Which of the following statements about real and nominal interest rates is correct? A. An increase in the real interest rate is necessarily accompanied by either an increase in the nominal interest rate, an increase in the inflation rate, or both. B. When the inflation rate is positive, the nominal interest rate is necessarily greater than the real interest rate. C. When the nominal interest rate is rising, the real interest rate is necessarily rising; when the nominal interest rate is falling, the real interest rate is necessarily falling. D. If the nominal interest rate is 4 percent and the inflation rate is 3 percent, then the real interest rate is 7 percent.

Answer:

B. When the inflation rate is positive, the nominal interest rate is necessarily greater than the real interest rate.

Explanation:

A real interest rate can be regarded as

an interest rate that adjustment has been made on in order to remove the effects of inflation so that the real cost of funds to the borrower as well as real yield to the lender can be reflected. A nominal interest rate on the other hand can be regarded as interest rates calculated before consideration of inflation. It should be noted that When the inflation rate is positive, the nominal interest rate is necessarily greater than the real interest rate.