CSC1 Canadian Securities Course Exam 1 Question and Answers

The principle of retraction in retractable preferred shares allows the shareholder to force the issuing company to redeem the shares for cash at a predetermined price on or after a specifieddate. This feature is identical toretractable bonds and debentures, which give the bondholder the option to require the issuer to repay the principal before maturity.

A. Callable preferred shares: Callability benefits the issuer, not the holder, and is not similar to retraction.

B. Retractable common shares: Such securities are not common in the market and are not comparable to retractable preferred shares.

C. Redeemable preferred shares: Redemption is at the issuer’s discretion, unlike retraction, which is at the holder’s discretion.

TheCanada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC)insures eligible deposits (e.g., term deposits) up to a maximum of$100,000 per depositor per member institution. In this case:

Keith has $150,000 in ABC Trust Company → $100,000 is insured.

Keith has $75,000 in XYZ Trust Company → Entire $75,000 is insured.

Total insured amount = $100,000 (ABC) + $75,000 (XYZ) = $200,000.

References:Volume 1, Chapter 3 ("Investor Protection Funds and Insurance")​.

The primary responsibility for gatekeeping in the securities industry resides with CIRO (Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization) dealer members and their employees. This gatekeeping role includes adhering to regulations, implementing Know Your Client (KYC) and Know Your Product (KYP) rules, and ensuring compliance with ethical standards and client-focused reforms.

Dealer members and their employees must ensure that the products and services offered are suitable for their clients and that any potential conflicts of interest are managed appropriately.

Study Document References:

Volume 1, Chapter 3:The Gatekeeper Role in Securities Regulation, focusing on the responsibilities of CIRO dealer members​​.

Ashort form prospectusis a streamlined disclosure document that companies can use to raise funds more efficiently under specific conditions. The issuer must meet specific eligibility criteria outlined in Canadian securities regulations to qualify for filing a short form prospectus.

Key Conditions for Filing a Short Form Prospectus:

Listed Securities Requirement: The company must have its securities listed and actively traded on an eligible stock exchange (e.g., TSX or another recognized exchange). This requirement ensures that the company already complies with reporting obligations and has a history of providing transparent information to investors.

Continuous Disclosure History: The company must be a reporting issuer in one or more Canadian jurisdictions for at least 12 months, providing continuous disclosure (e.g., financial statements, material changes).

No Principal Asset Restriction: The company must not primarily rely on cash or cash equivalents as its principal asset, as this does not provide a sufficient operational track record.

Domestic Reporting Requirement: The company must not rely solely on foreign jurisdiction reporting; it must fulfill Canadian reporting requirements.

Review of Options:

Option A:Incorrect. While the prospectus may be used for financing purposes, it is not a condition specific to the short form prospectus.

Option B:Correct. A company must have securities listed and actively traded on an eligible exchange to use the short form prospectus​​.

Option C:Incorrect. Companies whose principal assets are cash or cash equivalents are typically not eligible for a short form prospectus.

Option D:Incorrect. The company must not exclusively be a reporting issuer in foreign jurisdictions; it must comply with Canadian reporting requirements.

References:

Canadian Securities Course (CSC), Volume 1, Chapter 12: Financing and Listing Securities. Discussion on eligibility for short form prospectus filings and reporting issuer status​.

National Instrument 44-101: Short Form Prospectus Distributions.

Listing on a public exchange provides companies with access to a broader pool of potential investors. This increased visibility enhances the ability to raise capital through the issuance of shares or bonds. Although there are additional costs associated with being publicly listed (such as listing fees and compliance costs), the benefits of access to new sources of funding and improved liquidity for shares often outweigh these concerns.

A. Management will benefit from the public disclosure of changes in the company: Public disclosure does not directly benefit management but is a requirement for transparency.

C. Listing the company will require restrictions on stock options issued for internal use: While stock option plans may be regulated, this is not a primary consideration for listing.

D. The valuation of securities for estate tax purposes and estate tax planning will be easier: While public listing improves transparency, estate tax considerations are not a primary driver of listing decisions.

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.

