Question:Which of the following would cause a company's gearing ratio to rise?
  A. A decrease in long-term loans is less than a decrease in shareholders' funds
  B. A decrease in long-term loans is more than a decrease in shareholders' funds
  C. Interest rates rose
  D. Dividends were paid
  The correct answer is: A decrease in long-term loans is less than a decrease in shareholders' funds.
  Long-term loans raise gearing, shareholders funds reduce it.