CIFC Canadian Investment Funds Course Exam Questions and Answers

 Underwriting is the process through which an individual or institution takes on financial risk for a fee. This risk most typically involves loans, insurance, or investments. In the case of securities, underwriting involves conducting research and assessing the degree of risk each applicant or entity brings to the table before assuming that risk. During the underwriting process, investment bankers raise investment capital from investors on behalf of corporations and governments issuing securities. They also help determine the company’s underlying value compared to the risk of funding its IPO. References: Underwriting: Definition and How the Various Types Work - Investopedia, The future of insurance underwriting | Deloitte Insights

Based on Orel’s stated need, recommending an RRSP contribution is unsuitable because RRSP withdrawals are taxed as income and may affect Orel’s eligibility for government benefits. A TFSA is more suitable for Orel’s goal of developing emergency savings because TFSA withdrawals are tax-free and do not affect income-tested benefits. References: Investment Funds in Canada (IFC) | Canadian Securities Institute

The current ratio is a liquidity ratio that measures a company’s ability to pay its short-term obligations with its current assets. A higher current ratio indicates that the company has more current assets than current liabilities, which means it can meet its short-term obligations more easily. A lower current ratio indicates that the company has less current assets than current liabilities, which means it may face liquidity problems or default risk. Therefore, the information given in the question indicates that Truesteel is better able to meet its short-term financial obligations than Strongco. The current ratio does not necessarily reflect the profitability, market outlook, or debt financing of the companies. References: Current Ratio Explained With Formula and Examples, Current Ratio Formula, Current ratio

The statement that is correct about Maalik’s identification requirements is option A. According to Section 7 of the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA), registered firms and individuals must report any suspicious transactions or attempted transactions to FINTRAC, which is Canada’s financial intelligence unit that collects, analyzes, and discloses information related to money laundering and terrorist financing activities. A suspicious transaction or attempted transaction is one that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that it is related to a money laundering or terrorist financing offence. Therefore, if Maalik determines that there is anything suspicious about John’s transaction, he must report the matter to his dealer, who must report it to FINTRAC within 30 days of making the determination. The other statements are not correct about Maalik’s identification requirements. Option B is false because Maalik does not need to report John as a PEFP to his dealer; rather, he must take reasonable measures to determine whether John is a PEFP or a family member or close associate of a PEFP, and if so, he must obtain senior management approval before opening an account for John, take enhanced measures to verify John’s identity, and conduct enhanced ongoing monitoring of John’s account activity. Option C is false because Maalik does not need to collect personal information about John and report it to his dealer if John wants to make a large cash deposit; rather, he must verify John’s identity using an original, valid, and current document or information from a reliable source, keep a record of John’s name and address and the date and amount of the deposit, and report any large cash transactions of $10,000 or more in Canadian currency or its equivalent to FINTRAC within 15 days of receiving the cash. Option D is false because Maalik does not need to report the attempt to his dealer if John attempts to make a suspicious deposit; rather, he must report the attempt directly to FINTRAC within 30 days of detecting the suspicion, regardless of whether the transaction was completed or not. References: [FINTRAC - Home], [FINTRAC - Reporting], [FINTRAC - Guideline 2: Suspicious Transactions], [FINTRAC - Guideline 6A: Record Keeping and Client Identification for Financial Entities]

A normal yield curve is a graphical representation of the relationship between the interest rates and the maturities of different fixed income securities. It slopes upward to the right, meaning that longer-term bonds have higher yields than shorter-term bonds. This reflects the fact that investors demand higher compensation for lending money for longer periods of time and taking on more risk. A normal yield curve indicates that investors expect the economy to grow steadily and inflation to remain stable. References: Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) | IFSE Institute, Unit 4, Lesson 3

To convert the proceeds from USD to CAD, Frederic needs to divide the amount in USD by the exchange rate. The exchange rate is $1 CAD for $0.99 USD, which means that $0.99 USD is equivalent to $1 CAD. Therefore, Frederic will receive

CAD in Canadian dollars. References: Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) | IFSE Institute, Unit 8, Lesson 2

A bond fund is a mutual fund that invests primarily in bonds and other debt securities. Income from a bond fund will primarily be interest but may also be capital gains if the fund sells bonds that have appreciated in value. Bond funds are not very low risk because they can fluctuate in value depending on interest rate changes and credit risk. If interest rates rise, the value of a bond fund will tend to fall because existing bonds will become less attractive than new bonds with higher rates. Securities regulation does not specify that bond funds must invest in investment grade bonds, although some funds may have this as an investment objective or policy. References: What Is a Bond Fund?

LSIFs are a type of investment fund that provide venture capital to small and medium-sized Canadian businesses, while offering tax benefits to investors. However, LSIFs are also considered high-risk and illiquid investments, as they invest in private companies that may not have a proven track record or marketability. Therefore, LSIFs are not suitable for investors with a short-term time horizon or a low risk tolerance. Investors who buy LSIFs receive a 15% federal tax credit and may also receive an additional provincial tax credit, depending on the province where they reside. However, these tax credits are conditional on holding the LSIF investment for at least 8 years. If investors redeem their LSIF investment before the 8-year period, they will have to repay the tax credits they received.

