The on-the-run US Treasury par curve is as follows:

Maturity Coupon/YTM Market Price

1 3.50% $100

2 3.75% $100

3 4.00% $100

Using the bootstrapping methodology, the spot rates are:

Maturity Spot Rate

1 3.5000%

2 3.7547%

3 4.0134%

Assume 10% annual interest rate volatility

1. Calculate the binomial interest rate tree using the 2-year on-the-run issue and the 3-year on-the-run issue.

2. Validate the interest rate tree by valuing a 3-year 4.5% coupon option-free bond

a. price the bond using the spot rate curve

b. price the bond using the interest rate tree