#1
Which of the following is an example of a non-bank financial institution?
Investment bank
ExplanationInvestment banks are financial institutions that assist governments, corporations, and other groups in raising financial capital by underwriting or acting as the client's agent in the issuance of securities.
#2
What does the term 'mutual fund' refer to in finance?
A pool of funds collected from many investors for the purpose of investing in securities such as stocks, bonds, money market instruments, and other assets
ExplanationMutual funds are investment vehicles that pool money from many investors to buy securities like stocks, bonds, and short-term debt.
#3
What is the primary function of a commercial bank?
Lending money to individuals and businesses
ExplanationCommercial banks primarily accept deposits and provide loans to individuals and businesses, acting as financial intermediaries between depositors and borrowers.
#4
What is the primary role of a brokerage firm?
Facilitating the buying and selling of financial securities
ExplanationBrokerage firms facilitate the buying and selling of financial securities such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds on behalf of their clients.
#5
What is the purpose of a stock exchange?
Facilitating the trading of stocks and other securities
ExplanationStock exchanges provide a platform for buying and selling securities such as stocks, bonds, and derivatives, ensuring liquidity and price discovery in financial markets.
#6
What is the primary purpose of an insurance company?
Offering insurance policies to protect against financial losses
ExplanationInsurance companies provide financial protection to individuals and businesses by offering various insurance policies to cover risks such as property damage, liability, and healthcare costs.
#7
What is the primary function of an investment bank?
Underwriting securities offerings
ExplanationThe primary function of an investment bank is to underwrite securities offerings, which involves guaranteeing they will be sold at a particular price and providing advice to corporations on mergers and acquisitions.
#8
Which of the following is NOT a type of insurance typically offered by insurance companies?
Securities trading
ExplanationInsurance companies typically offer policies to protect against risks such as property damage, medical expenses, and liability, but they do not engage in securities trading.
#9
Which of the following is NOT a type of financial intermediary?
Retail store
ExplanationFinancial intermediaries include banks, credit unions, insurance companies, and investment firms, but retail stores are not involved in financial intermediation.
#10
What is the function of a credit union?
Providing loans and other financial services to its members
ExplanationCredit unions are financial cooperatives that provide banking services, including loans and savings accounts, to their members.
#11
What is the function of a pension fund?
Investing contributions to provide retirement benefits to employees
ExplanationPension funds manage investments on behalf of employees and employers to provide retirement benefits, typically through a combination of stocks, bonds, and other assets.
#12
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a money market fund?
Invests primarily in long-term securities
ExplanationMoney market funds invest in short-term, low-risk securities such as Treasury bills and commercial paper, rather than long-term securities.
#13
What distinguishes a hedge fund from a mutual fund?
Hedge funds are only available to accredited investors, while mutual funds are open to the general public
ExplanationHedge funds are typically open to accredited investors and pursue higher returns through more aggressive strategies, while mutual funds are open to the general public and often follow more conservative investment strategies.