References: Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 4: Types of Investments1

A Canadian equity index fund would be the most tax-efficient option for Xerxes. A Canadian equity index fund is a type of mutual fund that invests in a portfolio of Canadian stocks that track a specific market index, such as the S&P/TSX Composite Index. A Canadian equity index fund would be tax-efficient for Xerxes because it would generate mostly capital gains and eligible dividends, which are taxed at lower rates than interest income or foreign dividends. A Canadian equity index fund would also have low turnover and minimal distributions, which would defer taxes until Xerxes sells his units. The other options are less tax-efficient than a Canadian equity index fund. A target date fund is a type of mutual fund that adjusts its asset allocation over time based on a predetermined retirement date. A target date fund would be less tax-efficient than a Canadian equity index fund because it would have higher turnover and more distributions, which would trigger taxes every year. A target date fund would also invest in a mix of asset classes, such as bonds and foreign equities, which would generate interest income and foreign dividends that are taxed at higher rates than capital gains and eligible dividends. A bond fund is a type of mutual fund that invests in a portfolio of fixed-income securities, such as government bonds, corporate bonds, and mortgage-backed securities. A bond fund would be less tax-efficient than a Canadian equity index fund because it would generate mostly interest income, which is taxed at the highest rate among different types of investment income. A bond fund would also have regular distributions, which would trigger taxes every year. An asset allocation fund is a type of mutual fund that invests in a portfolio of other mutual funds that cover different asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, and cash equivalents. An asset allocation fund would be less tax-efficient than a Canadian equity index fund because it would have higher fees and more distributions, which would reduce the net returns and trigger taxes every year. An asset allocation fund would also invest in a mix of asset classes, some of which would generate interest income and foreign dividends that are taxed at higher rates than capital gains and eligible dividends. References: [Canadian Equity Index Funds], [Tax-Efficient Investing], [Target Date Funds], [Bond Funds], [Asset Allocation Funds]

Contributed funds grow tax-free within the plan3. This means that any income or capital gains earned by the investments in an RESP are not taxed until they are withdrawn3. This allows the plan to grow faster than a taxable account with the same investments and contributions3. The other statements are incorrect. Contributions to RESPs are not tax deductible3. This means that you cannot deduct the amount you contribute to an RESP from your taxable income3. However, you do not have to pay tax on the contributions when they are withdrawn from the plan3. There is no yearly contribution limit per beneficiary, but there is a lifetime contribution limit of $50,000 per beneficiary3. This means that you can contribute any amount to an RESP in any given year, as long as you do not exceed the lifetime limit for each beneficiary3. RESPs must be collapsed by the end of the 35th year of its starting date3. This means that you have up to 35 years to use the funds in an RESP for educational purposes or transfer them to another plan3. If you do not use or transfer the funds by then, you have to close the plan and pay tax on the accumulated income portion3. References: Unit 8: Retirement

Bonds and debentures are both types of debt instruments that can be issued by corporations or governments to raise capital. However, they differ in the way they are secured. Bonds are backed by the specific assets of the issuer, such as property, equipment, or inventory. This means that if the issuer defaults on the bond payments, the bondholders have a claim on those assets and can sell them to recover their money. Debentures, on the other hand, are not secured by any real assets or collateral. They are only backed by the general creditworthiness and reputation of the issuer. This means that if the issuer defaults on the debenture payments, the debenture holders have no recourse to any specific assets and have to rely on the issuer’s ability to pay from its future earnings or liquidation proceeds.

References: Canadian Investment Funds Course, Unit 5, Section 5.1

Money market funds are safe investments because their net asset value per unit does not usually fluctuate. Money market funds invest in highly liquid instruments like high-interest savings accounts, term deposits, short-term debt securities, cash equivalents, and other low-risk, short-term investments3. These funds aim to preserve capital and provide liquidity while generating some income3. Money market funds typically have a stable net asset value per unit (NAVPU) that does not change much over time3. The other statements are false. Money market funds do not provide high returns without risking the capital invested. Money market funds offer low returns that may not keep up with inflation or meet long-term investment goals3. Money market funds also have some risks, such as credit risk, interest rate risk, and liquidity risk3. Money market funds do not pay income weekly which can be automatically reinvested. Money market funds may pay income monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually, depending on the fund’s distribution policy3. Investors can choose to receive cash distributions or reinvest them in more units of the fund3. Money market funds do not provide investors a guaranteed fixed rate of return. Money market funds do not guarantee any return or principal amount3. The return of money market funds depends on the interest rates and yields of the underlying investments, which may vary over time3. References: 7 Best Money Market ETFs in Canada 2023: Cash And HISA ETFs, Best Money Market Funds in Canada | WOWA.ca, 3 Best Canadian Money Market Funds (2023) - PiggyBank

