First Principles Thinking: core idea
A is correct. The CFA Curriculum defines matrix pricing as estimating the price of a new or illiquid bond using securities with similar time-to-maturity, coupon rates, and credit quality. The rule is comparability of core bond features. The intuition is that similar bonds should imply similar yields and prices. Applying that rule identifies maturity, coupon rate, and credit quality.
Why top distractor is wrong :. Equity beta, dividend yield, and index weight are not the comparable features used in bond matrix pricing.
Why remaining distractor is wrong. Repo haircut, tax lot, and accrued interest only do not form the curriculum’s matrix pricing comparison set.