What determines the shape of the yield curve?

Solve three problems addressing inflation and interest rates affecting the financial environment, including the real risk-free rate, expected interest rate, detailed risk premium, and ratio analysis.
Introduction
There are different determinants of market interest rates. Try to answer such questions as, “What determines the shape of the yield curve?” and “How is the yield curve used to estimate future interest rates?,” which are important considerations for financial managers.
Overview
For this assessment, complete Problems 1–3 on inflation and interest rates affecting financial environment. You may solve the problems algebraically, or you may use a financial calculator or an Excel spreadsheet. In addition to your solution to each computational problem, you must show the supporting work leading to your solution to receive credit for your answer. Note the following:
You may need an HP 10B II business calculator.
You may use Word or Excel, but you will find Excel to be most helpful for creating spreadsheets.
If you choose to solve the problems algebraically, be sure to show your computations.
If you use a financial calculator, show your input values.
If you use an Excel spreadsheet, show your input values and formulas.
Problem 1: Real Risk-Free Rate
Current 30-day T-bills are yielding 3.5 percent. Your accountant provided you with these interest rate premiums:
IP = 1.5%
LP = 0.6%
MRP = 1.8%
DFP = 2.15%
What is the real risk-free rate of return based on this data?
Problem 2: Expected Interest Rate
For this problem, examine Treasury securities. Considering the following numbers, what would the yield on 3-year Treasury securities be?
Real risk-free = 4%.
Inflation expected at 1.5% for this year and 2% for the next 2 years.
Maturity risk premium = 0.
Problem 3: Default Risk Premium
A Treasury bond maturing in 5 years has a yield of 4 percent. A 5-year corporate bond has a yield of 7 percent. Consider that the liquidity premium on the corporate bond is 0.5 percent. If this is so, what is the default risk on the corporate bond?
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the course competencies through the following assessment scoring guide criteria:
Competency 1: Maximize shareholder wealth.
Compute real risk-free rate of return based on data presented.
Determine yield on 2-year and 3-year Treasury securities.
Competency 2: Evaluate the financial health of the firm
Assess the default risk of a corporate bond.