CIFC Practice Exam Questions with Answers Canadian Investment Funds Course Exam Certification

The correct answer is D. If Jacinta shares the list with Saabir without obtaining the clients’ prior consent, she will be in breach of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

PIPEDA is the federal privacy law for private-sector organizations in Canada. It sets out the ground rules for how businesses must handle personal information in the course of their commercial activity. One of the key principles of PIPEDA is consent. This means that organizations must obtain meaningful consent from individuals before collecting, using, or disclosing their personal information, unless an exception applies. Consent must be obtained for the original purpose of collecting the information, and for any new purpose that arises later. Consent can be express or implied, depending on the sensitivity of the information and the reasonable expectations of the individual.

In this scenario, Jacinta’s clients’ personal information is sensitive, as it relates to their financial situation and investment goals. Jacinta’s clients would not reasonably expect that their information would be shared with Saabir, who is not affiliated with WealthSource Partners Inc., for the purpose of marketing insurance products. Therefore, Jacinta must obtain express consent from her clients before disclosing their information to Saabir. If she does not, she will violate PIPEDA and risk legal action from her clients or from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC).

 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 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.

References: Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 5: Registered Plans1

Retractable preferred shares are a type of preferred stock that lets the issuer force the redemption of the shares at a set price and time. The issuer can pay cash or common shares to the retractable preferred shareholders.

References = Retractable Preferred Shares: What it is, How it Works, Example, What are Retractable Preferred Shares? Definition, And How Does it Work? - CFAJournal, Retractable Preferred Shares | Example | Feature - Accountinguide

A LIF is a type of registered retirement income fund that is used to hold and pay out locked-in pension funds. A LIF has both a minimum and a maximum withdrawal limit for each calendar year, which are determined by the federal or provincial pension legislation, the age of the annuitant, and the value of the fund. The minimum withdrawal limit is similar to that of a RRIF, but the maximum withdrawal limit is intended to ensure that the LIF provides income for the lifetime of the annuitant123

References = Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) - Module 3: Registered Plans - Section 3.4: Life Income Fund (LIF)4 and web search results from search_web(query="maximum withdrawal limit for LIF RRSP RRIF DPSP")123

4: https://www.ifse.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CIFC-Module-3.pdf

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

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

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

A net capital loss is the excess of allowable capital losses over taxable capital gains in a taxation year. A mutual fund trust is a type of investment fund that is structured as a trust and distributes its income and capital gains to its unit holders. A mutual fund trust cannot pass on its net capital losses to its unit holders, as it can only distribute its net income and net realized capital gains. However, a mutual fund trust can carry forward its net capital losses indefinitely and use them to offset its taxable capital gains in future years. This reduces the amount of tax payable by the mutual fund trust and increases the amount of distributions available to its unit holders. A mutual fund trust cannot carry back its net capital losses to previous years, as this option is only available to corporations12. References:

• Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) Study Guide, Chapter 7: Taxation, Section 7.3: Taxation of Mutual Funds, page 7-103
• Capital Losses and Deductions - Canada.ca1
• Mutual Fund Trusts - Canada.ca2

A business cycle is a cycle of fluctuations in the aggregate economic activity of a nation around its long-term natural growth rate. It consists of four phases: expansion, peak, contraction, and trough. A period of economic expansion is followed by a period of economic contraction, which is also called a recession. A recession is defined as a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy, lasting more than a few months, normally visible in real GDP, real income, employment, industrial production, and wholesale-retail sales1. The other statements are not true about the movement of business cycles in the Canadian economy. The length of each phase and cycle varies depending on various factors, such as fiscal and monetary policies, external shocks, consumer confidence, and technological changes. There is no fixed rule that a period of economic expansion or contraction must last for a certain number of months or quarters. A period of at least 3 consecutive months of contraction is not sufficient to define a recession; it must also be significant and widespread across the economy. References: Business Cycle: What It Is, How to Measure It, the 4 Phases, Business Cycle - Definition, How to Measure and 6 Different Stages, Business Cycle - Definition, Phases, Graphs, Economics Examples

 A portfolio with a beta less than 1 would be suitable for Gregory, who is a conservative investor and wants to reduce his exposure to market risk. A beta less than 1 means that the portfolio is less volatile than the market index and tends to dampen its movements. This implies that the portfolio would fall less than the market in a downturn, but also rise less than the market in an upturn. A portfolio with a beta equal to 1 would move in the same direction and magnitude as the market, while a portfolio with a beta greater than 1 would be more volatile than the market and amplify its movements.

