Free Practice Questions for CSI IFC Exam

A negative Sharpe ratio indicates that the fund’s return is less than the risk-free rate, as the numerator (Fund Return - T-bill Rate) is negative. The feedback from the document states:

"The Sharpe ratio is calculated as (Fund Return - T-bill Rate) ÷ Fund Standard Deviation. A negative Sharpe ratio means the mutual fund has a return less than the risk-free rate, as the numerator of the ratio would be negative."

 Retractable preferred shares are those that give the holder the option to sell them back to the issuer at a predetermined price and date. This is the case for Evan, who can sell his shares back to Ingram at par value any time from now until September 1st two years from now.

Jasmine realizes interest income of $400 because she bought a strip bond, which is a bond that has its principal and coupon payments separated and sold individually. Jasmine bought the principal-stripped bond, also known as a zero-coupon bond, which pays no interest until maturity. The difference between the purchase price and the face value at maturity is considered interest income and is taxable in the year it is received. References: Strip Bonds: Definition, How They Work, Returns, and Example

 A Fund Facts document is a summary disclosure document that provides key information about a mutual fund, such as its investment objectives, risks, past performance, and fees. One of the information items that a Fund Facts document provides to potential investors is what the mutual fund is currently investing in, such as its top 10 holdings, asset mix, geographic allocation, and sector allocation. A Fund Facts document does not provide information on how to calculate taxes, portfolio management strategy, or remuneration of the Independent Review Committee. References: Fund facts guide | Sun Life Global Investments, Mutual Funds - Fund Facts | ScotiaFunds

To ensure that retirement income projections maintain purchasing power, Michael must use the real rate of return, which adjusts investment returns for the effects of inflation. The Investment Funds in Canada text clearly distinguishes between nominal and real returns, stating that the nominal rate of return represents the stated or observed return on an investment, while the real rate of return reflects the true increase in purchasing power after inflation is taken into account.

Inflation reduces the amount of goods and services that a given dollar can buy over time. As a result, using nominal returns alone can significantly overstate the future value of an investment when planning for long-term goals such as retirement. The CIFC curriculum emphasizes that “investors are concerned with real returns because they measure the increase in purchasing power,” which is especially critical for retirement planning where income must sustain living standards over many years.

The annualized rate of return standardizes returns over multiple periods but does not automatically adjust for inflation. Similarly, the holding period return measures performance over a specific time frame without considering inflation’s impact. Neither method directly addresses purchasing power.

Therefore, because Michael’s objective is to maintain the real value of his retirement income, the real rate of return is the correct and most appropriate measure. This makes Option B the only answer that fully aligns with CIFC principles and retirement planning methodology.

 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

 A registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) is a retirement savings and investing vehicle for employees and the self-employed in Canada. Contributions to an RRSP are tax-deductible and grow tax-deferred until withdrawal. However, RRSPs have a maturity date of December 31st of the year in which the holder turns 71. By then, the holder must convert the RRSP to a registered retirement income fund (RRIF), purchase an annuity, or withdraw the funds in cash (subject to tax). Therefore, B is the correct answer. References: Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP): Definition and Types, Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) - Canada.ca

Gary’s decision to prioritize the client’s interests over meeting a sales target reflects his ethical responsibility. The feedback from the document states:

"Gary is fulfilling his ethical responsibility by placing his client’s needs ahead of his own need to reach a sales target. As the new fund is similar to the current investment, it would be an appropriate one for the client, so he would not be compromising his legal responsibility to ensure that all client orders are suitable."