until the very end of the contract so that interest is generatedover the amount outstanding.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 6 / 16

Page 20: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Cash flow, present value (PV) and yield to maturity (YTM)

Now suppose that somebody offers you a job that pays you $25k after5 years of work.You know that money is not worth the same today asit is tomorrow so you want to work out what’s the equivalent of that$25k today.

You also know that if you wanted to borrow money from banks theywould charge you 5% interest per year.Then the amount you are trying to figure out is called present valueand is found by:

PV =25, 000

(1+ 0.05)5= 19, 588

That is, if you accept the aforementioned job, you should also accepta job that offers to pay $19,588 today for working the next 5 years.In general, the formula for the PV is:

PV =cash flow in the future

(1+ interest rate)# of periods =CF

(1+ i)n

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 7 / 16

Page 21: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Cash flow, present value (PV) and yield to maturity (YTM)

Now suppose that somebody offers you a job that pays you $25k after5 years of work.You know that money is not worth the same today asit is tomorrow so you want to work out what’s the equivalent of that$25k today.You also know that if you wanted to borrow money from banks theywould charge you 5% interest per year.

Then the amount you are trying to figure out is called present valueand is found by:

PV =25, 000

(1+ 0.05)5= 19, 588

That is, if you accept the aforementioned job, you should also accepta job that offers to pay $19,588 today for working the next 5 years.In general, the formula for the PV is:

PV =cash flow in the future

(1+ interest rate)# of periods =CF

(1+ i)n

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 7 / 16

Page 22: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Cash flow, present value (PV) and yield to maturity (YTM)

Now suppose that somebody offers you a job that pays you $25k after5 years of work.You know that money is not worth the same today asit is tomorrow so you want to work out what’s the equivalent of that$25k today.You also know that if you wanted to borrow money from banks theywould charge you 5% interest per year.Then the amount you are trying to figure out is called present valueand is found by:

PV =25, 000

(1+ 0.05)5= 19, 588

That is, if you accept the aforementioned job, you should also accepta job that offers to pay $19,588 today for working the next 5 years.In general, the formula for the PV is:

PV =cash flow in the future

(1+ interest rate)# of periods =CF

(1+ i)n

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 7 / 16

Page 23: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Cash flow, present value (PV) and yield to maturity (YTM)

Now suppose that somebody offers you a job that pays you $25k after5 years of work.You know that money is not worth the same today asit is tomorrow so you want to work out what’s the equivalent of that$25k today.You also know that if you wanted to borrow money from banks theywould charge you 5% interest per year.Then the amount you are trying to figure out is called present valueand is found by:

PV =25, 000

(1+ 0.05)5= 19, 588

That is, if you accept the aforementioned job, you should also accepta job that offers to pay $19,588 today for working the next 5 years.

In general, the formula for the PV is:

PV =cash flow in the future

(1+ interest rate)# of periods =CF

(1+ i)n

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 7 / 16

Page 24: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Cash flow, present value (PV) and yield to maturity (YTM)

Now suppose that somebody offers you a job that pays you $25k after5 years of work.You know that money is not worth the same today asit is tomorrow so you want to work out what’s the equivalent of that$25k today.You also know that if you wanted to borrow money from banks theywould charge you 5% interest per year.Then the amount you are trying to figure out is called present valueand is found by:

PV =25, 000

(1+ 0.05)5= 19, 588

That is, if you accept the aforementioned job, you should also accepta job that offers to pay $19,588 today for working the next 5 years.In general, the formula for the PV is:

PV =cash flow in the future

(1+ interest rate)# of periods =CF

(1+ i)n

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 7 / 16

Page 25: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Cash flow, present value (PV) and yield to maturity (YTM)

Simple loan:

Principal

Period 1 Period 2 Period 3

Period n… .

Principal + interest

The cash flow for a discount bond would be identical but invertingthe arrows.

The cahs flow for a coupon bond would look just like our firstexample (4 slides back)

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 8 / 16

Page 26: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Cash flow, present value (PV) and yield to maturity (YTM)

Simple loan:

Principal

Period 1 Period 2 Period 3

Period n… .