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

The statement that is true about Marta’s situation is option D. A registered retirement income fund (RRIF) is a type of registered account that provides income in retirement by converting savings from an RRSP or other sources. A RRIF holder must withdraw a minimum amount from their RRIF each year, starting from the year after they open their RRIF. The minimum amount is calculated based on a percentage factor set by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and the value of the RRIF at the beginning of each year. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CRA has reduced the required minimum withdrawals from RRIFs by 25% for 2020 and 2021. Therefore, Marta does not have to withdraw the minimum amount this year if she chooses to take advantage of this temporary measure. Therefore, option D is true about Marta’s situation. The other statements are not true about Marta’s situation. Option A is false because she will not be able to continue contributing to her RRIF and be subject to the same annual limits as her RRSP; rather, she will not be able to make any further contributions to her RRIF once she converts her RRSP to a RRIF. Option B is false because she will not incur a tax liability when she converts her RRSP to a RRIF; rather, she will only pay tax on the amount that she withdraws from her RRIF each year. Option C is false because she will not be subject to annual maximum withdrawal limits; rather, she will be able to withdraw any amount from her RRIF as long as she meets the minimum withdrawal requirement. References: [Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) | GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca], [Making RRIF withdrawals | GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca], [RRIF minimum withdrawal factors], [RRIFs: Temporary 25% reduction in minimum withdrawals for 2020 and 2021]

 A life income fund (LIF) is a type of registered retirement income fund (RRIF) that can be used to hold locked-in pension funds as well as other assets for an eventual payout as retirement income. A LIF cannot be withdrawn in a lump sum and has minimum and maximum withdrawal amounts each year. A LIF can only be funded by transferring money from a locked-in retirement account (LIRA) or another LIF. Therefore, D is the correct answer. References: Life Income Fund (LIF): Definition and How Withdrawals Work - Investopedia, Retraite Québec - Characteristics of an LIF

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]

A RRIF is a retirement income option that allows you to withdraw income from the savings accumulated under your RRSP. You cannot contribute new amounts to a RRIF. You can only transfer funds from your RRSP or another RRIF to your RRIF.

References = IFSE CIFC Module 6: Registered Plans, page 6-11. Can I deposit money in an RRIF? | Fonds FTQ

According to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), personal information is any factual or subjective information, recorded or not, about an identifiable individual. This includes information in any form, such as age, name, ID numbers, income, ethnic origin, or blood type. However, PIPEDA also specifies some exceptions to the definition of personal information, such as business contact information. Business contact information is any information that is used for the purpose of communicating or facilitating communication with an individual in relation to their employment, business or profession. This includes the employee’s name, position name or title, work address, work telephone number, work fax number or work electronic address. Therefore, an employee’s business address and business telephone number are not considered personal information under PIPEDA. An employee’s name could be considered personal information if it is not used for business purposes, but it is not clear from the question whether that is the case. An employee’s credit record is clearly personal information under PIPEDA, as it reveals sensitive information about the individual’s financial situation and history.

References: 1: PIPEDA in brief - Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada 2

Grant’s appointment as Treasurer is considered an outside activity, regardless of whether he is compensated or not. According to the CIFC, Dealing Representatives must obtain their firm’s written approval before engaging in any outside activity that could interfere with their ability to perform their duties or create a conflict of interest with their clients or employer. Grant must disclose the nature and extent of his involvement with the Hockey Association and how it may affect his availability, reputation, or potential for conflicts of interest. The firm may approve, reject, or impose conditions on Grant’s outside activity.

References: Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 8: Suitability and Know Your Client1

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

 B is correct because assessing historical differences in the rate of return per unit of risk of similar mutual funds helps a Dealing Representative to compare the performance and risk-adjusted returns of different mutual funds and select the most suitable one for a client’s risk tolerance and investment objectives. Comparing historical rates of return between different types of mutual funds (A) does not account for the risk involved in each type of fund. Referencing the fund code for each mutual fund that is being compared © does not provide any information about the fund’s characteristics, features, or suitability. The rights a client has if there is a desire to cancel the purchased mutual fund (D) are not relevant for determining a suitable mutual fund for a client. References: Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) | IFSE Institute

Sabrina’s RRSP contribution room for Year 3 is $24,270. This is because the maximum contribution limit for Year 3 is $24,270 and Sabrina has always maximized her RRSP contributions, so she has no carry-forward room available.