Your body language would be the most important to create an impressive first impression on your potential client. Body language is the non-verbal communication that includes your posture, gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, and physical distance. Body language can convey your confidence, enthusiasm, professionalism, and trustworthiness. According to research, body language accounts for 55% of the impact of a first impression, while tone of voice accounts for 38% and words account for only 7%. The other statements are less important than body language. Volume of your voice is part of your tone of voice, which can affect how your words are perceived by your potential client. However, volume alone is not enough to create an impressive first impression; you also need to consider your pitch, pace, and intonation. Your words are what you say to your potential client, which can include your introduction, your value proposition, and your questions. Your words are important to convey your message and establish rapport with your potential client. However, your words have less impact than your body language and tone of voice on your first impression. Tone of your voice is how you say your words, which can include your volume, pitch, pace, and intonation. Your tone of voice can influence how your potential client feels about you and your message. However, your tone of voice has less impact than your body language on your first impression. References: Unit 10: Sales Process, [The Importance Of Body Language In First Impressions]

A mortgage fund is a type of income fund that invests in mortgages and other debt instruments secured by real estate. It provides a steady stream of income to investors and has a low correlation with other asset classes. A mortgage fund is suitable for Yael because she needs income to pay her monthly expenses and is comfortable with high risk. A global equity fund, a money market fund, and a Canadian equity index fund are not suitable for Yael because they do not meet her income objective and risk tolerance. References: Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) | IFSE Institute, Unit 6, Lesson 4

Index mutual funds and traditional exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are both types of investment funds that use a passive investment management style, which means they try to track the performance of a specific market index, such as the S&P/TSX Composite Index or the S&P 500 Index. They do so by holding the same securities as the index or a representative sample of them, and by adjusting their portfolio composition and weighting to reflect any changes in the index. However, both types of funds may not be able to exactly replicate the return of the index for various reasons, such as fees, expenses, tracking error, rebalancing frequency, dividend reinvestment, and cash holdings. Therefore, there may be some deviation or difference between the fund’s return and the index’s return, which is called tracking difference.

References: Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 4: Types of Investments1

The management expense ratio (MER) is the percentage of a fund’s assets that is paid to the fund manager for operating and managing the fund. A higher MER means that more of the fund’s returns are eaten up by fees, leaving less for the investors. Therefore, Fontaine Equity Fund’s higher MER of 2.99% contributes to its lower 5-year annualized return of 11.25%, compared to Chamberlain Equity Fund’s MER of 2.57% and 5-year annualized return of 13.42%. Therefore, D is the correct answer. References: Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) | IFSE Institute, Management Expense Ratio (MER): Definition and How It Works - Investopedia

A conflict of interest is a situation in which a person’s personal interests conflict with their professional duties or responsibilities. A conflict of interest should be avoided or disclosed to prevent harm to the client or the registrant. In this case, Arilla’s client, Gwen, wants to co-invest with Arilla in units of a real estate limited partnership. This is a conflict of interest because Arilla may have a personal interest in the investment that could influence her advice to Gwen or affect her ability to act in Gwen’s best interest. For example, Arilla may benefit from the investment at Gwen’s expense, or she may have access to information that Gwen does not have. Therefore, this is a conflict of interest that should be avoided by Arilla. She should decline Gwen’s offer and explain that it would compromise her professional obligations and fiduciary duty to Gwen.

References: Canadian Investment Funds Course, Unit 2, Section 2.3

Thomas must contribute to CPP based on his pensionable earnings, which are his income from employment or self-employment that are subject to CPP. However, he can deduct a basic exemption amount from his pensionable earnings, which is $3,500 for the year. Therefore, his contributory earnings are:

16,000−3,500=12,500

The CPP contribution rate is 5.95% for employees and self-employed workers. Therefore, Thomas must contribute:

12,500×5.95%=743.75

References:

• Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) Study Guide, Chapter 6: Registered Plans, Section 6.3: Canada Pension Plan (CPP), page 6-101
• Canada Pension Plan - How much could you receive - Canada.ca2

According to the Canada Revenue Agency, taxable income is the amount used to calculate federal tax and provincial or territorial tax on the income tax return. Taxable income is calculated by subtracting tax deductions from total income. Total income is the sum of income from all sources, such as employment, business, investment, pension, and other income. Tax deductions are amounts that can be subtracted from total income to reduce the amount of income that is subject to tax. Some examples of tax deductions are RRSP contributions, child care expenses, moving expenses, and alimony payments. Tax credits are not subtracted from total income, but rather from the tax payable. Tax credits are amounts that can reduce the amount of tax owed or increase the amount of refund. Some examples of tax credits are basic personal amount, spouse or common-law partner amount, Canada workers benefit, and foreign tax credit.

Therefore, the correct answer is C. total income less tax deductions.

