In topic portfolio management reading 43, we learn (1+ nominal return) = (1+risk free rate)*(1+inflation rate)*(1+risk premium). Given this I reason that (1+risk premium) = (1+ nominal return) / [(1+risk free rate)*(1+inflation rate)]
However, reading 43, question 13, which asks for the risk premium of equities given the below table , seems to go against my reasoning –
Asset Class
Geometric Mean %
Equities
8.0
Corporate Bonds
6.5
Treasury
2.5
Inflation
2.1
The risk premium is calculated as (1+0.08) / (1+0.025), however, I think given the aforementioned formula the answer should be (1+0.08) / [(1+0.025)*(1.021)]. Can someone please tell me what I’m missing? I’ve spent to long pondering this question, it has become my evil nemesis that must somehow must be tamed, ha… Please help
If you’re given a nominal risk-free rate – as, for example, a Treasury rate – then you don’t add inflation because the nominal risk-free rate already incorporates the inflation premium.