References: Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 5: Registered Plans

 Moving the DEF Bond Fund to the RRSP would be more tax-efficient than moving any of the other funds. This is because bond funds generate interest income, which is fully taxable at the investor’s marginal tax rate in a non-registered account. By moving the bond fund to an RRSP, Darryl can defer paying taxes on the interest income until he withdraws it from the RRSP. Moving the GHI Global Equity Fund to the RRSP (B) would not be tax-efficient, as global equity funds generate foreign income and dividends, which are subject to foreign withholding taxes in an RRSP. Moving $20,000 from each of the three funds to the RRSP © would not be tax-efficient, as it would trigger capital gains taxes on all three funds in proportion to their returns. Moving the ABC Canadian Equity Fund to the RRSP (D) would not be tax-efficient, as Canadian equity funds generate Canadian dividends, which are eligible for a dividend tax credit in a non-registered account. By moving the Canadian equity fund to an RRSP, Darryl would lose this tax advantage and pay taxes on the dividends at his marginal tax rate when he withdraws them from the RRSP. References: Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) | IFSE Institute

Shirley’s risk profile is the primary consideration for Jonathan when making an investment recommendation. Risk profile is a measure of how much risk an investor is willing and able to take on in their portfolio. It is determined by factors such as age, income, net worth, investment objectives, time horizon, and personal preferences. It is essential for a dealing representative to assess the risk profile of their client before recommending any investment products or strategies, as they have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of their client and ensure that their recommendations are suitable for their client’s needs and goals. The other variables are also important, but they are secondary to the risk profile. References: [Risk Profile], [Know Your Client (KYC)]

A simplified prospectus is a legal document that provides essential information about a mutual fund, such as its investment objectives, strategies, risks, fees, performance, and distribution policy. A simplified prospectus also contains information about the fund manager, the dealer, and the rights of investors. A fund facts is a summary document that highlights the key information from the simplified prospectus in a concise and easy-to-read format. A fund facts is delivered to investors before or at the time of purchase of a mutual fund12

One of the information that can be found from a simplified prospectus instead of fund facts is the investment strategies that are being used or proposed to be used by the mutual fund. The investment strategies describe how the fund manager intends to achieve the fund’s investment objectives, such as the types of securities, markets, sectors, or styles that the fund will invest in, the asset allocation or diversification policy, the use of derivatives or leverage, or the criteria for selecting or selling securities. The investment strategies may also include any restrictions or limitations that the fund must follow, such as the minimum or maximum exposure to certain securities, markets, or sectors, or the adherence to any ethical, environmental, social, or governance (ESG) principles. The investment strategies provide investors with a detailed and comprehensive understanding of how the fund operates and what risks it may entail34

The other options are not correct, as they can be found in both the simplified prospectus and the fund facts. The costs associated with mutual fund investing include the sales charges, trailing commissions, management fees, operating expenses, and taxes that investors may have to pay when they buy, hold, or sell a mutual fund. These costs are disclosed in both documents, as they affect the returns and performance of the fund12 A summary of the top 10 investment holdings shows the largest positions that the fund holds in its portfolio, such as the names and percentages of the securities, markets, or sectors that the fund invests in. This summary gives investors a snapshot of the fund’s composition and diversification, and it is updated regularly in both documents12 Investor rights regarding cancelling an order refer to the right of withdrawal and the right of rescission that investors have when they purchase a mutual fund. The right of withdrawal allows investors to cancel their purchase within two business days of receiving the fund facts or the confirmation of purchase, and receive a refund of the purchase price or the market value of the fund, whichever is less. The right of rescission allows investors to cancel their purchase within 48 hours of receiving the confirmation of purchase, if they did not receive the fund facts before or at the time of purchase, and receive a refund of the purchase price or the market value of the fund, whichever is less. These rights are explained in both documents, as they protect the interests of investors12

References = Canadian Investment Funds Course, Unit 6: Mutual Funds, Lesson 4: Mutual Fund Disclosure Documents, Section 6.4.1: Simplified Prospectus 1; Canadian Investment Funds Course, Unit 6: Mutual Funds, Lesson 4: Mutual Fund Disclosure Documents, Section 6.4.2: Fund Facts 2; CIFC prepkit, Chapter 6: Mutual Funds, Question 6.4.1 3; CIFC prepkit, Chapter 6: Mutual Funds, Question 6.4.2 4

