What type of unemployment is caused by a lack of skilled workers?
Correct Answer: B
Structural unemployment occurs when there is a mismatch between available jobs and the skills of workers. This is exactly the case when there is a lack of skilled workers in the economy. Cyclical unemployment (A) arises during economic downturns. Frictional unemployment (C) is temporary, due to workers moving between jobs. Seasonal unemployment (D) arises in industries affected by seasonal patterns (e.g., agriculture, tourism).
IFC Exam Question 132
How is a $10,000 withdrawal from a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) taxed?
Correct Answer: A
Withdrawals from an RRSP are taxed as regular income at the plan holder's marginal tax rate, regardless of the type of income earned within the plan. The feedback from the document states: "Contributions withdrawn from an RRSP are taxed as regular income at the plan holder's marginal tax rate." Reference: Chapter 6 - Tax and Retirement PlanningLearning Domain: The Know Your Client Communication Process
IFC Exam Question 133
Pierre wants to discuss the merits of a specific mutual fund with his Dealing Representative, Simone. There are no trailer fees associated with this fund. Simone is familiar with the mutual fund that Pierre is referring to, which is not offered by her dealer. They schedule an appointment to further discuss his investment portfolio. Which behaviour from Simone is ethical?
Correct Answer: D
While comparing Fund Facts of the different mutual funds, Simone points out that not only are the fund management expenses different but so are the investor profiles for each fund. This behaviour from Simone is ethical because it shows that she is providing accurate and complete information to Pierre and helping him make an informed decision based on his personal circumstances and objectives4. Fund Facts is a document that summarizes key information about a mutual fund, such as its investment objectives, risks, fees, performance history, and investor rights5. By comparing Fund Facts of different mutual funds, Simone can help Pierre understand how each fund differs in terms of its suitability, costs, and potential returns. The other behaviours from Simone are unethical because they do not serve Pierre's best interests or comply with professional standards. Simone's ability to keep her knowledge current on competitors' investment offerings does not necessarily show that she is putting her client's interest first. She may have other motives for researching other funds, such as trying to persuade Pierre to stay with her dealer's funds or finding new opportunities for herself4. Knowing Pierre does not like that her dealer's funds have trailer fees, she chooses not to discuss the relationship between trailer fees and MER while making comparisons. This behaviour is unethical because it is misleading and omits relevant information that Pierre should know before investing4. Trailer fees are fees paid by the fund manager to the dealer for the ongoing services provided by the dealer and its advisors to unitholders5. Trailer fees are part of the management expense ratio (MER), which is the total cost of running and distributing a fund expressed as a percentage of its assets5. Trailer fees and MERs affect the net returns of a fund and may create conflicts of interest between the advisor and the client5. When comparing her dealer's own mutual funds to the one Pierre discovered, Simone emphasizes the importance of similar net rates of return and minimizes the significance of management expense ratios (MERs). This behaviour is unethical because it is biased and does not present a balanced view of the pros and cons of each fund4. Net rates of return are not the only factor to consider when evaluating a fund's performance. MERs are also important because they reduce the fund's gross returns and may indicate how efficiently the fund is managed5. A fund with a lower MER may have an advantage over a fund with a higher MER, all else being equal5. References: Unit 2: Know Your Client, What's a good MER fee plus 3 strategies to avoid high fees - Bellvest
IFC Exam Question 134
What may be used to determine which of two bond portfolios is more sensitive to interest rate changes?
Correct Answer: D
The sensitivity of a bond or bond portfolio to interest rate changes is measured by duration, also called time- weighted maturity. Duration represents the approximate % change in bond price for a 1% change in interest rates. Higher duration = greater sensitivity to interest rate movements. Therefore, the correct measure is Time-weighted maturity (Duration).
IFC Exam Question 135
Jabir begins the registration process with his new dealer Prosper Wealth Inc. Jabir is excited about his new career and eager to start calling clients, opening new accounts, and selling investments. Which of the following CORRECTLY describes when Jabir will be eligible to open new client accounts and sell investments?
Correct Answer: D
Jabir will be eligible to open new client accounts and sell investments only upon formal confirmation from the regulator. Before he can start his activities as a dealing representative, he must complete the registration process, which includes passing the proficiency course, applying for registration through his dealer, and obtaining approval from the securities regulator in his jurisdiction. References: Guide to Broker-Dealer Registration