Free CSI IFC Practice Exam with Questions & Answers | Set: 11

A yield curve is a graphical representation of the relationship between the interest rates (or yields) and the term to maturity of different fixed income securities, such as bonds or debentures. A normal yield curve is upward sloping, meaning that the interest rates increase as the term to maturity increases. This is because investors typically demand higher compensation for lending their money for longer periods of time, as they face more uncertainty and risk. Therefore, a normal yield curve implies that short term rates are lower than long term rates.

Canadian Investment Funds Course, Unit 5, Section 5.2

Sachin is experiencing interest rate risk, which is the risk that changes in interest rates will affect the value of fixed income securities. When interest rates rise, bond prices fall, and vice versa. This is because investors will demand a higher yield to invest in bonds that pay a lower coupon rate than the prevailing market rate. Therefore, if the Bank of Canada makes it more expensive to borrow money, the existing bonds in Sachin’s fund will become less attractive and their prices will drop. Interest rate risk is measured by a fixed income security’s duration, with longer-term bonds having a greater price sensitivity to rate changes. Sachin can reduce his interest rate risk by diversifying his bond maturities or hedging using interest rate derivatives1.

Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 3: Risk and Return2

A strategic asset allocation strategy is one that involves setting target allocations for various asset classes based on the investor’s risk tolerance, time horizon, and investment objectives, and rebalancing the portfolio periodically to maintain the original allocations. This strategy is compatible with a buy-and-hold approach and aims to achieve long-term goals by diversifying across different asset classes and markets. In this case, you are implementing a strategic asset allocation strategy for your client Sierra by assigning 30% of her portfolio to fixed income and 70% to equities, and planning to rebalance her portfolio when the actual allocations deviate significantly from the target allocations.

Canadian Investment Funds Course, Unit 7, Section 7.1

The original capital contributed to a Registered Educational Savings Plan (RESP) is not taxed upon withdrawal, while other amounts, such as income or grants, are taxable to the beneficiary. The feedback from the document states:

"The original capital withdrawn from an RESP is not taxed; all other amounts are taxed in the hands of the beneficiary."

Direct investment means the investor owns the asset directly, e.g., real estate property, stocks, or bonds held personally.

Mutual funds (B) are indirect investments since they pool money.

Government bonds (C) can be direct if held individually, but in CSC context, examples of direct investments often emphasize real estate ownership as the clearest form.

Advisor purchases stocks for a client (D) is indirect because the advisor acts on behalf of the client.

Bonds are primarily traded in dealer markets (over-the-counter - OTC) rather than in organized auction exchanges like the major stock exchanges. In a dealer market, multiple dealers post prices at which they are willing to buy or sell securities, providing liquidity and making a profit from the bid-ask spread. The U.S. government bond market, for example, is a large over-the-counter dealer market. 

The S&P 500 is the appropriate benchmark for researching the largest listed public companies in the US market. The feedback from the document provides:

"Index: S&P 500, Description: The 500 largest publicly held companies that trade on U.S. markets, Performance uses: U.S. equity funds."

Suitability ensures that recommendations align with the client’s unique situation and investment objectives, based on their personal and financial circumstances. The feedback from the document states:

"Suitability means ensuring that all recommendations are appropriate for the client’s unique situation and investment objectives. It also means that recommendations are based on a personal and financial knowledge of the client and knowledge of the investment products being recommended."