A put option is a contract that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to sell an underlying stock at a specified price (the strike price) within a specified time period (the expiration date). The seller of a put option is obligated to buy the stock if the buyer exercises the option. Patrick can purchase put options for the fund’s existing assets, which means he can lock in a minimum selling price for his stocks in case the market value drops below the strike price. This way, he can protect against potential losses and hedge his portfolio against market risk. References: What Is a Put Option and How to Use It With Example - Investopedia, How to Hedge With Stock Index Futures - Investopedia

A treasury bill is a short-term debt instrument issued by the government at a discount from its face value and redeemed at par value at maturity. The difference between the purchase price and the face value is the interest income earned by the investor. Therefore, Megan treats the $1,800 difference as interest income for tax purposes. Interest income is fully taxable at the investor’s marginal tax rate in the year it is received. Megan does not report any capital gain, dividend, or return of capital from the treasury bill.

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

Discretionary trading is a type of trading activity where the advisor makes investment decisions on behalf of the client without obtaining the client’s prior consent for each transaction. Discretionary trading is only allowed if the client has signed a discretionary management agreement with the advisor and the advisor is registered as a portfolio manager. A limited authorization form (LAF) does not grant the advisor the authority to engage in discretionary trading. A LAF only allows the advisor to execute trades that are initiated by the client, such as pre-authorized contributions or withdrawals. Therefore, Khuyen has performed discretionary trading by switching Bao’s funds without consulting him, which is a violation of her registrant responsibilities and ethical standards. References:

• Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) Study Guide, Chapter 2: The Sales Process, Section 2.4: Ethics and Compliance, page 2-161
• Discretionary Trading Definition - Investopedia2

 According to the Canadian Investment Funds Course, different types of investment income are taxed differently in Canada. Interest income is fully taxed at the marginal rate, while dividend income is favourably taxed with a dividend tax credit. Capital gains are taxed on 50% of the gain at the marginal rate, and foreign income is subject to withholding tax. Therefore, a tax-efficient strategy is to include interest paying investments, such as bonds or GICs, in the registered plan, where they can grow tax-deferred until withdrawal. Dividend paying investments, such as Canadian stocks or ETFs, should be included in the non-registered plan, where they can benefit from the lower tax rate and the dividend tax credit. Foreign income should also be avoided in the non-registered plan, unless it is held in a U.S. dollar account or a foreign currency hedged ETF, to reduce the impact of withholding tax and currency fluctuations.

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

The information that is typically included in the Letter of Engagement is the client’s responsibilities. A Letter of Engagement is a document that formalizes the relationship between a registered firm and its client by specifying the duties, responsibilities, and level of service that both parties agree to. It also outlines the fees and charges that apply to the client’s account, the scope and frequency of reporting and communication, and the process for resolving disputes or terminating the relationship. The client’s responsibilities may include providing accurate and complete information, reviewing statements and reports, informing of any changes in circumstances or objectives, and complying with applicable laws and regulations. Therefore, option A is correct regarding what information is typically included in the Letter of Engagement. The other options are not correct or relevant to the Letter of Engagement. Option B is false because the process for complaints is not typically included in the Letter of Engagement; rather, it is part of the Relationship Disclosure Information (RDI) that is provided to clients at account opening and updated as necessary. Option C is false because the investment objective is not typically included in the Letter of Engagement; rather, it is part of the Know Your Client (KYC) information that is collected from clients at account opening and updated as necessary. Option D is false because the payee for deposits is not typically included in the Letter of Engagement; rather, it is part of the account documentation that specifies how clients can deposit or withdraw funds from their accounts. References: [Letter of Engagement | IFIC], [Relationship Disclosure Information | IFIC], [Know Your Client (KYC) | IFIC]

Maureen is looking for investments that provide steady income with low to medium risk. Money market funds, mortgage funds, and bond funds are suitable for her because they invest in fixed-income securities that pay regular interest and have lower volatility than equity funds. Money market funds invest in short-term debt instruments such as treasury bills and commercial paper. Mortgage funds invest in mortgages or mortgage-backed securities that are secured by real estate properties. Bond funds invest in bonds issued by governments or corporations with varying maturities and credit ratings. References: 9 Best Retirement Income Funds Of 2023 – Forbes Advisor, 5 Best Income Funds for Retirement - U.S. News, 7 Best Funds for Retirement | Investing | U.S. News