References: 1: Line 26000 – Taxable income - Canada.ca 2

The federal tax on eligible Canadian dividends is calculated as follows:

• First, the dividend amount is grossed up by 38%, which means multiplying it by 1.38. This is to account for the corporate tax that has already been paid by the company. Eleanora’s grossed-up dividend is $500 x 1.38 = $690.
• Second, the grossed-up dividend is multiplied by the federal marginal tax rate to get the gross federal tax. Eleanora’s gross federal tax is $690 x 0.29 = $200.10.
• Third, the grossed-up dividend is multiplied by the federal dividend tax credit rate to get the federal tax credit. This is to avoid double taxation of the dividend income. Eleanora’s federal tax credit is $690 x 0.1502 = $103.64.
• Fourth, the federal tax credit is subtracted from the gross federal tax to get the net federal tax. Eleanora’s net federal tax is $200.10 - $103.64 = $96.46.

Therefore, Eleanora will pay $96.46 in federal tax on her dividend. References: How Dividends Are Taxed and Reported on Tax Returns - Investopedia, Dividend Tax Credit in Canada - TurboTax

According to the Canadian Investment Funds Course, a registered retirement income fund (RRIF) is a type of registered plan that provides a stream of income in retirement. A RRIF can be opened at any age, but it must be established by the end of the year the annuitant turns 71. A RRIF cannot accept any contributions, but it can receive transfers from other registered plans, such as RRSPs, PRPPs, RPPs, or other RRIFs. A RRIF has no maximum withdrawal limit, meaning that the annuitant can withdraw any amount from the plan at any time. However, a RRIF has a minimum withdrawal requirement, which is calculated based on the annuitant’s age or the age of their spouse or common-law partner. The minimum withdrawal must be paid out in the year following the year the RRIF is opened and every year thereafter. The minimum withdrawal is taxable as income in the year of receipt.

Therefore, the correct answer is C. Gregory’s account will be subjected to no maximum withdrawal limit but to an annual minimum withdrawal.

References: 1: Canadian Investment Funds Course - IFSE Institute 2 (Unit 9: Retirement)

 Dollar-cost averaging is a strategy that involves investing equal amounts of money at regular intervals, regardless of the price of the security. By using dollar-cost averaging, investors may lower their average cost per share and reduce the impact of volatility on their portfolios. However, this strategy does not guarantee a better purchase price than making a lump-sum purchase. In this case, David got his 500 units at a higher price than the lump sum price he would have paid. His average cost per unit was $14.65, while the lump sum price was $14.10. Therefore, D is the correct answer. References: What Is Dollar-Cost Averaging?, What Is Dollar Cost Averaging?, Dollar-Cost Averaging: Definition and Examples

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.

References: Canadian Investment Funds Course, Unit 5, Section 5.2

A Trusted Contact Person (TCP) is someone that an investor authorizes their brokerage firm to contact in limited circumstances, such as if the broker has trouble reaching the investor or has a reasonable belief that the investor’s account may be exposed to possible financial exploitation. A TCP does not have the authority to make changes to the investor’s account or direct trading, unlike a Power of Attorney (POA). A TCP also does not have the power to place a temporary hold on the investor’s account, which is a decision made by the brokerage firm. Therefore, C is the correct answer. References: What is a Trusted Contact Person and why you should name one, Do You Need A ‘Trusted Contact’ To Help Protect You?, Investor Bulletin: Please Consider Adding a Trusted Contact Person to Your Account

Commercial paper is a type of money market security that is issued by corporations and financial institutions to raise short-term funds. Commercial paper has a maturity of less than one year, typically between 30 and 90 days. Commercial paper is unsecured, meaning that it is not backed by any collateral or guarantee. Therefore, commercial paper has the highest degree of risk for the investor among the four types of money market securities listed, as it depends on the creditworthiness and liquidity of the issuer. If the issuer defaults or faces financial difficulties, the investor may lose part or all of their principal. Commercial paper also has a higher interest rate than other money market securities to compensate for the higher risk.

The other types of money market securities are:

• Bankers’ acceptances: These are negotiable instruments that are issued by a bank on behalf of a client who needs to finance international trade transactions. Bankers’ acceptances have a maturity of less than one year, usually between 30 and 180 days. Bankers’ acceptances are secured by the bank’s guarantee and the underlying goods or services that are being traded. Therefore, bankers’ acceptances have a lower degree of risk for the investor than commercial paper, as they are backed by the bank’s creditworthiness and the value of the trade transaction.
• Treasury bills: These are short-term debt obligations that are issued by the federal government to finance its operations and programs. Treasury bills have a maturity of less than one year, usually between 3 and 12 months. Treasury bills are considered risk-free investments, as they are backed by the full faith and credit of the government. Therefore, treasury bills have the lowest degree of risk for the investor among the four types of money market securities listed, as they have virtually no default risk or liquidity risk. Treasury bills also have the lowest interest rate among the four types of money market securities, as they reflect the risk-free rate of return.
• Municipal short-term paper: These are short-term debt instruments that are issued by municipalities or other local governments to finance their capital projects or operating expenses. Municipal short-term paper has a maturity of less than one year, usually between 30 and 270 days. Municipal short-term paper is secured by the taxing power and revenue sources of the issuing municipality or government. Therefore, municipal short-term paper has a lower degree of risk for the investor than commercial paper, as it is backed by the ability and willingness of the issuer to levy taxes and collect revenues.

