Pass the CSI Canadian Securities Course CSC1 Questions and answers with CertsForce

The approximate price change of a bond due to a change in interest rates can be estimated using the formula:

Price Change (%)=−Duration×ΔInterest Rate\text{Price Change (\%)} = - \text{Duration} \times \Delta \text{Interest Rate}Price Change (%)=−Duration×ΔInterest Rate

Given:

Duration= 5

Current Price= $103

Change in Interest Rate(Δ\DeltaΔ) = 2% or 0.02

Price Change (%)=−5×0.02=−0.10 (−10%)\text{Price Change (\%)} = -5 \times 0.02 = -0.10 \, (-10\%)Price Change (%)=−5×0.02=−0.10(−10%)

The new price is calculated as:

New Price=Current Price×(1+Price Change)=103×(1−0.10)=103×0.90=97.85\text{New Price} = \text{Current Price} \times (1 + \text{Price Change}) = 103 \times (1 - 0.10) = 103 \times 0.90 = 97.85New Price=Current Price×(1+Price Change)=103×(1−0.10)=103×0.90=97.85

A. $108.15andB. $113.30: These represent price increases, which are incorrect for rising interest rates.

D. $92.70: This reflects a greater-than-actual price drop, which is inconsistent with the duration-based calculation.

High interest rates increase the cost of borrowing for businesses and consumers. For businesses, higher borrowing costs mean that financing for capital projects, expansions, or operational improvements becomes more expensive. This often leads to a reduction in investment activity, ultimately slowing economic growth. For consumers, higher rates reduce disposable income and spending, indirectly affecting businesses by reducing demand for goods and services​​.

The FTSE Canada Universe Bond Index is acapitalization-weighted index, meaning that the weights of its components are based on their market value. It includes bonds from various issuers (both government and corporate) with terms to maturity of at least one year.

A. US dollar bonds from Canadian issuers are included: Only bonds denominated in Canadian dollars are included.

B. Only bonds with a term to maturity of 30 days or more are eligible for inclusion: Bonds must have a minimum term to maturity of one year, not 30 days.

D. Only government bonds are included: The index includes both government and corporate bonds.

Dividends are taxed at a preferential rate in Canada due to thedividend tax credit, which reduces the effective tax rate on dividend income. This is intended to prevent double taxation because corporations have already paid taxes on their profits before distributing dividends to shareholders.

B. Dividends from preferred shares are ineligible for the dividend tax credit: This is incorrect; dividends from both common and preferred shares are eligible for the dividend tax credit.

C. Stock dividends are treated differently than regular cash dividends for tax purposes: Stock dividends are generally taxed similarly to cash dividends.

D. Reinvested dividends are non-taxable to the shareholders: Reinvested dividends are taxable in the year they are earned, even if reinvested.

A rate-reset preferred share pays a fixed dividend rate that is periodically reset based on a predetermined benchmark, such as the yield to maturity on the five-year Government of Canada bond, plus a fixed spread. This type of share offers a balance between fixed-income predictability and adjustments for changing interest rates.

References:

Volume 1, Chapter 8:Preferred Sharesunder "Types of Preferred Shares" explains rate-reset preferred shares and their connection to benchmark yields like the five-year Government of Canada bond (CSC Volume 1, Chapter 8)​.

TheCanadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO)is responsible for overseeing trading and market-related activities of participants on Canadian equity marketplaces. CIRO conducts surveillance to ensure compliance with rules, regulations, and fair market practices.

Other options:

OBSI (Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments): Handles disputes between financial institutions and their clients but does not conduct trading surveillance.

OSFI (Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions): Regulates and supervises federally regulated financial institutions, focusing on their solvency.

CSA (Canadian Securities Administrators): Coordinates securities regulation across Canada but does not directly monitor trading activities.

References:

Volume 1, Chapter 3:The Canadian Regulatory Environment, section on "Market Surveillance and Trading Oversight" explains CIRO's role​.

When a country’s central government is at risk of defaulting on its debt, lenders perceive higher risks and demand higher interest rates as compensation. This results in:

Anincrease in interest ratesfor borrowing by all entities in the country.

OptionsA and Bare incorrect because exchange rates usually decline (currency devalues) when default risk rises.

D. Decrease in interest ratesis the opposite of what happens in such scenarios.

References:Volume 1, Chapter 4 ("Sovereign Risk and Interest Rates")​.

When individuals stop actively seeking work, they are no longer considered part of thelabour force, and this reduces theunemployment ratesince it only includes those actively seeking employment.

A (Structural unemployment)remains unchanged as this relates to mismatches in skills or geographic factors.

C (Participation rate)decreases since fewer individuals are in the labour force.

D (Labour force)decreases as individuals withdraw from it.

References:Volume 1, Chapter 4 ("Labour Market Indicators")​.

A stop buy order is used to protect a short position. This type of order instructs the broker to purchase a security if its price rises to a specified level, limiting the short seller's potential loss. It is triggered when the price reaches or surpasses the set stop price, helping the short seller exit the position to avoid unlimited losses.

Study Document References:

Volume 1, Chapter 9:Order Types and Protecting Short Positions, discussing how stop buy orders function for short sellers​​.

For an emerging company with limited assets and innovative goals,crowdfundingis an excellent option to maximize public exposure and raise capital. Crowdfunding involves soliciting small investments from a large number of people, typically through online platforms, making it ideal for startups or innovative ventures like the use of hot water springs for clean energy.

Other options:

Escrowing shares: Typically used to restrict the sale of shares for a certain period, not for raising capital.

Offering a greenshoe option: Applies to stabilizing stock prices in an IPO or follow-on offering, not raising initial capital.

Filing disclosure documents with SEDAR+: Necessary for public companies but does not directly raise capital or increase exposure.

References:

Volume 1, Chapter 12:Financing and Listing Securities, section on "Capital Raising Options" covers crowdfunding as a method for startups to raise funds​.