Bonds
There is an inverse relationship between bond prices and yields. This inverse relationship will be demonstrated by calculating bond prices to show that interest rates move inversely: if yields rise, then bond prices fall. Bonds will be sold either at a premium or a discount. With this in mind respond to the following question.
You currently own a 30 year Treasury Bond at 4% interest, paid semiannually. The market interest rates for like securities rose to 5%. Would your bond sell for a premium or a discount? Why? What would the market value of your bond be? Prove your answer by showing your work.
Stocks
There are two primary means to earn income as a stockholder. The first method is dividend income and the second method is earnings from capital gains. With respect to the investor seeking dividend income, when the investor buys a stock from a corporation with a primary focus to earn dividend income they will typically expect a higher dividend on common stock versus preferred stock. Discuss the dividend payment requirements of a common stock versus preferred stock, in terms of which type of stock has a primary claim on dividend distributions. Explain why the common stock investor demands a higher dividend rate.