During a period of inflation, many accountants believe that financial reports prepared under the historical cost convention are subject to the following major limitations:
1 Inventories are undervalued;
2 Depreciation is understated;
3 Gains and losses on net monetary assets are undisclosed;
4 Statement of financial position values are unrealistic; and
5 Meaningful periodic comparisons are difficult to make.

Required:
Explain briefly the limitations of historical cost accounting in periods of inflation with reference to each of the items listed above.