Principal + interest

The cash flow for a discount bond would be identical but invertingthe arrows.

The cahs flow for a coupon bond would look just like our firstexample (4 slides back)

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 8 / 16

Page 27: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Cash flow, present value (PV) and yield to maturity (YTM)

Simple loan:

Principal

Period 1 Period 2 Period 3

Period n… .

Principal + interest

The cash flow for a discount bond would be identical but invertingthe arrows.

The cahs flow for a coupon bond would look just like our firstexample (4 slides back)

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 8 / 16

Page 28: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Cash flow, present value (PV) and yield to maturity (YTM)

Fixed payment loan:

Principal

Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Period n… .

Principal+interestPrincipal+interestPrincipal+interestPrincipal+interest

One common way to calculate the interest rate is called yield tomaturity (YTM)In the simplest case of our first example, the interest rate is the sameas the YTM.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 9 / 16

Page 29: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Cash flow, present value (PV) and yield to maturity (YTM)

Fixed payment loan:

Principal

Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Period n… .

Principal+interestPrincipal+interestPrincipal+interestPrincipal+interest

One common way to calculate the interest rate is called yield tomaturity (YTM)

In the simplest case of our first example, the interest rate is the sameas the YTM.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 9 / 16

Page 30: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Cash flow, present value (PV) and yield to maturity (YTM)

Fixed payment loan:

Principal

Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Period n… .

Principal+interestPrincipal+interestPrincipal+interestPrincipal+interest

One common way to calculate the interest rate is called yield tomaturity (YTM)In the simplest case of our first example, the interest rate is the sameas the YTM.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 9 / 16

Page 31: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Yield to maturity

Recall our second example. Suppose we invest $500 today and getback $805 in five years.

What’s the YTM of this investment? Use the PV formula and solvefor i :

PV =CF

(1+ i)n=⇒ $500 =

805(1+ i)n

=⇒ YTM = 10% per year

ProblemWhat is the YTM of an $500 investment that pays you $43 each year for15 years? Hint: use the PV formula and the geometric series formula tosolve for i :

$500 =431+ i

+43

(1+ i)2+

43

(1+ i)3+ ...+

43

(1+ i)15

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 10 / 16

Page 32: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Yield to maturity

Recall our second example. Suppose we invest $500 today and getback $805 in five years.

What’s the YTM of this investment? Use the PV formula and solvefor i :

PV =CF

(1+ i)n=⇒ $500 =

805(1+ i)n

=⇒ YTM = 10% per year

ProblemWhat is the YTM of an $500 investment that pays you $43 each year for15 years? Hint: use the PV formula and the geometric series formula tosolve for i :

$500 =431+ i

+43

(1+ i)2+

43

(1+ i)3+ ...+

43

(1+ i)15

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 10 / 16

Page 33: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Yield to maturity

Recall our second example. Suppose we invest $500 today and getback $805 in five years.

What’s the YTM of this investment? Use the PV formula and solvefor i :

PV =CF

(1+ i)n=⇒ $500 =

805(1+ i)n

=⇒ YTM = 10% per year

ProblemWhat is the YTM of an $500 investment that pays you $43 each year for15 years? Hint: use the PV formula and the geometric series formula tosolve for i :

$500 =431+ i

+43

(1+ i)2+

43

(1+ i)3+ ...+

43

(1+ i)15

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 10 / 16

Page 34: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Yield to maturity and the price of bonds

Coupon bonds are one of the most important financial instruments.

Recall that the face value of a coupon bond is the amount that theissuer commits to pay at maturity.

This type of bonds pay a coupon periodically but this is notnecessarily the same as the YTM of the bond.

To understand this subtle difference consider the following example:

ExampleSuppose that you pay $889.2 for a coupon bond with $1,000 face valueoffering to pay you a 10% coupon each year for 8 years. Then you willreceive a cash flow of $100 for eight years and $1,000 at the end of thecontract. The YTM of this bond is 12.25% 6= 10%.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 11 / 16

Page 35: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Yield to maturity and the price of bonds

Coupon bonds are one of the most important financial instruments.