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

A pension adjustment (PA) is the amount that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) assigns to your pension plan each year to reflect the value of the pension benefits that you earned. The PA reduces your registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) contribution room for the following year by the same amount. The PA ensures that all taxpayers have access to comparable tax assistance, regardless of the type of pension plan they participate in. You will receive a PA whether you are in a defined contribution or a defined benefit pension plan, but the calculation of the PA will differ depending on the type of plan. (Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 8, Section 8.2)

References:

• Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 8, Section 8.2: Retirement Savings Plans and Pension Plans
• Investopedia: Pension Adjustment: Definition and Types of Plans1
• PlanEasy: What Is A Pension Adjustment?2

A is correct because Francis will receive $37,888 in Canadian dollars when he redeems the Funds. This is calculated by dividing the current proceeds from the redemption in US dollars by the current CAD/USD exchange rate and rounding to the nearest dollar. That is,

One of the main reasons why different entities have securities created and sold is to raise funds for various purposes. Governments, for example, can issue securities such as bonds or treasury bills to finance public spending, such as infrastructure, education, health care, or social programs. By selling securities to investors, governments can borrow money at a lower cost than other sources of funding, and can also stimulate the economy and create jobs12

References = Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) - Module 2: Investment Products - Section 2.1: Money Market Instruments3 and web search results from search_web(query="reasons for issuing securities")12

3: https://www.ifse.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CIFC-Module-2.pdf

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

Canada’s income tax system is based on a progressive tax structure, which means that individuals pay higher tax rates as their income increases. There are different tax brackets for different income levels, and each bracket has a corresponding tax rate. The federal government and each provincial or territorial government set their own tax rates and brackets, which may vary depending on the jurisdiction. Therefore, individuals pay both federal and provincial or territorial income tax, based on their taxable income and the tax rates applicable to their income brackets in their respective jurisdictions12

References = Canadian Investment Funds Course, Unit 5: Types of Investments, Lesson 6: Taxation, Section 5.6.1: Income Tax 1; CIFC prepkit, Chapter 5: Types of Investments, Question 5.6.1 2

An income statement is a financial report that shows the earnings and expenses of a business over a period of time, such as a month, a quarter, or a year. It also shows the net income or net loss of the business, which is the difference between the total revenues and the total expenses. An income statement helps investors and creditors evaluate the profitability, performance, and risk of a business. The other options are not accurate descriptions of an income statement. Option A describes retained earnings, which are part of the equity section of the balance sheet. Option B describes contributed capital, which is also part of the equity section of the balance sheet. Option D describes the balance sheet, which is another financial statement that shows the assets, liabilities, and equity of a business at a specific point in time. References: Income Statement - Definition, Explanation and Examples, Income Statement: How to Read and Use It - Investopedia, How to Prepare an Income Statement | HBS Online

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

One of the main reasons for holding bonds in a mutual fund portfolio is to generate regular interest income, which can be distributed to the investors as cash or reinvested in more units of the fund. Bonds are debt securities that pay a fixed or variable rate of interest, called the coupon, to the bondholders until the maturity date, when the principal amount is repaid. The interest income from bonds can provide a steady source of cash flow for the fund and its investors, especially in low-interest-rate environments or when other sources of income, such as dividends or capital gains, are scarce or uncertain

This question would give you the most information regarding your client’s familiarity with investing because it tests their basic knowledge of one of the fundamental concepts in finance. The relationship between risk and return is the trade-off that investors face when choosing between different investments. Generally, the higher the risk, the higher the expected return, and vice versa. A client who understands this relationship would be able to evaluate the potential outcomes and costs of their investment decisions and choose the ones that match their risk tolerance and return objectives. A client who does not understand this relationship might have unrealistic expectations or make unsuitable choices.

References = Risk-Return Tradeoff Definition - Investopedia, Risk and Return - Corporate Finance Institute, Risk and Return: An Introduction - Morningstar

According to the Canadian Investment Funds Course, asset mix rebalancing is the process of restoring the portfolio to its original or target asset allocation by selling or buying assets. Asset mix rebalancing is necessary to maintain the desired level of risk and return, as well as to align the portfolio with the investor’s objectives and circumstances. Asset mix rebalancing can be done periodically, such as annually or quarterly, or based on a threshold, such as when an asset class deviates from its target weight by a certain percentage.

