TIPS Total Return Reconsider a $3\mathrm{.}00$ percent TIPS that was issued with CPI reference of $186\mathrm{.}6.$ The bond is purchased at the beginning of the year $($after the interest payment$),$ when the CPI was $197\mathrm{.}7.$ For the interest in the middle of the year, the CPI was $198\mathrm{.}6.$ Now, at the end of the year, the CPI is $202\mathrm{.}9$ and the interest payment has been made. What is the total return of the TIPS in percentage terms for the year? Assume semi$-$annual interest payments and $$1,000$ par value. $($Do not round the intermediate steps. Round your final answer to $1$ decimal place.$)$

Multiple Choice

$3\mathrm{.}0$ percent

$1\mathrm{.}5$ percent

$5\mathrm{.}7$ percent

$2\mathrm{.}6$ percent