.Compare the average level of interest rates among the three types of loans.

1. Go to the Federal Reserve Web site, http://www.federalreserve.gov. Go to “Economic Research and Data,” and access “Recent Statistical Releases” and the “Consumer Credit.” Find average interest rates charged by commercial banks on new automobile loans, personal loans, and credit card plans.

a.Compare the average level of interest rates among the three types of loans.

b.Access “Historical Data” and then “Consumer Credit,” and compare trends in the cost of consumer credit provided by commercial banks over the past three years.

 

2. Find the future value of $10,000 invested now after five years if the annual interest rate is 8 percent.

a.What would be the future value if the interest rate is a simple interest rate?

b.What would be the future value if the interest rate is a compound interest rate?

 

3. Determine the future values if $5,000 is invested in each of the following situations:

a.5 percent for ten years b.7 percent for seven years c.9 percent for four years

 

4. You are planning to invest $2,500 today for three years at a nominal interest rate of 9 percent with annual compounding.

a.What would be the future value of your investment?

b.Now assume that inflation is expected to be 3 percent per year over the same three-year period. What would be the investment’s future value in terms of purchasing power?

c.What would be the investment’s future value in terms of purchasing power if inflation occurs at a 9 percent annual rate?

 

5. Find the present value of $7,000 to be received one year from now assuming a 3 percent annual discount interest rate. Also calculate the present value if the $7,000 is received after two years.

 

6. Determine the present values if $5,000 is received in the future (i.e., at the end of each indicated time period) in each of the follow- ing situations:

a.5 percent for ten years b.7 percent for seven years c.9 percent for four years

 

7. Determine the present value if $15,000 is to be received at the end of eight years and the discount rate is 9 percent. How would your answer change if you had to wait six years to receive the $15,000?

 

8. Use a financial calculator or computer software program to answer the following questions:

a.What would be the future value of $15,555 invested now if it earns interest at 14.5 percent for seven years?

b.What would be the future value of $19,378 invested now if the money remains deposited for eight years and the annual interest rate is 18 percent?

 

9. Use a financial calculator or computer software program to answer the following questions:

a.What is the present value of $359,000 that is to be received at the end of twenty-three years if the discount rate is 11 percent?

b.How would your answer change in (a) if the $359,000 is to be received at the end of twenty years?

 

10. Use a financial calculator or computer software program to answer the following questions.

a.What would be the future value of $19,378 invested now if the money remains deposited for eight years, the annual interest rate is 18 percent, and interest on the investment is compounded semiannually?

b. How would your answer for (a) change if quarterly compounding were used?