Ellen and her only son Jeff live on the family farm with her father George. Jeff is five years old and Ellen has decided that it is time to start saving for Jeff's post-secondary education. She has called you to ask about registered education savings plans (RESPs). Which of the following statements is TRUE?
Correct Answer: D
If Ellen receives the National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS), Jeff may be eligible for the Canada Learning Bond (CLB). The CLB is a grant of up to $2,000 that the Government of Canada deposits into a child's RESP to help low-income families start saving for their child's education2. The CLB does not require any contributions from the parents. To be eligible for the CLB, the child must have been born after December 31, 2003 and the family must receive the NCBS, which is part of the Canada Child Benefit3. The other statements are false. If Jeff qualifies for additional CESG, his CESG lifetime maximum increases to $7,200, not $10,000. If Jeff decides not to pursue a post-secondary education, he cannot keep the CESG; it must be returned to the government. George may open an RESP for Jeff and it will qualify to receive CESGs, as long as George is a resident of Canada and has a valid social insurance number. References: Unit 8: Retirement, Canada Learning Bond, [Canada Education Savings Grant], [RESP Withdrawals], [RESP Providers]
IFC Exam Question 67
The Optima Equity Fund has a beta of 1.4. What is the most accurate way to describe the Optima Equity Fund' s relationship to the market as a whole?
Correct Answer: A
A beta of 1.4 indicates that the Optima Equity Fund is 1.4 times more volatile than the market. If the market rises by 5%, the fund is expected to rise by 5% × 1.4 = 7%. The feedback from the document states: "One way to measure market risk is by calculating a portfolio's beta. Beta shows how much a portfolio fluctuates when the market as a whole fluctuates. A higher beta means that the portfolio is exposed to more risk. The market has a beta of 1.0. In this example: The Optima Equity Fund has a beta of 1.4, which means the Fund is expected to be 1.4 times more volatile than the market as a whole. If the S&P/TSX Composite Index is used to measure the performance of the Optima Fund, then if the Index rose by 10% you would expect to see the Optima Fund rise by 14% (1.4 × 10%)." Reference: Chapter 8 - Constructing Investment PortfoliosLearning Domain: Understanding Investment Products and Portfolios
IFC Exam Question 68
Axis Wealth Management Inc. is a mutual fund dealer and member of the Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada (MFDA). Indrek is a Branch Manager for the Guelph Branch and he is responsible for conducting suitability reviews in order to identify any unsuitable transactions or accounts. Which of the following accounts/transactions would be unsuitable?
Correct Answer: A
This account/transaction is unsuitable because it does not match Gilles' investment needs and objectives, risk profile, and capacity for loss. A leverage strategy involves borrowing money to invest in mutual funds, which increases the potential returns but also the potential losses. This strategy is very risky and requires a high risk tolerance, a long-term investment horizon, and a sufficient income to cover the interest payments. Gilles is 82 years old, retired, and needs regular income, which means he has a low risk tolerance, a short-term investment horizon, and a limited income. He cannot afford to lose his principal or pay the interest costs. Therefore, a leverage strategy is not appropriate for him. References = IFSE CIFC Module 3: Investment Products, page 3-24. What is Suitability? | MFDAMSN-0069 | MFDA
IFC Exam Question 69
Which person would be categorized as a vulnerable client?
Correct Answer: B
A vulnerable client is a client who, due to their personal circumstances, is especially susceptible to harm or disadvantage when dealing with financial services. Vulnerability can be permanent or temporary, and can arise from various factors, such as physical or mental health conditions, cognitive impairments, low financial literacy, language barriers, abuse, or discrimination. A vulnerable client may have different needs and challenges than other clients, and may require more support and protection from their adviser. Ginger would be categorized as a vulnerable client because she has reached retirement age and is easily confused, which may affect her ability to understand and make informed decisions about her financial situation. She may also be at risk of being exploited or misled by others who may take advantage of her confusion. Therefore, Ginger' s adviser should take extra care to ensure that she is treated fairly and that her best interests are served. 1: Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 8: Suitability and Know Your Client1
IFC Exam Question 70
Your client, Rinaldo, wants to know more about the fees associated with his mutual funds. What can you tell him about a mutual fund's management expense ratio (MER)?
Correct Answer: C
C is correct because the management expense ratio (MER) reflects the percentage of each dollar of fund assets that is used to pay for management services and operating expenses of a mutual fund. The MER includes various fees and expenses, such as management fees, administration fees, trailer fees, audit fees, legal fees, and taxes. The MER reduces the return of the fund, as it is deducted from the fund's income and capital gains before they are distributed to investors. Mutual funds are not required to calculate the MER on a daily basis (A), but rather on an annual basis. Trailer and brokerage fees are included in the MER (B), not charged separately. Mutual fund performance is impacted by the MER (D), as it lowers the net return of the fund. Rates of return are published net of fees, but they do not reflect the impact of the MER on the fund's performance.