Final answer:
The yield to maturity (YTM) on a bond is higher than the coupon rate when the bond sells at a discount, lower than the coupon rate when the bond sells at a premium, and is equal to the true compound return on investment only if all interest payments received are reinvested at the current yield. The correct option is (D).
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is D. I, II, and III.
When the bond sells at a discount, the yield to maturity (YTM) is above the coupon rate. This means that the bond is offering a higher return than the stated coupon rate because it is priced below its face value.
On the other hand, when the bond sells at a premium, the YTM is below the coupon rate. This means that the bond is offering a lower return than the stated coupon rate because it is priced above its face value.
The YTM is also referred to as the discount rate that will set the present value of the bond's payments equal to the bond price. It takes into account the bond's face value, coupon rate, and maturity date to determine the present value of its future cash flows.
Lastly, the YTM is equal to the true compound return on investment only if all interest payments received are reinvested at the YTM.