Recall that the face value of a coupon bond is the amount that theissuer commits to pay at maturity.

This type of bonds pay a coupon periodically but this is notnecessarily the same as the YTM of the bond.

To understand this subtle difference consider the following example:

ExampleSuppose that you pay $889.2 for a coupon bond with $1,000 face valueoffering to pay you a 10% coupon each year for 8 years. Then you willreceive a cash flow of $100 for eight years and $1,000 at the end of thecontract. The YTM of this bond is 12.25% 6= 10%.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 11 / 16

Page 36: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Yield to maturity and the price of bonds

Coupon bonds are one of the most important financial instruments.

Recall that the face value of a coupon bond is the amount that theissuer commits to pay at maturity.

This type of bonds pay a coupon periodically but this is notnecessarily the same as the YTM of the bond.

To understand this subtle difference consider the following example:

ExampleSuppose that you pay $889.2 for a coupon bond with $1,000 face valueoffering to pay you a 10% coupon each year for 8 years. Then you willreceive a cash flow of $100 for eight years and $1,000 at the end of thecontract. The YTM of this bond is 12.25% 6= 10%.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 11 / 16

Page 37: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Yield to maturity and the price of bonds

Coupon bonds are one of the most important financial instruments.

Recall that the face value of a coupon bond is the amount that theissuer commits to pay at maturity.

This type of bonds pay a coupon periodically but this is notnecessarily the same as the YTM of the bond.

To understand this subtle difference consider the following example:

ExampleSuppose that you pay $889.2 for a coupon bond with $1,000 face valueoffering to pay you a 10% coupon each year for 8 years. Then you willreceive a cash flow of $100 for eight years and $1,000 at the end of thecontract. The YTM of this bond is 12.25% 6= 10%.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 11 / 16

Page 38: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Yield to maturity and the price of bonds

Coupon bonds are one of the most important financial instruments.

Recall that the face value of a coupon bond is the amount that theissuer commits to pay at maturity.

This type of bonds pay a coupon periodically but this is notnecessarily the same as the YTM of the bond.

To understand this subtle difference consider the following example:

ExampleSuppose that you pay $889.2 for a coupon bond with $1,000 face valueoffering to pay you a 10% coupon each year for 8 years. Then you willreceive a cash flow of $100 for eight years and $1,000 at the end of thecontract. The YTM of this bond is 12.25% 6= 10%.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 11 / 16

Page 39: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Yield to maturity and the price of bonds

To obtain the YTM use the PV formula as follows. First note that the10% coupon means you will receive 1, 000× 10% = 100 each year so:

$889.2 =1001+ i

+100

(1+ i)2+ ...+

100

(1+ i)8+

1, 000

(1+ i)8

So that applying the PV to the price of bonds we obtain therelationship:

Price =N

∑k=1

coupon

(1+ i)k+face value

(1+ i)N

i is the rate at which you discount future flows which is notnecessarily the same as the rate represented by the coupons.

In other words i or YTM is the rate that equates the present value offuture payments to its value today.

Thus there’s an inverse relationship between i and the price of a bond.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 12 / 16

Page 40: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Yield to maturity and the price of bonds

To obtain the YTM use the PV formula as follows. First note that the10% coupon means you will receive 1, 000× 10% = 100 each year so:

$889.2 =1001+ i

+100

(1+ i)2+ ...+

100

(1+ i)8+

1, 000

(1+ i)8

So that applying the PV to the price of bonds we obtain therelationship:

Price =N

∑k=1

coupon

(1+ i)k+face value

(1+ i)N

i is the rate at which you discount future flows which is notnecessarily the same as the rate represented by the coupons.

In other words i or YTM is the rate that equates the present value offuture payments to its value today.

Thus there’s an inverse relationship between i and the price of a bond.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 12 / 16

Page 41: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Yield to maturity and the price of bonds

To obtain the YTM use the PV formula as follows. First note that the10% coupon means you will receive 1, 000× 10% = 100 each year so:

$889.2 =1001+ i

+100

(1+ i)2+ ...+

100

(1+ i)8+

1, 000

(1+ i)8

So that applying the PV to the price of bonds we obtain therelationship:

Price =N

∑k=1

coupon

(1+ i)k+face value

(1+ i)N

i is the rate at which you discount future flows which is notnecessarily the same as the rate represented by the coupons.

