Price Shares (millions) 1/1/16 1/1/17 1/1/18 Douglas McDonnell355 $86 $91 $103 Dynamics General455 55 52 66 International Rockwell270 84 73 87 a. Calculate the initial value of the index if a price-weighting scheme is used.

The full question is "The following three defense stocks are to be combined into a stock index in January 2013 (perhaps a portfolio manager believes these stocks are an appropriate benchmark for his or her performance): Price Shares (millions) 1/1/13 1/1/14 1/1/15 Douglas McDonnell 355 $ 86 $ 91 $ 103 Dynamics General 455 55 52 66 International Rockwell 270 84 73 87 a. Calculate the initial value of the index if a price-weighting scheme is used. (Index value) b. What is the rate of return on this index for the year ending December 31, 2013? For the year ending December 31, 2014?"

a. Initial value for Index = Sum of prices / Number of stocks

Initial value for Index = ($86+$55+$84)/3

Initial value for Index = $225/3

Initial value for Index = $75

b. For the year ending December 31, 2013

Index value at the end of 2013 = ($91+$52+$73)/3

Index value at the end of 2013 = $216/3

Index value at the end of 2013 = 72

Rate of Return = (Ending price - Beginning price) / Beginning price

Rate of Return = (72-75)/75

Rate of Return = -3/75

Rate of Return = -0.04

Rate of Return = -4%

For the year ending December 31, 2014

Index value at the end of 2014 = ($103+$66+$87)/3

Index value at the end of 2014 = $256/3

Index value at the end of 2014 = $85.33

Rate of Return = (Ending price - Beginning price) / Beginning price

Rate of Return = (85.33-72)/72

Rate of Return = 13.33/72

Rate of Return = 0.1851

Rate of Return = 18.51%

answer; buying the bill at a discount from the face value to be received at maturity;