1. Explain how long-term price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios in the U.S. stock market of around 15 times are consistent with long-term expected stock returns of around 6 to 7 percent a year in real terms.
2. Many corporate executives focus on earnings per share (EPS) and attempt to manage reported earnings in order to meet analysts' expectations. Can managers succeed in protecting the stock price of their company by managing these accounts? Why or why not?