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A bond fund manager has approached a bond dealer to gather details regarding the prices of two bonds, specifically Bond X and Bond Y. Both bonds have identical maturity periods and coupon rates. According to the dealer’s report, Bond X is being quoted at a spread of 30 basis points above the corresponding Treasury rate, while Bond Y carries a spread of 70 basis points above the Treasury rate. Based on this information, what accurate conclusion can the manager draw about the relative risk or quality of these bonds?
A
Bond X earns a lower return than that of the comparable Treasury bond, since its spread serves to increase the discount rate of its cash flows.
B
The price of Bond X is currently higher than the price of Bond Y.
C
To equate the present value of Bond Y's cash flows to its face value, 70 bps would need to be added to the yield to maturity of a Treasury bond with comparable maturity.
D
The spread differential indicates that there is a 0.4% difference in price between Bond X and Bond Y.