Aforward contractis a derivative instrument whose value is derived from the value of an underlying asset, such as commodities, currencies, or financial instruments. It is a customized agreement between two parties to buy or sell an asset at a future date at a specified price.

A. Real estate investment trust: A REIT is an equity instrument tied to real estate assets, not a derivative.

C. Preferred share: A preferred share is an equity security with fixed dividends, not a derivative.

D. Inflation-linked bond: These are fixed-income securities linked to inflation rates but are not considered derivatives.

TheEnergy sectoris one of the highest-weighted sectors in theS&P/TSX Composite Indexbased on market capitalization. This reflects Canada's resource-rich economy, where energy companies, including oil, gas, and related services, make up a significant portion of the market.

Other options:

Health care: A relatively small portion of the index.

Utilities: Have a smaller weight compared to energy.

Information technology: While growing, it has not surpassed energy in weight within the Canadian market.

References:

Volume 1, Chapter 8:Equity Securities, section on "Canadian Market Indexes" outlines the composition and sectoral weightings of the S&P/TSX Composite Index​.

In a general partnership, all partners share the responsibility of managing the business and are personally liable for its debts. This contrasts with a limited partnership, where limited partners have liability restricted to their investment.

Option A:Describes a limited partnership.

Option B:General partnerships do not issue equity to raise funds.

Option C:General partnerships are not distinct legal entities; liability is shared.

The investor's goal is to gainexposure to the Canadian stock marketwhile maintainingminimal risk exposure. Among the provided options, anindex-linked guaranteed investment certificate (GIC)is the most suitable choice.

Key Characteristics of an Index-Linked GIC:

Capital Protection:

Index-linked GICs guarantee the principal investment amount, offering the security of a GIC while tying returns to the performance of a stock index (e.g., the S&P/TSX Composite Index).

This ensures no loss of capital regardless of market performance.

Market Exposure:

The return on an index-linked GIC is linked to the performance of the underlying index, providing exposure to the stock market. However, this comes without the downside risk associated with direct stock or fund investments.

Low Risk:

The combination of principal protection and market exposure makes it ideal for risk-averse investors seeking growth potential.

Review of Other Options:

A. Canadian Bank Preferred Shares:

While preferred shares provide stable dividends and relatively low volatility compared to common shares, they still carry market risk and are not as secure as GICs.

B. Index Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF):

ETFs track stock indices and offer diversification, but they expose investors to the full market risk of the underlying index, making them unsuitable for those seeking minimal risk exposure.

C. Call Option:

Call options are speculative derivatives that provide leverage for market exposure but carry significant risk of loss, making them inappropriate for a low-risk investor.

Why D is Correct:

Anindex-linked GICbalances the investor's objective of gaining exposure to the Canadian stock market with the need for minimal risk by guaranteeing principal protection while offering potential returns tied to market performance.

References:

Canadian Securities Course (CSC), Volume 1, Chapter 6: Fixed-Income Securities – Features and Types. Discussion on index-linked GICs and their suitability for risk-averse investors​.

Explanation of risk characteristics of preferred shares, ETFs, and derivatives in Chapter 8 and 10 of Volume 1​.

When a corporation issues preferred shares rather than debt, it avoids increasing its leverage (debt-to-equity ratio). Preferred shares are considered equity for financial reporting purposes and do not require the repayment of principal like debt instruments. Although they may have fixed dividend obligations, these are not legally binding in the way interest payments on debt are.

Issuing preferred shares allows the corporation to strengthen its balance sheet while potentially preserving its credit rating. Preferred shares do not directly affect leverage but provide capital without increasing debt.

References:

Volume 1, Chapter 8:Preferred Shares, section on "Why Companies Issue Preferred Shares" explains the advantages of using preferred shares instead of debt​.

Advisors making cold calls to potential clients must comply with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission's (CRTC) regulations, which include subscribing to the National Do Not Call List (DNCL). This ensures they do not call individuals registered on the DNCL, protecting consumers from unwanted solicitations.

References:

Volume 1, Chapter 3:The Canadian Regulatory Environment, section on "Ethical and Legal Standards" includes compliance requirements related to cold calling, such as the DNCL regulations​.

