Free CSI IFC Practice Exam with Questions & Answers

Participating preferred shares are a type of preferred shares that offer its shareholders the opportunity to receive additional dividends if the company’s profit exceeds a stated level. These dividends are paid in addition to the fixed dividends that are normally paid to preferred shareholders. Participating preferred shares allow shareholders to benefit from both fixed and variable income streams, depending on the company’s performance. References: Participating Preferred Stock Definition - Investopedia, Preferred Shares Explained | TD Direct Investing

The value of John’s investment on December 31 of this year can be calculated by multiplying the number of units he holds by the net asset value per unit (NAVPU) on that date. Since John invested $500 on January 3 and $500 on July 1, he holds a total of 125.6 units (62.8 units from the first investment and 62.8 units from the second investment). Therefore, the value of his investment on December 31 will be 125.6 units x $9.55 NAVPU = $1,256.

Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 2: Mutual Funds1

A put option is a contract that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to sell a set number of shares of an underlying asset at a set price within a specified time frame. The buyer of a put option expects the price of the underlying asset to fall below the strike price before the expiration date. Therefore, A is the correct answer. References: Put Option: What It Is, How It Works, and How to Trade Them, Put: What It Is and How It Works in Investing, With Examples, Put Options: Definition, Overview, and Example

Holding client orders until the following week violates the requirement for continuous service to clients under dual employment conditions. The feedback from the document states:

"A mutual fund dealing representative who works for or is sponsored by a member of the MFDA may have, and continue in, another gainful occupation, provided that the dealer establishes and maintains procedures to ensure continuous service to clients. In this example, Karen’s clients are not receiving continuous service."

A self-directed RESP is a type of RESP where the subscriber (the person who opens the plan) has the freedom to choose and manage the investments within the plan, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc. A self-directed RESP can have one or more beneficiaries (the children who will use the funds for their education) and can be individual or family plans. A self-directed RESP is eligible for the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG), which is a 20% matching grant on the first $2,500 of annual contributions per beneficiary, up to a lifetime limit of $7,200. Additionally, low income families who qualify may receive an extra 10% or 20% on the first $500 of annual contributions per beneficiary, depending on their net family income. This is called the Additional CESG. Educational Assistance Payments (EAPs) are the payments made from the RESP to the beneficiary when they enroll in a qualifying post-secondary program. EAPs consist of the CESG, the Additional CESG, and any income or growth earned within the plan. EAPs may be used for any education-related expenses, such as tuition, books, transportation, accommodation, etc. EAPs are taxable in the hands of the beneficiary, who usually has a lower tax rate than the subscriber.

Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 5: Registered Plans1

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

Factors that increase a mutual fund’s management expense ratio (MER) include investing in foreign equities and paying trailer fees, as these add to operational costs. The feedback from the document states:

"Four factors primarily affect the management expense ratio. Funds that invest in foreign equities; are small in size; are managed by an outside specialist firm; and charge trailer fees will have higher management expense ratios."

The endowment bias occurs when investors place a higher value on assets they already own compared to the market value, simply because of ownership.

Dave overvalues his property relative to the market.

Farida = representativeness bias.

Kendra = availability bias.

Peter = status quo bias.

Thus, Dave demonstrates endowment bias.

Under Know Your Client (KYC) and suitability rules, advisors must assess not only an investor’s objectives but also their risk tolerance, which directly influences appropriate investment recommendations.

Account type (B), insider status (C), and referral arrangements (D) are relevant for compliance but do not fulfill the suitability obligation.