References:

• Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) Study Guide, Chapter 5: Fixed-Income Securities, Section 5.1: Money Market Securities, page 5-21
• Money Market Definition - Investopedia2
• Commercial Paper Definition - Investopedia3
• Bankers’ Acceptance (BA) Definition - Investopedia4
• Treasury Bill (T-Bill) Definition - Investopedia
• Municipal Bond Definition - Investopedia

The current yield on a bond is the annual interest payment divided by the current market price of the bond. In this case, the annual interest payment is 7% of the face value, which is $700. The current market price of the bond is $9,230. Therefore, the current yield is:

9230700​×100%=7.58%

The current yield is different from the coupon rate, which is the annual interest payment divided by the face value of the bond. The coupon rate does not change over the life of the bond, but the current yield changes as the market price of the bond fluctuates. References:

• Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) Study Guide, Chapter 5: Fixed-Income Securities, Section 5.2: Bond Pricing and Yield, page 5-61
• Current Yield Definition - Investopedia2

The net asset value per unit (NAVPU) of a mutual fund is calculated by dividing the net asset value (NAV) of the fund by the number of outstanding units. The NAV is the difference between the total assets and total liabilities of the fund. Current assets and current liabilities are not relevant for the NAVPU calculation. Therefore, Great Lengths Equity Fund’s NAVPU is ($135 million - $10 million) / 11 million = $11.36. References: Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) | IFSE Institute, Unit 8, Lesson 1

The statement that is correct about Ken’s plan is option D. A defined benefit pension plan (DBPP) is a type of employer-sponsored retirement plan that promises to pay a specified amount of income to the plan member upon retirement. The amount of income is based on a formula that considers factors such as years of service, salary, and age. Income received from a DBPP is eligible for pension income splitting even if Ken retires before 65, meaning that he can transfer up to 50% of his eligible pension income to his spouse or common-law partner for tax purposes. This can reduce the overall tax payable by the couple if they are in different tax brackets. Therefore, option D is correct about Ken’s plan. The other statements are not correct about Ken’s plan. Option A is false because contributions to the plan do result in a Pension Adjustment (PA) for Ken, which is an amount that reduces his RRSP contribution room for the following year. Option B is false because the amount Ken receives in retirement does not depend on the performance of the investments he has selected within the plan; rather, it depends on the formula that determines his pension benefit. Option C is false because the amount that Ken will receive at retirement is guaranteed by the plan sponsor, unless the plan sponsor becomes insolvent or terminates the plan. References: [Defined Benefit Pension Plans | GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca], [Pension Income Splitting | GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca], [Pension Adjustment (PA) | GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca]

Tony is employing a top-down investment approach, which is a method of selecting securities based on macroeconomic factors, such as the state of the economy, the industry trends, and the market conditions. A top-down investor starts by analyzing the big picture and then drills down to the specific sectors, regions, and companies that are expected to perform well in that environment. Tony has done an economic analysis of the various provinces and sectors of the Canadian economy and has determined that Nova Scotia and Alberta present the best prospects. He has also identified potential in the oil and gas sector. He then narrows down his selection to an oil supply firm in Medicine Hat and a drilling company in Halifax. This shows that he is using a top-down approach to choose his investments.

References: Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 3: Risk and Return1

Segregated funds offer some protection of the capital invested but there is an added cost for the protection. Segregated funds are contracts issued by life insurance companies that invest in underlying funds, similar to mutual funds. Segregated funds have a maturity guarantee and a death benefit guarantee, which ensure that the investor or their beneficiary will receive a certain percentage of their initial investment, regardless of market fluctuations. However, these guarantees come at a cost, which is reflected in higher management fees and insurance fees than mutual funds. Segregated funds do not have high returns, as they depend on the performance of the underlying funds. Segregated funds can be redeemed before the maturity date of the contract, but they may be subject to early redemption fees or market value adjustments. Segregated funds do not flow through capital losses to investors, as they are not considered owners of the underlying fund. Segregated funds are subject to insurance regulation, not securities regulation, because they are distributed by life insurance agents. References: Segregated Funds

The Client Relationship Model (CRM) and Client Focused Reforms (CFR) are regulatory initiatives that aim to enhance the relationship between registered firms and their clients by imposing higher standards of conduct and disclosure. One of the obligations under CRM and CFR is to provide clients with information about the costs, expenses, and ongoing fees associated with an investment prior to executing a trade. This includes disclosing the management expense ratio (MER), sales charges, deferred sales charges (DSC), switch fees, short-term trading fees, and trailer fees of a mutual fund. This information helps clients understand the impact of fees on their returns and compare different investment options. Therefore, option C is correct regarding what Portia must do in order to satisfy her obligations under CRM and CFR. The other options are not correct. Option A is false because Portia does not need to calculate the net asset value per unit (NAVPU) and report it to Clive in the trade confirmation; rather, the NAVPU is determined by the mutual fund manager and reported by the mutual fund dealer in the trade confirmation. Option B is false because Portia must not mark the trade as unsolicited if Clive wants to proceed with the trade and it is not suitable for him; rather, Portia must act in Clive’s best interest and advise him against making an unsuitable trade or decline to execute it. Option D is false because Portia does not need to provide Clive with the pre-trade disclosure to address any material conflicts of interest with the trade; rather, Portia must disclose any material conflicts of interest with the client relationship as part of the relationship disclosure information (RDI) that is provided at account opening and updated as necessary. References: [Client Relationship Model - Phase 2 (CRM2) | GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca], [Client Focused Reforms | GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca], [Client Focused Reforms - FAQs | IFIC]

