Question

Everything else the same, the higher the expected rate of inflation, _____.
a. the lower the loss in purchasing power of investors
b. the higher the required rate of return on an investment
c. the lower the maturity premium required by the investors
d. the higher the money supply in the economy
e. the lower the tax rate in the economy

Answer 1

Answer: b. the higher the required rate of return on an investment

Explanation: Inflation is an increase in the general level of prices or in the cost of living. It is the decline in the value of money and as such it erodes the purchasing power of future cash flows or investments. All things being equal, higher inflation rates (current or expected) equates to rising yields across the yield curve. As a result, investors demand this higher yield to account for the risk of inflation. This makes option b the only option that is true and accurate.