Seeing is believing!

Before you order, simply sign up for a free user account and in seconds you'll be experiencing the best in CFA exam preparation.

Basic Question 5 of 5

You are choosing between investments offered by two different banks. One promises a return of 10% for three years in simple interest while the other offers a return of 10% for three years in compound interest. You should ______.

A. choose the simple interest option because both have the same basic interest rate
B. choose the compound interest option because it provides a higher return than the simple interest option
C. choose the compound interest option only if the compounding is for monthly periods
D. choose the simple interest option only if compounding occurs more than once a year
E. choose the compound interest option only if you are investing less than $5,000

User Contributed Comments 4

User Comment
mbowa The higher the compounding periods, the higher the rate of return, it applies in this case
msk500 I think it because with compounding, you earn interest on interest, while as with simple interest, you only earn interest on the principal amount invested.
lordcomas one time interest vs. (x) times interest over interest.
cailucky 1000 * 10% *3 vs 1000 * (1+10%)^3 - 1000
You need to log in first to add your comment.
You have a wonderful website and definitely should take some credit for your members' outstanding grades.
Colin Sampaleanu

Colin Sampaleanu

Learning Outcome Statements

interpret interest rates as required rates of return, discount rates, or opportunity costs and explain an interest rate as the sum of a real risk-free rate and premiums that compensate investors for bearing distinct types of risk

CFA® 2025 Level I Curriculum, Volume 1, Module 1.