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Risk Free Rate
Risk Free Rate
Risk Free Rate
Rate
💡 What is the
Risk-Free Rate?
The risk-free rate is the theoretical
return on an investment with zero
risk of financial loss. It serves as a
benchmark for evaluating the return
on other investments, taking into
account the time value of money.
🔍 Why is it
Important?
1. Baseline for Comparison: The risk-free rate
provides a foundation for assessing the
potential return of other investments based
on their level of risk.
2. Cost of Capital: It helps determine the
minimum return investors require to
compensate for the time value of money
and inflation.
📈 Calculating the
Risk-Free Rate:
The risk-free rate is often based on the yield of
government securities, typically Treasury bills,
with short-term maturities. It represents the
return an investor could expect from a risk-free
investment over a specified period.
Risk−Free Rate =
Yield of Government
Securities
🤔 Factors Affecting
the Risk-Free Rate:
Inflation Expectations: Higher inflation
expectations can lead to an increase in
the risk-free rate as investors demand
higher returns to compensate for
purchasing power erosion.