M11 – Yield-Based Bond Duration Measures: CFAI Practice Problems


Question 1

A bond has a Macaulay duration of 7.2 years and a yield to maturity of 5% (compounded semiannually). The modified duration of this bond is closest to:

  • A. 6.86
  • B. 7.02
  • C. 7.20

Question 2

A bond has a full price of 1,060 if the yield decreases by 25 bps, and a price of $991 if the yield increases by 25 bps. The approximate modified duration of this bond is closest to:

  • A. 6.73
  • B. 13.46
  • C. 27.32

Question 3

A bond portfolio manager wants to estimate the price change for a small yield increase. A bond with a modified duration of 8.5 and a current price of $1,040 experiences a yield increase of 30 bps. The approximate price change is closest to:

  • A. −$26.52
  • B. −$27.30
  • C. −$35.10

Question 4

All else being equal, modified duration is highest for a bond with:

  • A. A high coupon rate, long maturity, and low yield to maturity.
  • B. A low coupon rate, long maturity, and low yield to maturity.
  • C. A low coupon rate, short maturity, and high yield to maturity.