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.

References: Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 3: Risk and Return2

According to the Closed-End Funds vs. Open-End Funds: What’s the Difference? - Investopedia, open-end funds are mutual funds that can issue an unlimited number of shares to investors. The number of units is not fixed, and varies with investor demand and redemption orders. Investors buy and sell open-end funds directly from the fund company at the net asset value (NAV) of the fund, which is calculated at the end of each trading day. Open-end funds are not traded on an exchange or in the secondary market.

Monetary policy is the process by which the central bank, in Canada’s case the Bank of Canada, influences the supply and demand of money in the economy, and thereby affects the level of interest rates, inflation, and economic activity. One of the main tools of monetary policy is the overnight rate, which is the interest rate that banks charge each other for short-term loans. The Bank of Canada sets a target for the overnight rate and adjusts it periodically to achieve its inflation target of 2%. By increasing or decreasing the overnight rate, the Bank of Canada affects the cost and availability of credit for consumers and businesses, and influences their spending and saving decisions. For example, if the Bank of Canada increases the overnight rate, it becomes more expensive to borrow money, which reduces the demand for loans and credit, and slows down economic growth and inflation. Conversely, if the Bank of Canada decreases the overnight rate, it becomes cheaper to borrow money, which increases the demand for loans and credit, and stimulates economic growth and inflation.

References: Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 1: The Canadian Financial Services Industry1

 The “Know Your Product” obligation requires that Dealing Representatives understand all the products they purchase, sell or recommend for their clients, including their structure, features, risks, costs and suitability. Rehan has fulfilled this obligation by reviewing the features of the Hedge Fund and explaining them to Georgi, who may not be aware of the lock-up period and its implications. The other Dealing Representatives have failed to fulfill their obligation by either not knowing or not disclosing important information about the products they deal with.

References: Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 7: Know Your Product1

Gross domestic product (GDP) is a measure of the total economic activity in a country. It is calculated by adding up the market value of all the final goods and services produced within a country’s borders in a given period of time, usually a year or a quarter. Final goods and services are those that are sold to the end users, such as consumers, businesses, or the government, and are not used as inputs for further production. For example, a loaf of bread sold to a consumer is a final good, but the flour used to make the bread is not. The market value of goods and services is the price that buyers are willing to pay for them in the market. This reflects the value added by the producers at each stage of production and avoids double counting. For example, if a farmer sells wheat for $10 to a miller, who then sells flour for $20 to a baker, who then sells bread for $30 to a consumer, the value added at each stage is $10, $10, and $10, respectively. The total value added is $30, which is equal to the market value of the final good (bread). Therefore, GDP only includes the market value of final goods and services and excludes intermediate goods and services.

References: Canadian Investment Funds Course, Unit 4, Section 4.1; 5; 6; 7; 8

The answer that you should tell Harry is that he should hold profitable investments as long as possible. A capital gain is the difference between the selling price and the purchase price of an asset when the selling price is higher than the purchase price. A capital gain is subject to tax only when it is realized, meaning that the asset is sold or disposed of. Therefore, one way to defer paying tax on capital gains is to hold profitable investments as long as possible and delay selling them until a future year. This allows the investor to postpone paying tax on the capital gain and benefit from the compounding effect of the investment returns. Therefore, option A is correct regarding how to defer paying taxes on capital gains. The other options are not correct or effective ways to defer paying taxes on capital gains. Option B is false because investing in mutual funds just before the dividend paying date does not defer paying taxes on capital gains; rather, it increases the taxable income of the investor by adding dividend income, which may be subject to a gross-up and a tax credit depending on the type of dividend. Option C is false because buying and selling investments actively does not defer paying taxes on capital gains; rather, it triggers more taxable events and increases the transaction costs of investing. Option D is false because holding unprofitable investments as long as possible does not defer paying taxes on capital gains; rather, it reduces the potential return of the portfolio and prevents the investor from using capital losses to offset capital gains from other sources. References: [Capital Gains Tax in Canada | Wealthsimple], [Capital Gains Tax: What It Is and How It Works in Canada], [Capital Gains Tax | GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca]