In other words i or YTM is the rate that equates the present value offuture payments to its value today.

Thus there’s an inverse relationship between i and the price of a bond.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 12 / 16

Page 42: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Yield to maturity and the price of bonds

To obtain the YTM use the PV formula as follows. First note that the10% coupon means you will receive 1, 000× 10% = 100 each year so:

$889.2 =1001+ i

+100

(1+ i)2+ ...+

100

(1+ i)8+

1, 000

(1+ i)8

So that applying the PV to the price of bonds we obtain therelationship:

Price =N

∑k=1

coupon

(1+ i)k+face value

(1+ i)N

i is the rate at which you discount future flows which is notnecessarily the same as the rate represented by the coupons.

In other words i or YTM is the rate that equates the present value offuture payments to its value today.

Thus there’s an inverse relationship between i and the price of a bond.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 12 / 16

Page 43: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Yield to maturity and the price of bonds

To obtain the YTM use the PV formula as follows. First note that the10% coupon means you will receive 1, 000× 10% = 100 each year so:

$889.2 =1001+ i

+100

(1+ i)2+ ...+

100

(1+ i)8+

1, 000

(1+ i)8

So that applying the PV to the price of bonds we obtain therelationship:

Price =N

∑k=1

coupon

(1+ i)k+face value

(1+ i)N

i is the rate at which you discount future flows which is notnecessarily the same as the rate represented by the coupons.

In other words i or YTM is the rate that equates the present value offuture payments to its value today.

Thus there’s an inverse relationship between i and the price of a bond.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 12 / 16

Page 44: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Rate of return vs interest rate

If I hold a bond until maturity, then my rate of return on such aninvestment equals the YTM.found before.

However, this is not the case if I sell the bond before it expires in thesecondary market.To see why suppose that I buy a bond for $1,000 but instead ofholding it until it expires, I sell the bond for $1,200.at the end of thefirst year.Then my return on that bond would be: 30%, which can be workedas:

cash flowsinvestment

=coupon+capital gain

investment=100+ 2001, 000

= 30%

Or more generally:

R =CPt︸︷︷︸

current yield

+Pt+1 − Pt

Pt︸ ︷︷ ︸capital gain

= ic + g

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 13 / 16

Page 45: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Rate of return vs interest rate

If I hold a bond until maturity, then my rate of return on such aninvestment equals the YTM.found before.However, this is not the case if I sell the bond before it expires in thesecondary market.

To see why suppose that I buy a bond for $1,000 but instead ofholding it until it expires, I sell the bond for $1,200.at the end of thefirst year.Then my return on that bond would be: 30%, which can be workedas:

cash flowsinvestment

=coupon+capital gain

investment=100+ 2001, 000

= 30%

Or more generally:

R =CPt︸︷︷︸

current yield

+Pt+1 − Pt

Pt︸ ︷︷ ︸capital gain

= ic + g

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 13 / 16

Page 46: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Rate of return vs interest rate

If I hold a bond until maturity, then my rate of return on such aninvestment equals the YTM.found before.However, this is not the case if I sell the bond before it expires in thesecondary market.To see why suppose that I buy a bond for $1,000 but instead ofholding it until it expires, I sell the bond for $1,200.at the end of thefirst year.

Then my return on that bond would be: 30%, which can be workedas:

cash flowsinvestment

=coupon+capital gain

investment=100+ 2001, 000

= 30%

Or more generally:

R =CPt︸︷︷︸

current yield

+Pt+1 − Pt

Pt︸ ︷︷ ︸capital gain

= ic + g

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 13 / 16

Page 47: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Rate of return vs interest rate

If I hold a bond until maturity, then my rate of return on such aninvestment equals the YTM.found before.However, this is not the case if I sell the bond before it expires in thesecondary market.To see why suppose that I buy a bond for $1,000 but instead ofholding it until it expires, I sell the bond for $1,200.at the end of thefirst year.Then my return on that bond would be: 30%, which can be workedas:

cash flowsinvestment

=coupon+capital gain

investment=100+ 2001, 000

= 30%

Or more generally:

