Assume that you loaned me $1,000 at a very generous nominal interest rate of 3 percent to be paid back in one year. There is a sudden upturn in the economy, however, and inflation increases to 5 percent next year.
As a result, when I repay you the $1,000 plus your $30 interest, has your purchasing power increased or decreased as a result of this loan and the interest that you received? What would your real rate of return equal?
Based on your answers to the previous two questions and with the benefit of hindsight, what is the lowest nominal interest that you would be willing to accept in this situation?