Final answer:
The student's question involves calculating the present value of a bond at two different discount rates, reflecting changes in market interest rates. The present value decreases when the discount rate exceeds the bond's coupon rate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject matter of the question pertains to the calculation of the present value of a bond. When calculating present value, one must consider the predicted stream of future payments from the bond and discount them back to their value in today's dollars using a particular discount rate. Two scenarios are presented: one where the discount rate is the same as the bond interest rate (8%), and another where the market interest rates have risen, increasing the discount rate to 11%. It's important to remember that a bond's present value will decrease if the discount rate rises above the bond's coupon rate.
To calculate the present value using an 8% discount rate, the formula for the present value of an annuity would be used for the interest payments, and the present value of a lump sum formula would be applied for the principal repayment. If interest rates rise to 11%, the same calculations would be made with a higher discount rate, resulting in a lower present value.