The purpose of holding money market instruments for non-money market mutual funds is to provide liquidity for the fund. If the portfolio manager has an immediate need for cash, such as to pay expenses or meet redemption requests, money market instruments are relatively easy to liquidate because they have short maturities and low credit risk. Money market instruments do not primarily generate investment income that provides investors with preferential tax treatment, as interest income from money market instruments is fully taxable at the investor’s marginal tax rate. Money market instruments are not purchased by non-money market funds to satisfy the regulatory requirement of fund diversification, as there is no such requirement for mutual funds. Money market instruments do not ensure that the fair market value of a mutual fund will not drop below a minimal market value, as money market instruments can also fluctuate in value depending on interest rate changes and supply and demand factors. References: Money Market Instruments

The client mobility exemption is a provision in the National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations that allows a registered individual to continue dealing with a client who moves to another jurisdiction without having to register in that jurisdiction, subject to certain conditions. One of the conditions is that the individual must not have more than five clients in each of the other jurisdictions where they are not registered. Therefore, the client mobility exemption would apply to Lori’s situation, as she has five or fewer clients in Alberta, where she is not registered. The client mobility exemption would not apply to the other situations, as they do not meet the conditions for the exemption. For example, Olaf’s mutual fund dealer is not registered in New Brunswick, which is a requirement for the exemption. Sigrid’s brother-in-law is not an existing client who moved to another jurisdiction, but a new client who resides in a different jurisdiction. Karl has more than five clients in British Columbia, where he is not registered, which exceeds the limit for the exemption.

References: Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 1: The Canadian Financial Services Industry1

 Investment dealers are people or firms who buy and sell securities for their own account, whether through a broker or otherwise. They play an important role in the Canadian and global financial markets because they are market makers, create liquidity, and help promote long-term growth in the market. They also provide investment services to investors, such as underwriting securities, raising capital, and offering advice. By assisting with the exchange of capital for a financial instrument, they facilitate the flow of funds between savers and borrowers, and between different sectors and countries. The other options are not accurate descriptions of the role of investment dealers. References: Dealers: Definition in Trading, Meaning and Comparison to Brokers, Investment Dealers Definition

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. References: Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) | IFSE Institute

Dakota can send promotional emails to clients who have opted in to receive commercial electronic messages (CEMs). A CEM is any electronic message that encourages participation in a commercial activity, such as an email, a text message, or a social media message. Under Canada’s anti-spam legislation (CASL), Dakota must obtain consent from the recipients before sending CEMs, either explicitly (e.g., by asking them to sign up for a newsletter) or implicitly (e.g., by having an existing business relationship with them). Dakota must also identify himself and his dealer, provide contact information, and include an unsubscribe mechanism in every CEM. The other statements are incorrect. Dakota cannot make telemarketing calls to clients who are listed on the National Do Not Call List (DNCL). The DNCL is a list of telephone numbers of consumers who do not want to receive unsolicited telemarketing calls. Under the Telecommunications Act, Dakota must register with the National DNCL operator, subscribe to the National DNCL, and avoid calling any number on the list, unless he has express consent from the consumer or an exemption applies. Dakota cannot send promotional emails to clients who have opted into Harvest Wealth’s Do Not Call List. A Do Not Call List is a list of telephone numbers of consumers who do not want to receive telemarketing calls from a specific organization. Under the Telecommunications Act, Dakota must maintain an internal Do Not Call List for his dealer and respect the requests of consumers who ask not to be called by his dealer. However, this does not mean that he can send promotional emails to those consumers, as that would violate CASL. Dakota cannot make telemarketing calls to clients who have opted in to receive commercial electronic messages (CEMs). Opting in to receive CEMs does not imply consent to receive telemarketing calls, as they are different forms of communication governed by different laws . Dakota must obtain separate consent from the clients before making telemarketing calls to them, either explicitly or implicitly. References: [Canada’s anti-spam legislation], [National Do Not Call List]

The net asset value per unit (NAVPU) is the price at which mutual fund units are bought and sold. The NAVPU is calculated at the end of each business day, based on the closing market value of the fund’s assets and liabilities. When an investor submits an order to buy or sell mutual fund units, the order is processed at the NAVPU of the next valuation date, which is the next business day after the order is received by the fund company. This is called forward pricing. In this case, Derek submits his order to sell 300 units of the Evergreen Canadian Mortgage Fund at 8:00 p.m. EST on Friday, January 6. This is after the cut-off time for that day, which is usually 4:00 p.m. EST. Therefore, his order will be processed at the NAVPU of the next valuation date, which is Monday, January 9. However, since the Evergreen Canadian Mortgage Fund is a money market fund, it has a one-day settlement period, which means that Derek will receive his proceeds on the following business day after his order is processed. Therefore, his proceeds will be based on the NAVPU for Tuesday, January 10. References:

• Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) Study Guide, Chapter 4: Mutual Funds, Section 4.4: Buying and Selling Mutual Funds, page 4-161
• Forward Pricing Definition - Investopedia2
• Money Market Fund Definition - Investopedia3

A group RRSP is a retirement savings plan sponsored by an employer that allows employees to contribute through regular payroll deductions and benefit from tax advantages and possible employer matching. The employer is responsible for choosing the plan provider, which is the financial institution that administers the group RRSP and offers a range of investment options for the employees to choose from. The employer may also negotiate lower fees and better services with the plan provider than what individual RRSPs can offer. Therefore, statement D is correct.

