AICPA CPA-Business Exam - Topic 2 Question 30 Discussion

Choice 'b' is correct. Default risk is the risk that the security will not be repaid because the issuing entity is insolvent or illiquid. U.S. Treasury securities are issued by the Treasury Department, which has virtually no risk of being insolvent or illiquid.

Choice 'a' is incorrect. Securities issued by certain federal government agencies carry slightly more default risk than U.S. treasuries because these agencies are (usually) not as large or liquid as the U.S. Treasury.

Choice 'c' is incorrect. Repurchase agreements are sales by dealers in government securities who agree to repurchase these securities at a specific time and price. The risk of default is high because it is based upon the ability of the dealer to repurchase the securities.

Choice 'd' is incorrect. Bankers' acceptances are drafts drawn on a bank, which guarantees payment at maturity. The default risk is higher because the execution of the acceptance is based upon the solvency of the bank.