In this case, Jerry’s asset mix is deviating from the original target asset mix because the stock market has had strong performance. Equities are now over-weighted in Jerry’s account. The original target asset mix is still valid since Jerry’s situation has not changed. He is invested in several bond and equity mutual funds. Therefore, the best course of action is to advise him to sell a portion of assets invested in equity funds and reinvest the proceeds into bond funds. This will bring his portfolio back to its target asset mix and reduce his exposure to equity risk.

The other options are not advisable because:

• Advising him to change his know your client (KYC) form to reflect more growth would imply that his risk tolerance and objectives have changed, which is not the case. Changing the KYC form would also require a new suitability assessment and documentation.
• Advising him to do nothing since equities could outperform bonds in the next year would ignore the importance of asset mix rebalancing and expose him to more risk than he is comfortable with. Doing nothing would also mean that his portfolio is not aligned with his original plan and expectations.
• Advising him to sell a portion of assets invested in bond funds and reinvest the proceeds into equity funds would further increase his equity weight and risk, which is contrary to his original target asset mix and risk tolerance.

Therefore, the correct answer is D. advise him to sell a portion of assets invested in equity funds and reinvest the proceeds into bond funds.

References: 1: Canadian Investment Funds Course - IFSE Institute 2 (Unit 10: Portfolio Management)

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

A registered retirement income fund (RRIF) is a type of registered plan that provides a stream of income in retirement. A RRIF can be created by converting an RRSP, but once the conversion is done, the plan holder can no longer make contributions to the RRSP or the RRIF. Therefore, any unused RRSP contribution room is lost after the conversion. The other statements are incorrect because:

• A. There is a minimum age to be an annuitant to a RRIF, which is 71 years old. However, a plan holder can convert an RRSP to a RRIF at any age before 71.
• C. Minimum withdrawals are required to start in the year following the year the RRIF was established, not in the current calendar year.
• D. Investments that qualify as an eligible investment for a RRIF are the same as for an RRSP, such as mutual funds, stocks, bonds, GICs, etc. References:
• Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) Study Guide, Chapter 6: Registered Plans, Section 6.2: Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF), page 6-81
• Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) - Canada.ca2

 Dollar-cost averaging is the practice of systematically investing equal amounts of money at regular intervals, regardless of the price of a security. This strategy can reduce the overall impact of price volatility and lower the average cost per share. By buying regularly in up and down markets, investors buy more shares at lower prices and fewer shares at higher prices. Dollar-cost averaging aims to prevent a poorly timed lump sum investment at a potentially higher price. References: What Is Dollar-Cost Averaging? - Investopedia

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

To fulfill the know your client (KYC) obligation, an advisor must collect and document information about the client’s personal and financial situation, investment objectives, risk tolerance, and investment knowledge. The KYC rule is a regulatory requirement that ensures that the advisor understands the client’s needs and goals, and provides suitable recommendations that match the client’s profile. In this case, Cosmo has provided some information about his personal and financial situation, such as his age, occupation, income, assets, and inheritance. He has also given some indication of his investment objectives, such as saving for retirement, and his investment knowledge, such as making his own investment decisions and preferring balanced funds. However, he has not disclosed his risk tolerance, which is his willingness and ability to accept fluctuations in the value of his investments. Risk tolerance is an important factor that affects the choice of investment strategies and products. Therefore, to complete the KYC process, the advisor needs to obtain additional information about Cosmo’s risk tolerance. References:

• Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) Study Guide, Chapter 1: The Investment Funds Industry, Section 1.4: The Know Your Client (KYC) Rule, page 1-111
• Know Your Client (KYC) Definition - Investopedia2

According to the Registered Investments (RIs) - Canada.ca, you must inform the regulatory authorities of any material or significant changes to your personal circumstances, such as a change of name, address, or employment status. You must also report any disciplinary actions, criminal charges, or civil lawsuits that may affect your suitability as a registrant. Failing to do so may result in suspension or revocation of your registration.

