Bond Price Volatility - Problem Set
Bond Price Volatility - Problem Set
1 Macaulay Duration
2 Modified Duration
y = yield/2
3 duration in years
4 Modified Duration
5 approximate duration =
.
1. The price value of a basis point will be the same regardless if the yield is increased
or decreased by 1 basis point. However, the price value of 100 basis points (i.e., the
change in price for a 100-basis-point change in interest rates) will not be the same
if the yield is increased or decreased by 100 basis points. Why?
2. Calculate the requested measures in parts (a) through (f) for bonds A and B
(assume that each bond pays interest semiannually):
Bond A Bond B
Coupon 8% 9%
Yield to maturity 8% 8%
Maturity (years) 2 5
Par $100.00 $100.00
Price $100.00 $104.055
(a) What is the price value of a basis point for bonds A and B?
(b) Compute the Macaulay durations for the two bonds.
(c) Compute the modified duration for the two bonds
(d) Compute the approximate duration for bonds A and B using the shortcut
formula by changing yields by 20 basis points and compare your answers with
those calculated in part c)
3. Can you tell from the following information which of the following three bonds
will have the greatest price volatility, assuming that each is trading to offer the
same yield to maturity?
Bond A Bond B
Coupon 8% 9%
Yield to maturity 8% 8%
Maturity (years) 2 5
Par $100.00 $100.00
Price $100.00 $104.055
(a) Calculate the actual price of the bonds for a 100-basis-point increase in interest
rates.
(b) Using duration, estimate the price of the bonds for a 100-basis-point increase
in interest rates.
5. Duration of a Zero Coupon Bond is equal to its maturity. Prove this statement.
6. The price of a zero-coupon bond moves towards par as it reaches maturity. Prove this
statement.
7. State why you would agree or disagree with the following statement: When interest
rates are low, there will be little difference between the Macaulay duration and
modified duration measures
8. State why you would agree or disagree with the following statement: For a 1-basis
point change in yield, the price value of a basis point is equal to the dollar duration.
Which bond will have the greater dollar price volatility for a 25-basis-point change in
interest rates?