The other statements are incorrect for the following reasons:

• Statement A: A group RRSP is less costly and time consuming to administer than traditional pension plans, as it does not require actuarial valuations, funding requirements, or regulatory filings.
• Statement B: If you leave your employer, your group RRSP does not stay with the employer. You can transfer your group RRSP to an individual RRSP or another registered plan without tax consequences, as long as there are no locked-in provisions.
• Statement C: You do not need to wait until you file your taxes to receive your contribution tax deduction. Your contributions are deducted from your gross income before tax is calculated, so you receive an immediate tax benefit on your paycheque.

References: Canadian Investment Funds Course, Unit 9, Section 9.1

A registered disability savings plan (RDSP) is a savings plan intended to help parents and others save for the long-term financial security of a person who is eligible for the disability tax credit (DTC). The DTC is a non-refundable tax credit that helps persons with disabilities or their supporting persons reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay. To be eligible for the DTC, a person must have a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions, as defined by the Income Tax Act and as certified by a medical practitioner. Therefore, Alex must qualify for the DTC in order to be eligible for an RDSP. References: What is a registered disability savings plan (RDSP) - Canada.ca, Disability tax credit - Canada.ca

Jabir will be eligible to open new client accounts and sell investments only after he receives formal confirmation from the securities regulator that he is registered as a Dealing Representative. This is because registration is a legal requirement for anyone who trades securities or advises clients on securities in Canada, unless an exemption applies. Registration helps protect investors by ensuring that only qualified and competent individuals and firms can conduct securities related business. Jabir must also meet the proficiency, solvency, and suitability requirements for registration, as well as comply with the ongoing obligations of a registrant. Passing the proficiency course and being employed by the dealer are necessary but not sufficient conditions for registration. The dealer must apply for registration on behalf of Jabir and wait for the regulator’s approval.

References: Canadian Investment Funds Course, Unit 1, Section 1.2

Gerard’s investment time horizon is the length of time he plans to hold his investment until he needs to use the money for his specific goal. In this case, Gerard’s goal is to use his mutual fund portfolio to meet the 20% down payment requirement to buy a house for $650,000. Therefore, his investment time horizon is determined by how long it will take him to accumulate enough money in his portfolio to cover the down payment amount. Assuming that Gerard does not withdraw any money from his portfolio and that his portfolio earns a constant annual rate of return of 6%, we can use the following formula to calculate how long it will take him to reach his goal:

FV=PV×(1+r)n+PMT×r(1+r)n−1​

where:

• FV is the future value of the portfolio
• PV is the present value of the portfolio
• r is the annual interest rate
• n is the number of years
• PMT is the monthly payment

We can rearrange the formula to solve for n:

n=log(1+r)logPV+PMT×r1​FV−PMT×r1​​​

Plugging in the given values, we get:

n=log(1+0.06)log40,000+1,500×0.061​130,000−1,500×0.061​​​

n=4.98

Therefore, Gerard’s investment time horizon is approximately 5 years, not considering market fluctuations. This means that he will need to invest his money in a way that matches his risk tolerance and expected return for this time period.

References:

• Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) Study Guide, Chapter 4: Mutual Funds, Section 4.6: Asset Allocation and Diversification, page 4-271
• Future Value of an Annuity Definition - Investopedia2

According to the Canadian Investment Funds Course, a stock exchange is a centralized and regulated market where securities of listed companies are traded between buyers and sellers. A stock exchange has strict listing requirements that companies must meet in order to be eligible for trading on the exchange. These requirements may include minimum capitalization, number of shareholders, financial reporting, corporate governance, and compliance with securities laws. A stock exchange also provides liquidity, transparency, and efficiency for the trading of securities.

An over-the-counter (OTC) market is a decentralized and unregulated market where securities that are not listed on a stock exchange are traded between dealers and brokers. An OTC market has no physical location, rather the trading is done through phone, email, or computer networks. An OTC market has lower listing requirements than a stock exchange, which makes it easier for smaller or newer companies to access capital. However, an OTC market also has less liquidity, transparency, and efficiency than a stock exchange.

Therefore, if Underground Airways Ltd. wants to take their privately owned corporation public through an initial public offering (IPO), they would have to weigh the pros and cons of listing on a stock exchange or the OTC market. One of the main considerations is that a stock exchange listing would provide them with greater market exposure and public confidence than listing on the OTC market. This is because a stock exchange listing signals that the company has met the high standards of the exchange and is subject to ongoing regulation and oversight. A stock exchange listing also attracts more investors, analysts, and media attention than an OTC listing. A stock exchange listing may also increase the value and liquidity of the company’s shares.

References: 1: Canadian Investment Funds Course - IFSE Institute 2 (Unit 5: Equity Securities)