R =CPt︸︷︷︸

current yield

+Pt+1 − Pt

Pt︸ ︷︷ ︸capital gain

= ic + g

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 13 / 16

Page 48: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Rate of return vs interest rate

If I hold a bond until maturity, then my rate of return on such aninvestment equals the YTM.found before.However, this is not the case if I sell the bond before it expires in thesecondary market.To see why suppose that I buy a bond for $1,000 but instead ofholding it until it expires, I sell the bond for $1,200.at the end of thefirst year.Then my return on that bond would be: 30%, which can be workedas:

cash flowsinvestment

=coupon+capital gain

investment=100+ 2001, 000

= 30%

Or more generally:

R =CPt︸︷︷︸

current yield

+Pt+1 − Pt

Pt︸ ︷︷ ︸capital gain

= ic + g

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 13 / 16

Page 49: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Rate of return vs interest rate

The previous analysis thells us that if I want to sell my bond in thesecondary market, its price will be affected by the prevailing interestrate.

Thus, in the previous example the price of the bond increased (from$1,000 to $1,200) which means the the YTM or the rate at which wediscount future flows must have fallen.

Also, note that in the formula:

Price =N

∑k=1

coupon

(1+ i)k+face value

(1+ i)N

The larger N is, the bigger is the impact of a change in i .

This implies that the price of long-term bonds tends to suffer morefrom changes in the interest rate.

This volatility or risk embeded in long-term securities is calledinterest rate risk.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 14 / 16

Page 50: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Rate of return vs interest rate

The previous analysis thells us that if I want to sell my bond in thesecondary market, its price will be affected by the prevailing interestrate.

Thus, in the previous example the price of the bond increased (from$1,000 to $1,200) which means the the YTM or the rate at which wediscount future flows must have fallen.

Also, note that in the formula:

Price =N

∑k=1

coupon

(1+ i)k+face value

(1+ i)N

The larger N is, the bigger is the impact of a change in i .

This implies that the price of long-term bonds tends to suffer morefrom changes in the interest rate.

This volatility or risk embeded in long-term securities is calledinterest rate risk.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 14 / 16

Page 51: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Rate of return vs interest rate

The previous analysis thells us that if I want to sell my bond in thesecondary market, its price will be affected by the prevailing interestrate.

Thus, in the previous example the price of the bond increased (from$1,000 to $1,200) which means the the YTM or the rate at which wediscount future flows must have fallen.

Also, note that in the formula:

Price =N

∑k=1

coupon

(1+ i)k+face value

(1+ i)N

The larger N is, the bigger is the impact of a change in i .

This implies that the price of long-term bonds tends to suffer morefrom changes in the interest rate.

This volatility or risk embeded in long-term securities is calledinterest rate risk.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 14 / 16

Page 52: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Rate of return vs interest rate

The previous analysis thells us that if I want to sell my bond in thesecondary market, its price will be affected by the prevailing interestrate.

Thus, in the previous example the price of the bond increased (from$1,000 to $1,200) which means the the YTM or the rate at which wediscount future flows must have fallen.

Also, note that in the formula:

Price =N

∑k=1

coupon

(1+ i)k+face value

(1+ i)N

The larger N is, the bigger is the impact of a change in i .

This implies that the price of long-term bonds tends to suffer morefrom changes in the interest rate.

This volatility or risk embeded in long-term securities is calledinterest rate risk.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 14 / 16

Page 53: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Rate of return vs interest rate

The previous analysis thells us that if I want to sell my bond in thesecondary market, its price will be affected by the prevailing interestrate.

Thus, in the previous example the price of the bond increased (from$1,000 to $1,200) which means the the YTM or the rate at which wediscount future flows must have fallen.

Also, note that in the formula:

Price =N

∑k=1

coupon

(1+ i)k+face value

(1+ i)N

The larger N is, the bigger is the impact of a change in i .

This implies that the price of long-term bonds tends to suffer morefrom changes in the interest rate.

