Stocks offer an expected rate of return of 18%, with a standard deviation of 22%. Gold offers an expected return of 10% with a standard deviation of 30%. a) In light of the apparent inferiority of gold with respect to average return and volatility, would anyone hold gold in his portfolio? (4 points) b) Assume that the correlation between Stocks and Gold is -0.5. Find the weights wS and wG of the efficient risky portfolio which is invested in Stocks and Gold and which has an expected return of 15%.

Sailcloth & more currently produces boat sails and is considering expanding its operations to include awnings for homes and travel trailers. the company owns land beside its current manufacturing facility that could be used for the expansion. the company bought this land 5 years ago at a cost of $319,000. at the time of purchase, the company paid $24,000 to level out the land so it would be suitable for future use. today, the land is valued at $295,000. the company has some unused equipment that it currently owns valued at $38,000. this equipment could be used for producing awnings if $12,000 is spent for equipment modifications. other equipment costing $490,000 will also be required. what is the amount of the initial cash flow for this expansion project?