A financial analyst is tracking the value of an investment. The investment initially grew by 20%, then decreased by 10% from its new value, and finally increased by 5% from that subsequent value. What is the overall percentage change of the investment from its original value?

Correct answer: C. 14.5% increase

To calculate successive percentage changes, apply each change sequentially to the current value. Start with an arbitrary initial value (like 100) and track its evolution. (100 * 1.20 * 0.90 * 1.05 = 113.4, so 13.4% increase). Oh, wait, the calculation is 100 * 1.20 = 120. Then 120 * 0.90 = 108. Then 108 * 1.05 = 113.4. So, 13.4% increase. Let me re-evaluate my options and answer. The correct answer is B if the calculation is 1.20 * 0.90 * 1.05 = 1.134, which is a 13.4% increase. Let me re-check my options. My options are A: 13.5%, B: 14.5%, C: 15%, D: 12.5%. There might be a slight miscalculation in my initial answer or options. Let me re-calculate with the actual options. If I start with 100, then 100 * (1 + 0.20) * (1 - 0.10) * (1 + 0.05) = 100 * 1.20 * 0.90 * 1.05 = 100 * 1.08 * 1.05 = 100 * 1.134 = 113.4. So it's a 13.4% increase. I must adjust the options. Let's make option A 13.4%.