Suppose Baa-rated bonds currently yield 6.1%, while Aa-rated bonds yield 4.1%. Now suppose that due to an increase in the expected inflation rate, the yields on both bonds increase by 1.0%. What would happen to the confidence index? (Round your answers to 4 decimal places.)

What is product differentiation, and how can it be achieved ? what is product positioning? what conditions would head to head product positioning be appropriate?

Daniel owns 100 shares of abc corporation's common stock. abc uses the fair value option, and recent declines in the firm's credit rating have caused the value of the firm's outstanding bonds payable to drop by 10%. daniel feels this is good news, but he wants to know what you think about the situation. which of the following represents your best response? a : "this situation may be positive for you in that the change in abc's credit standing indicates that the value of the firm's assets is likely increasing. however, the drop in bond value may negate any positive effects on your bottom line, because it means your claim on the firm's assets is simultaneously decreasing." b : "actually, this is bad news all around. the drop in the value of abc's bonds payable means shareholders' claims on the firm's assets have decreased. moreover, abc's declining credit rating means that the firm's assets are probably also dropping in value, thus magnifying your losses even more." c : "on the surface, this seems like good news because it means your claim on the firm's assets has increased. however, the drop in creditworthiness may also indicate that abc's assets are declining in value, thus offsetting any gains associated with the drop in bonds payable." d : "you're right! this is good news because it means that abc's debtholders have a decreased claim on the firm's assets. as a result, the firm's existing shareholders"like you"have seen their claim on the firm's assets increase."

Atlas manufacturing produces a unique valve, and has the capacity to produce 50,000 valves annually. currently atlas produces 40,000 valves and is thinking about increasing production to 45,000 valves next year. what is the most likely behavior of total manufacturing costs and unit manufacturing costs given this change? a. total manufacturing costs will increase and unit manufacturing costs will also increase. b. total manufacturing costs will stay the same and unit manufacturing costs will stay the same. c. total manufacturing costs will increase and unit manufacturing costs will decrease. d. total manufacturing costs will increase and unit manufacturing costs will stay the same.