* Risk-Free Rate
* The rate of return on an investment with virtually no risk of financial loss.
* Short-dated government bonds are considered risk-free because governments, especially in developed economies, are deemed highly unlikely to default.
* Why the Answer is A
* Short-dated bonds minimize risks associated with duration (interest rate risk).
* Governments can typically print money or increase taxes to meet debt obligations, reducing default risk.
* Why Other Options are Incorrect
* B. Without risk: Investors still face inflation risk and currency risk.
* C. Free from all risks: No investment is completely risk-free; risk is minimized, not eliminated.
* D. No tracking error: Irrelevant to the definition of a risk-free rate.
* ICWIM Study Guide, Chapter on Risk Management: Defines the risk-free rate and its attributes.
* Economic Theory: Short-dated government bonds as benchmarks for risk-free rates.
ReferencesThus, the correct answer isA. Governments are considered unlikely to default.