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

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]

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

Implied needs of your clients are needs reflected by statements made by clients regarding problems and dissatisfactions1. For example, a client may say “I’m worried about outliving my savings” or “I don’t understand how this investment works”. These statements imply that the client has a need for retirement planning or financial education, respectively. Implied needs are different from explicit needs, which are statements of wants and needs made by clients1. For example, a client may say “I want to save for my child’s education” or “I need a low-risk investment”. These statements express the client’s goals and preferences clearly. Statements made by you showing readiness to solve a client’s problem are not implied needs, but rather responses to implied needs1. For example, you may say “I can help you create a retirement plan that suits your lifestyle” or “I can explain how this investment works and what are the benefits and risks”. Statements made by clients expressing the desire for lower commissions are not implied needs, but rather objections or concerns that may arise during the sales process2. For example, a client may say “Your fees are too high” or “I can get a better deal elsewhere”. These statements may indicate that the client is not convinced of the value of your service or product, or that they are trying to negotiate a lower price. References: Unit 2: Know Your Client, Unit 10: Sales Process

To calculate Peter’s net federal tax liability for the year, we need to follow these steps:

• Step 1: Calculate Peter’s taxable income. This is the amount of income that is subject to federal income tax. It is equal to his earned income from employment plus his net capital gain plus his grossed-up dividend income. A net capital gain is 50% of the capital gain realized from selling an asset. A grossed-up dividend income is the actual dividend received plus a percentage of the dividend that reflects the corporate tax paid by the issuer. According to the image, the dividend gross-up rate is 15.02%. Therefore, Peter’s taxable income is:

50000+0.5×15000+(500×2)×(1+0.1502)=68251.00

• Step 2: Apply the federal tax rates to Peter’s taxable income according to the tax brackets shown in the image. The federal tax rates are progressive, meaning that higher income is taxed at higher rates. Therefore, Peter’s federal tax before credits is:

0.15×(48535?0)+0.205×(68251?48535)=11293.69

• Step 3: Subtract the federal tax credits from Peter’s federal tax before credits. A tax credit is an amount that reduces the tax payable by a taxpayer. There are two types of federal tax credits: non-refundable and refundable. Non-refundable tax credits can only reduce the tax payable to zero, but not below zero. Refundable tax credits can reduce the tax payable below zero, resulting in a refund to the taxpayer. In this question, we assume that Peter only has two non-refundable tax credits: the basic personal amount and the dividend tax credit. The basic personal amount is a fixed amount that every taxpayer can claim to reduce their taxable income. According to this site, the basic personal amount for 2021 is $13,808. The dividend tax credit is a percentage of the grossed-up dividend income that reflects the corporate tax paid by the issuer and avoids double taxation. According to this site, the federal dividend tax credit rate for eligible dividends in 2021 is 15.0198%. Therefore, Peter’s federal tax credits are:

0.15×13808+0.150198×(500×2)×0.1502=2100

• Step 4: Subtract Peter’s federal tax credits from his federal tax before credits to get his net federal tax liability. This is the amount of federal income tax that Peter has to pay or has overpaid for the year. Therefore, Peter’s net federal tax liability is:

11293.69?2100=9193.69

Hence, option B is correct. References: Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) | IFSE Institute, Federal Income Tax Rates for Canada - TurboTax Canada Tips, Capital Gains Tax in Canada | Wealthsimple, Dividend Tax Credit | TurboTax Canada Tips, Basic Personal Amount (BPA)

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

 A fund of funds is a mutual fund that invests in other mutual funds. This means that there are two levels of management fees: one for the fund of funds itself and one for the underlying funds. Therefore, fund of funds have higher fees than traditional mutual funds that invest directly in securities. References: Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) | IFSE Institute, Unit 6, Lesson 2

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 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

A Canadian equity index fund is a type of mutual fund that invests in a basket of Canadian stocks that track the performance of a market index, such as the S&P/TSX Composite Index. A Canadian equity index fund can be a tax-efficient option for a non-registered account, because it can generate capital gains and eligible dividends, which are taxed at lower rates than interest income or foreign dividends. A bond fund, on the other hand, would produce mostly interest income, which is fully taxed at the marginal rate. An asset allocation fund or a target date fund would have a mix of different asset classes, such as bonds, stocks, and cash, and may not be as tax-efficient as a pure equity fund123

References = web search results from search_web(query="tax-efficient investment options in Canada")123 and Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) - Module 2: Investment Products - Section 2.2: Mutual Funds4

4: https://www.ifse.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CIFC-Module-2.pdf

