SIE Reviews Questions

Open-end mutual funds are redeemable securities, meaning investors can sell their shares back to the fund at the NAV.

D is correct because mutual funds allow redemption at NAV.

A, B, and C are not redeemable securities.

Bond prices are quoted as a percentage of par. A call price of 107.45 means 107.45% of the bond’s $1,000 par value. Multiplying $1,000 by 107.45% produces a call price of $1,074.50. When an issuer calls a bond, it pays the call price plus any accrued interest owed up to the call date. Choice C is correct. Choice A incorrectly treats $74.50 as interest rather than the call premium over par. Choice B incorrectly treats 107.45 as an interest amount instead of a quoted percentage of par. Choice D is incorrect because accrued interest is paid to the bondholder; it is not subtracted from the call price. Callable bonds give the issuer the right to redeem the bonds before maturity, usually when doing so is economically favorable, such as when interest rates decline. The SIE outline includes debt instruments, par value, coupon value, yield, callable features, and the relationship between price and interest rates. This question tests both bond quote conversion and call settlement mechanics. Reference: Understanding Products and Their Risks; Debt Instruments; Par Value; Callable Features.

Step by Step Explanation:

Federal Funds Rate: The rate at which depository institutions lend reserves to each other overnight. It is set by the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC).

Other Rates:

Prime Rate: Rate banks charge their most creditworthy customers.

Discount Rate: Rate the Federal Reserve charges banks for borrowing directly from it.

LIBOR: Interbank lending rate used internationally, now being phased out.

Federal Reserve Explanation of Rates: Federal Funds Rate.

High-income bond mutual funds typically invest in lower-rated (junk) bonds that offer higher yields. These bonds are exposed to significant credit risk, as issuers may default on their payments.

A is correct because credit risk is the primary concern with high-yield bonds.

B is incorrect as political risk is more relevant for international investments.

C is incorrect because taxability risk is not specific to bond mutual funds.

D is incorrect because purchasing power risk is more relevant for fixed-income investments during inflationary periods but is not the primary risk here.