The Bank of Canada estimates that the effects of changes in monetary policy take approximately18 monthsto fully work through the entire economy. This lag exists because monetary policy impacts various sectors, such as consumer spending, business investment, and trade, at different speeds.

B. 6 months: This is too short a timeframe for the full effects of monetary policy to materialize.

C. 3 months: Immediate impacts may be seen in financial markets, but the broader economic effects require longer.

D. 36 months: This is far longer than the typical lag for monetary policy effects.

As a senior executive at ABC Inc. and a board member of XYZ Company, Diana is considered an insider for both firms. Insiders are required to report any trading activity in securities of companies where they hold positions of influence. This ensures transparency and helps prevent insider trading.

Option A:Press releases are not required for insider reporting.

Option B:Incorrect; obligations apply to both companies.

Option D:Incorrect; Diana’s role at XYZ Company also imposes reporting requirements.

The inflation rate is calculated using the formula:

Inflation Rate=CPIcurrent−CPIpreviousCPIprevious×100\text{Inflation Rate} = \frac{\text{CPI}_{\text{current}} - \text{CPI}_{\text{previous}}}{\text{CPI}_{\text{previous}}} \times 100Inflation Rate=CPIprevious​CPIcurrent​−CPIprevious​​×100

Substitute the given values:

Inflation Rate=125.9−123.0123.0×100=2.9123.0×100≈2.36%\text{Inflation Rate} = \frac{125.9 - 123.0}{123.0} \times 100 = \frac{2.9}{123.0} \times 100 \approx 2.36\%Inflation Rate=123.0125.9−123.0​×100=123.02.9​×100≈2.36%

B. 2.30%: This is close but results from rounding errors or miscalculation.

C. 0.98%andD. 1.02%: These values are far below the correct inflation rate calculated using the formula.

As the fiscal agent for the federal government, the Bank of Canada provides advice on debt management and issuance strategies, including assessments of capital markets. This role involves managing federal government debt and ensuring efficient market functioning.

References:

Volume 1, Chapter 5:Economic Policyunder "The Role of the Bank of Canada" details the Bank’s fiscal agent role in managing government debt (CSC Volume 1, Chapter 5)​.

Treasury bills (T-bills) are short-term fixed-income securities issued by the Government of Canada with maturities of one year or less, including terms as short as six months or less. They do not pay interest in the conventional sense. Instead, they are sold at a discount to their facevalue, and investors receive the full face value upon maturity. The difference between the purchase price and the face value represents the investor's earnings.

A. Guaranteed bonds: These are long-term securities that pay periodic interest (coupons) and do not fit the short-term, non-interest-paying description of T-bills.

B. Commercial paper: Issued by corporations, not governments, and used to finance short-term liabilities.

D. Term deposits: These are bank products, not government securities, and typically pay interest over their term.

Aninterest rate forward agreement (FRA)is anover-the-counter (OTC)derivative contract. Unlike exchange-traded derivatives, OTC contracts are not centrally cleared, meaning there is no intermediary to guarantee performance. This increases counterparty (default) risk, making FRAs inherently riskier than exchange-traded contracts.

A. Individual investor buying shares on an exchange during the ex-rights period: This is a standard transaction involving equity securities, not derivatives, and carries no default risk.

C. Exchange-traded equity option contract between an individual investor and a dealer: Exchange-traded derivatives are backed by a clearinghouse, which mitigates default risk.

D. Individual investor entering a futures contract with an institutional investor: Futures contracts are also exchange-traded and centrally cleared, reducing default risk.

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​.

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")​.

Along-term bond with a low couponwill maximize capital gains when interest rates fall. Here’s why:

Long-term bondsare more sensitive to interest rate changes due to their longer duration, which amplifies the price movement.

Low coupon bondsare more affected by changes in interest rates compared to high coupon bonds because more of their value comes from the principal repayment rather than periodic interest payments.

Other options:

Short-term bonds: Have lower duration and less sensitivity to interest rate changes, so they do not maximize capital gains.

High coupon bonds: Are less sensitive to interest rate changes because of their higher periodic cash flows.

