#1
Which of the following is a basic function of a commercial bank?
Accepting deposits
ExplanationCommercial banks perform the fundamental function of accepting deposits from customers.
#2
What does APR stand for in the context of banking?
Annual Percentage Rate
ExplanationAPR stands for Annual Percentage Rate, representing the total cost of borrowing, including interest and fees, expressed as a yearly percentage.
#3
What does FDIC stand for in the context of banking?
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
ExplanationFDIC stands for Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, providing insurance coverage to depositors in case of bank failures.
#4
What is the purpose of a 'debit card'?
To make purchases using funds directly from the cardholder's bank account
ExplanationA debit card allows the cardholder to make purchases by directly accessing funds from their associated bank account.
#5
What is the purpose of a 'mortgage'?
To purchase real estate by borrowing money from a lender
ExplanationA mortgage is a loan used to purchase real estate, with the property itself serving as collateral for the loan.
#6
What does the term 'compound interest' mean in finance?
Interest calculated on the initial principal and also on the accumulated interest from previous periods
ExplanationCompound interest is the calculation of interest on the initial principal and also on the accumulated interest from previous periods, leading to exponential growth.
#7
What is the purpose of a 'certificate of deposit' (CD)?
To earn a fixed interest rate for a specified period of time
ExplanationA certificate of deposit (CD) is a financial product that allows individuals to earn a fixed interest rate for a specified period, usually with penalties for early withdrawal.
#8
What is the primary function of the Federal Reserve System in the United States?
Regulating interest rates
ExplanationThe primary function of the Federal Reserve System is to regulate interest rates and implement monetary policy to ensure economic stability.
#9
What does the term 'mutual fund' refer to in finance?
An investment vehicle that pools money from multiple investors to buy securities
ExplanationA mutual fund is an investment vehicle that pools money from multiple investors to collectively invest in a diversified portfolio of securities.
#10
In finance, what does the term 'liquidity' refer to?
The ability to easily convert assets into cash without significant loss of value
ExplanationLiquidity in finance refers to the ease with which assets can be converted into cash without a substantial loss in value.
#11
What is the purpose of a '401(k)' retirement plan?
To offer tax-deferred savings for retirement
ExplanationA 401(k) retirement plan provides a tax-advantaged way for individuals to save for retirement by deferring taxes on contributions until withdrawal.
#12
What is the main function of an investment bank?
Underwriting securities and facilitating mergers and acquisitions
ExplanationThe main function of an investment bank is to underwrite securities, facilitate mergers and acquisitions, and provide advisory services to corporations and governments.
#13
What is the purpose of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States?
Regulating the securities industry and protecting investors
ExplanationThe SEC's purpose is to regulate the securities industry and protect investors by ensuring fair and transparent financial markets.
#14
What is the primary function of a credit union?
Providing financial services to a specific group of members
ExplanationThe primary function of a credit union is to provide financial services to a specific group of members, often with a focus on community-based and cooperative principles.
#15
What is the purpose of a 'credit score'?
To assess an individual's credit risk
ExplanationA credit score is a numerical representation used to assess an individual's credit risk, helping lenders evaluate the likelihood of timely loan repayments.
#16
What does the term 'dividend' refer to in finance?
The portion of a company's earnings distributed to its shareholders
ExplanationA dividend is a distribution of a portion of a company's earnings to its shareholders, typically in the form of cash or additional shares.
#17
What does the term 'derivative' refer to in finance?
A financial instrument whose value is derived from the value of an underlying asset
ExplanationA derivative is a financial instrument whose value is derived from the value of an underlying asset, such as stocks, bonds, or commodities.
#18
What is the purpose of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act?
To regulate the financial industry and protect consumers from abusive practices
ExplanationThe Dodd-Frank Act aims to regulate the financial industry, enhance accountability, and protect consumers from abusive financial practices, enacted in response to the 2008 financial crisis.
#19
What does the term 'leverage' mean in finance?
The use of borrowed funds to increase the potential return on investment
ExplanationLeverage in finance refers to the use of borrowed funds to amplify the potential return on an investment, but it also increases the associated risk.