This volatility or risk embeded in long-term securities is calledinterest rate risk.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 14 / 16

Page 54: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Rate of return vs interest rate

The previous analysis thells us that if I want to sell my bond in thesecondary market, its price will be affected by the prevailing interestrate.

Thus, in the previous example the price of the bond increased (from$1,000 to $1,200) which means the the YTM or the rate at which wediscount future flows must have fallen.

Also, note that in the formula:

Price =N

∑k=1

coupon

(1+ i)k+face value

(1+ i)N

The larger N is, the bigger is the impact of a change in i .

This implies that the price of long-term bonds tends to suffer morefrom changes in the interest rate.

This volatility or risk embeded in long-term securities is calledinterest rate risk.C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 14 / 16

Page 55: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Nomianl vs real interest rate

Up to this point we have only considered nominal rates of interestand of return.

That is, we have ignored the fact the even if a certain investmentoffers a very high rate of return, we may end up with less purchasingpower if we invest on it.

To see why consider the simplest example of a 1-year coupon bondthat pays a 30% coupon which is bought for $1,000 and its held untilmaturity with face value equal to $1,000.

If we work out the nominal return on such an investment we quicklyrealize that the YTM is 30% as well.

However, suppose the the average price level of the goods andservices we consume rose by 45% during that year.

Then after that deceptively attractive investment we ended up withless purchasing power, not more.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 15 / 16

Page 56: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Nomianl vs real interest rate

Up to this point we have only considered nominal rates of interestand of return.

That is, we have ignored the fact the even if a certain investmentoffers a very high rate of return, we may end up with less purchasingpower if we invest on it.

To see why consider the simplest example of a 1-year coupon bondthat pays a 30% coupon which is bought for $1,000 and its held untilmaturity with face value equal to $1,000.

If we work out the nominal return on such an investment we quicklyrealize that the YTM is 30% as well.

However, suppose the the average price level of the goods andservices we consume rose by 45% during that year.

Then after that deceptively attractive investment we ended up withless purchasing power, not more.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 15 / 16

Page 57: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Nomianl vs real interest rate

Up to this point we have only considered nominal rates of interestand of return.

That is, we have ignored the fact the even if a certain investmentoffers a very high rate of return, we may end up with less purchasingpower if we invest on it.

To see why consider the simplest example of a 1-year coupon bondthat pays a 30% coupon which is bought for $1,000 and its held untilmaturity with face value equal to $1,000.

If we work out the nominal return on such an investment we quicklyrealize that the YTM is 30% as well.

However, suppose the the average price level of the goods andservices we consume rose by 45% during that year.

Then after that deceptively attractive investment we ended up withless purchasing power, not more.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 15 / 16

Page 58: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Nomianl vs real interest rate

Up to this point we have only considered nominal rates of interestand of return.

That is, we have ignored the fact the even if a certain investmentoffers a very high rate of return, we may end up with less purchasingpower if we invest on it.

To see why consider the simplest example of a 1-year coupon bondthat pays a 30% coupon which is bought for $1,000 and its held untilmaturity with face value equal to $1,000.

If we work out the nominal return on such an investment we quicklyrealize that the YTM is 30% as well.

However, suppose the the average price level of the goods andservices we consume rose by 45% during that year.

Then after that deceptively attractive investment we ended up withless purchasing power, not more.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 15 / 16

Page 59: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Nomianl vs real interest rate

Up to this point we have only considered nominal rates of interestand of return.

That is, we have ignored the fact the even if a certain investmentoffers a very high rate of return, we may end up with less purchasingpower if we invest on it.

To see why consider the simplest example of a 1-year coupon bondthat pays a 30% coupon which is bought for $1,000 and its held untilmaturity with face value equal to $1,000.

If we work out the nominal return on such an investment we quicklyrealize that the YTM is 30% as well.

However, suppose the the average price level of the goods andservices we consume rose by 45% during that year.

Then after that deceptively attractive investment we ended up withless purchasing power, not more.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 15 / 16

Page 60: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Nomianl vs real interest rate

Up to this point we have only considered nominal rates of interestand of return.

