Consider the one-factor APT. Assume that two portfolios, A and B, are well diversified. The betas of portfolios A and B are 0.5 and 1.5, respectively. The expected returns on portfolios A and B are 12% and 24%, respectively. Assuming no arbitrage opportunities exist, what must be the risk-free rate?
The risk-free rate (Rf) in this scenario can be found using the following logic and the APT (Arbitrage Pricing Theory) one-factor model:
APT Model: The APT model suggests a linear relationship between an asset’s expected return (E(Ri)) and the risk-free rate (Rf) along with a factor (often market risk) represented by beta (βi). This can be expressed as:
E(Ri) = Rf + βi * (Rm – Rf)
where:
No Arbitrage Opportunity: Since we are assuming there are no arbitrage opportunities, it implies that both portfolios A and B are expected to earn the market return (Rm) based on their respective betas.
Setting Up Equations: We can set up a system of equations based on the information provided for portfolios A and B:
Solving for Rf: We can solve for the risk-free rate (Rf) by eliminating Rm from the equation. Since both equations have Rm, subtracting equation 1 from equation 2 eliminates Rm and leaves us with an equation to solve for Rf.
Risk-Free Rate: Therefore, the risk-free rate (Rf) in this scenario is 0.12 or 12%.
In conclusion, given the information about the expected returns and betas of portfolios A and B, and assuming no arbitrage opportunities exist, the risk-free rate in this one-factor APT model is 12%.