References:

Volume 1, Chapter 7:Fixed-Income Securities: Pricing and Trading, section on "Impact of Maturity and Coupon on Bond Prices" explains the relationship between interest rate changes, bond duration, and price sensitivity​.

The gain is calculated as:

Buying Price:5,000 shares purchased at $15.20 = $76,000.

Selling Price:5,000 shares sold at $15.25 = $76,250.

Profit Calculation:$76,250 - $76,000 =$1,000.

This reflects the gain from executing the market orders at the respective bid-ask prices.

Investment advisors (IAs) are required to record the names and addresses of all individuals who have requested and received a preliminary prospectus. This ensures compliance with securities regulations and provides a record for follow-ups and potential disclosures related to the offering.

A. The IA must ensure a proxy is mailed: Proxy voting is related to shareholder meetings, not the prospectus distribution.

B. The IA must provide a greensheet: A greensheet is used internally by investment firms, not distributed to clients.

C. The IA must make a tombstone advertisement: Tombstone advertisements are created by the issuer, not the IA.

Stock index performance is best measured usingpercentage changesrather than absolute values like point changes, relative values, or share price changes. This is because percentage changes provide a normalized measure of performance, allowing for meaningful comparisons over time or between different indexes, regardless of their starting levels or the specific units in which the index is expressed.

Comparative Analysis: Percentage changes allow investors to compare the performance of indexes with vastly different base values or compositions. For example, a 100-point movement on a low-value index might be significant, while the same point movement on a high-value index might be trivial.

Normalized Returns: They normalize the performance, enabling easier tracking of relative gains or losses over time.

International Relevance: With global markets often using indexes based on different currencies or methodologies, percentage changes standardize comparisons across markets.

A. Relative value changes: This term lacks a precise definition in the context of performance measurement and is not commonly used in evaluating index performance.

B. Point changes: While point changes are informative for intraday movements or headlines, they lack context without knowing the index's value. For example, a 50-point drop could represent 0.5% or 5%, depending on the index level.

C. Share price changes: This is specific to individual securities and does not apply to indexes, which aggregate multiple stocks.

Why Percentage Changes?Incorrect Options:Reference from the CSC® Study Material:The Canadian Securities Course explains the role of indexes in tracking market performance and highlights the importance of percentage changes for measuring and interpreting their performance. This is because percentage changes provide consistency and relevance when comparing different periods or indexes with varying base values (CSC Volume 1, Chapter 8, "Stock Indexes and Averages")​.

Key Concepts Related to Index Performance:

Market indexes represent a basket of securities designed to reflect the overall performance of a specific market or sector.

Percentage changes effectively capture market sentiment and performance trends.

Common Canadian market indexes such as the S&P/TSX Composite Index and international indexes like the S&P 500 often report movements in both points and percentages, with the latter providing a more accurate representation of market dynamics​​.

This understanding is fundamental for financial professionals analyzing market trends, investment performance, and conducting portfolio management.

References:

CSC Volume 1, Chapter 8, "Equity Securities: Common and Preferred Shares – Stock Indexes and Averages"​.

CSC Volume 1, Chapter 7, "Fixed-Income Securities: Pricing and Trading – Bond Indexes" for comparative index concepts​.

When submitting a trade ticket for a short sale, an investment advisor mustmark the sell-order ticket as a short sale. This ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and informs the broker and exchange that the sale involves borrowed shares. Marking the order appropriately helps maintain transparency and enables monitoring for potential market manipulation.

A. Verify the client can borrow the shares: The responsibility for ensuring share availability lies with the broker, not the advisor.

C. Obtain minimum margin amount from client: This is done separately as part of the account setup and transaction process, not when submitting the trade ticket.

D. Mark it as a margin order: Short sales involve margin, but the ticket must specifically indicate "short sale" rather than just "margin."

The Bank of Canada uses anoperating band of 50 basis pointsto manage the overnight rate. The top of the band is theBank Rate, and the bottom is the rate the Bank pays on settlement balances. The overnight rate typically operates within this band.

A. 25 basis points: This is too narrow to accommodate monetary operations.

B. 75 basis points: This is wider than the standard operating band.

D. 100 basis points: This is incorrect; the operating band is 50 basis points.