That is, we have ignored the fact the even if a certain investmentoffers a very high rate of return, we may end up with less purchasingpower if we invest on it.

To see why consider the simplest example of a 1-year coupon bondthat pays a 30% coupon which is bought for $1,000 and its held untilmaturity with face value equal to $1,000.

If we work out the nominal return on such an investment we quicklyrealize that the YTM is 30% as well.

However, suppose the the average price level of the goods andservices we consume rose by 45% during that year.

Then after that deceptively attractive investment we ended up withless purchasing power, not more.

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 15 / 16

Page 61: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Nomianl vs real interest rate

Thus, what we should really care is about rates that factor in theeffect of inflation. That is, real rates; real rates of return and realinterest rates.

To solve this problem we use the Fisher equation which roughly statesthat one component of a nominal rate must be some measure of theinflation rate, usually the expected inflation πe :

i = ir + πe

Or, rearranging terms we can recover the real rate from a nominalrate:

ir = i − πe

So that if the bank offer you a loan at a 5% interest rate per year andexpect annual inflation to average 5.5% in the next periods you willbe charged:

ir = i − πe = 5%− 5.5% = −0.5%And you should borrow as much money as you can!

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 16 / 16

Page 62: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Nomianl vs real interest rate

Thus, what we should really care is about rates that factor in theeffect of inflation. That is, real rates; real rates of return and realinterest rates.To solve this problem we use the Fisher equation which roughly statesthat one component of a nominal rate must be some measure of theinflation rate, usually the expected inflation πe :

i = ir + πe

Or, rearranging terms we can recover the real rate from a nominalrate:

ir = i − πe

So that if the bank offer you a loan at a 5% interest rate per year andexpect annual inflation to average 5.5% in the next periods you willbe charged:

ir = i − πe = 5%− 5.5% = −0.5%And you should borrow as much money as you can!

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 16 / 16

Page 63: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Nomianl vs real interest rate

Thus, what we should really care is about rates that factor in theeffect of inflation. That is, real rates; real rates of return and realinterest rates.To solve this problem we use the Fisher equation which roughly statesthat one component of a nominal rate must be some measure of theinflation rate, usually the expected inflation πe :

i = ir + πe

Or, rearranging terms we can recover the real rate from a nominalrate:

ir = i − πe

So that if the bank offer you a loan at a 5% interest rate per year andexpect annual inflation to average 5.5% in the next periods you willbe charged:

ir = i − πe = 5%− 5.5% = −0.5%And you should borrow as much money as you can!

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 16 / 16

Page 64: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Nomianl vs real interest rate

Thus, what we should really care is about rates that factor in theeffect of inflation. That is, real rates; real rates of return and realinterest rates.To solve this problem we use the Fisher equation which roughly statesthat one component of a nominal rate must be some measure of theinflation rate, usually the expected inflation πe :

i = ir + πe

Or, rearranging terms we can recover the real rate from a nominalrate:

ir = i − πe

So that if the bank offer you a loan at a 5% interest rate per year andexpect annual inflation to average 5.5% in the next periods you willbe charged:

ir = i − πe = 5%− 5.5% = −0.5%

And you should borrow as much money as you can!

C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 16 / 16

Page 65: Understanding Interest Rates - Rutgers Universityeconweb.rutgers.edu/ctamayo/Teaching/lecture_4.pdf · Money can store purchasing power as long as prices are relatively stable. The

Nomianl vs real interest rate

Thus, what we should really care is about rates that factor in theeffect of inflation. That is, real rates; real rates of return and realinterest rates.To solve this problem we use the Fisher equation which roughly statesthat one component of a nominal rate must be some measure of theinflation rate, usually the expected inflation πe :

i = ir + πe

Or, rearranging terms we can recover the real rate from a nominalrate:

ir = i − πe

So that if the bank offer you a loan at a 5% interest rate per year andexpect annual inflation to average 5.5% in the next periods you willbe charged:

ir = i − πe = 5%− 5.5% = −0.5%And you should borrow as much money as you can!C.E. Tamayo () Econ - 301 July 15, 2011 16 / 16


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