Final answer:
An increase in the treasury bill rate increases the required rate of return of a common stock. The correct option is C. Increases
Step-by-step explanation:
An increase in the treasury bill rate increases the required rate of return of a common stock.
The required rate of return of a common stock is calculated using the risk-free rate as a benchmark. The risk-free rate is often represented by the treasury bill rate, which is the interest rate on short-term government bonds.
When the treasury bill rate increases, it indicates a higher level of risk-free return available in the market. Therefore, investors require a higher rate of return on their investments in common stocks to compensate for the increased risk. This leads to an increase in the required rate of return of a common stock. The correct option is C. Increases