An IPP is a registered, defined-benefit pension plan that provides a fixed retirement benefit to the person designated in the plan. It is similar to an RRSP, but with some differences in contribution limits, deductions, and tax benefits. One of the main advantages of an IPP is that it allows higher contribution limits than an RRSP, especially for older and higher-income individuals. The contributions are based on the actuarial calculations of the pension benefit, and are tax-deductible for the sponsoring corporation. The higher contribution limits can help Fabiola catch up on her retirement savings and reduce her taxable income123

References = Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC) - Module 3: Registered Plans - Section 3.3: Individual Pension Plan (IPP) and web search results from search_web(query="individual pension plan")123

https://www.ifse.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CIFC-Module-3.pdf

Beta is a relative measure that compares how an investment reacts to movements in a specific index. A beta of 1 means that the investment moves in sync with the index. A beta greater than 1 means that the investment is more volatile than the index. A beta less than 1 means that the investment is less volatile than the index. References: Investment Funds in Canada (IFC) | Canadian Securities Institute

Scarcity is a characteristic of investment capital that refers to the limited availability of capital relative to the demand for it. Scarcity affects the price and return of capital, as well as the allocation of capital among different issuers and sectors. When capital is scarce, issuers have to compete for it by offering higher returns or lower prices, or by adjusting their financing strategies. When capital is abundant, issuers have more access to it at lower costs or higher prices, or by diversifying their sources of capital. In this case, Raybert has a very short-term investment objective and has decided to purchase money market instruments. There are plenty of 90-day money market securities available for him to choose from, but he can only afford to purchase one. This means that the issuers of these securities are exposed to the scarcity of capital, as they have to attract Raybert and other investors with similar objectives by offering competitive rates or discounts.

References = Canadian Investment Funds Course, Unit 5: Types of Investments, Lesson 1: Economic Factors and Financial Markets, Section 5.1.1: Characteristics of Investment Capital1; CIFC prepkit, Chapter 5: Types of Investments, Question 5.1.1 2

A material conflict of interest is a situation where a dealing representative or a mutual fund dealer has an interest that may affect their ability to act in the best interest of their clients, or that may influence their judgment or behaviour. A material conflict of interest may arise from various sources, such as compensation arrangements, personal or business relationships, or ownership interests. In this case, Manuel has described some information that may indicate a material conflict of interest, such as:

•His dealer represents many different mutual fund families, including their own: CF Group of Funds. This may create a bias or incentive for Manuel to recommend the CF equity fund over other funds that may be more suitable for his client, Stefania.

•The accounts are set-up in nominee name, which means that the dealer is the registered owner of the mutual funds and holds them in trust for the client. This may affect the client’s rights and benefits as the beneficial owner of the funds, such as voting rights, transferability, or access to information.

•The mutual funds are not transferable, which means that the client cannot move them to another dealer or fund family without selling them and incurring fees or taxes. This may limit the client’s flexibility and choice, and create a lock-in effect for the dealer.

•The fund does pay trailer fees, which are ongoing commissions paid by the fund manager to the dealer for the services and advice provided to the client. This may create a conflict of interest for Manuel, as he may receive a portion of the trailer fees as part of his compensation. This may influence his recommendation of the fund, as he may benefit from the client’s continued investment in the fund.

Manuel should disclose these potential material conflicts of interest to his client, Stefania, and explain how they may affect his recommendation of the CF equity fund. He should also ensure that his recommendation is based on the client’s needs, objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizon, and that he provides the client with the necessary information and documents, such as the fund facts, to make an informed decision.

References = Canadian Investment Funds Course, Unit 7: The Regulatory Environment, Lesson 1: The Regulatory Framework, Section 7.1.3: Material Conflicts of Interest1; CIFC prepkit, Chapter 7: The Regulatory Environment, Question 7.1.3 2

Kerry’s taxable income would be $98,000 ($100,000 - $2,000). Using the federal tax rates provided in the image, the first $48,535 of her income would be taxed at 15%, the next $48,534 at 20.5%, and the remaining $931 at 26%. This would result in a total federal tax payable of $18,754. You can see the calculation in detail below:

Taxable Income

Marginal Tax Rate

Federal Tax Payable

$0 - $48,535

15%

$7,280.25

$48,536 - $97,069

20.5%

$9,934.47

$97,070 - $98,000

26%

$539.80

Total

$18,754.52

Note: The final answer is rounded to the closest whole dollar.

References: Canadian Investment Funds Course, Unit 8, Section 8.2; [4]