SIE Sample Questions Answers

Step by Step Explanation:

Blue-Chip Stock Mutual Funds: Invest in large, established companies that typically provide stable dividend income and potential for capital appreciation.

Incorrect Options:

A: Growth stocks prioritize capital appreciation, not income.

B: Money market accounts focus on safety and liquidity, not capital gains.

D: STRIPS provide fixed income without capital gains potential.

References:

FINRA Investment Product Education: FINRA Investment Guidance.

FINRA Rule 4511 requires member firms to retain records, including electronic communications, in anon-rewriteable, non-erasable format(often referred to as WORM: Write Once, Read Many). This ensures that records cannot be altered or deleted once stored.

D is correctbecause firms must store records in a tamper-proof format.

A,B, andCare incorrect because these formats do not guarantee compliance with the tamper-proof requirements set forth by FINRA and the SEC.

Step by Step Explanation:

Expense Ratio: Class A shares typically have lower ongoing expense ratios but higher front-end sales charges. Class C shares often have higher ongoing expense ratios but no front-end charges.

Incorrect Options:

B: NAV is determined daily and does not vary by share class.

C: All share classes invest in the same underlying portfolio.

D: Purchase timing is the same for all share classes.

References:

SEC Guidance on Mutual Fund Share Classes:SEC Fund Classes.

Step by Step Explanation:

Summary Prospectus Content: Must include key information such as the fund’s investment objectives, risks, fees, and past performance. This helps investors make informed decisions.

Incorrect Options:

A: Projected returns are speculative and not included in the prospectus.

C & D: Detailed portfolio holdings and control persons are included in the full prospectus, not the summary.

References:

SEC Rule 498 (Summary Prospectuses): SEC Prospectus Requirements.

Step by Step Explanation:

Rebalancing: Ensures that a portfolio remains aligned with its target allocation. Without rebalancing, outperforming assets can become overweighted, increasing exposure to specific risks.

Incorrect Options:

Inflation: Impacts purchasing power but isn’t tied to rebalancing.

Marketability: Refers to liquidity and isn’t linked to allocation models.

Interest Rate Risk: Relates to fixed-income investments and isn’t directly addressed by allocation models.

References:

SEC Investor Bulletin on Asset Allocation: SEC Asset Allocation.

Accounts held individually are subject to probate, which is the legal process of administering the decedent’s estate. Probate determines the distribution of assets according to the deceased’s will or state intestacy laws.

A is correctbecause individual accounts require probate to transfer assets.

Bis incorrect because irrevocable trusts bypass probate.

Cis incorrect because TOD accounts allow direct transfer of assets to named beneficiarieswithout probate.

Dis incorrect because JTWROS accounts transfer ownership to the surviving account holder automatically.

Step by Step Explanation:

Regular-Way Settlement: For equity securities, settlement occurs on a T+2 basis, meaning two business days after the trade date.

Calculation:

Trade Date (T): Thursday, August 2.

T+2 Settlement: Excludes weekends, so settlement falls on Monday, August 6.

Incorrect Options:

A: Reflects T+1, not the correct settlement cycle.

C & D: Extend beyond the standard T+2 cycle.

References:

FINRA and SEC Settlement Rules: SEC Settlement Rules.

Step by Step Explanation:

Telemarketing Rules (FINRA Rule 3230): Require firms to check the National Do Not Call Registry before contacting individuals, even if those individuals provide their contact information voluntarily.

Incorrect Options:

A: Approval isn’t required for individual follow-ups; compliance with the registry is.

B: While calls must be limited to appropriate hours, the registry check is still mandatory.

C: Written consent does not override the registry requirement.

References:

FINRA Rule 3230 (Telemarketing): FINRA Rule 3230.

When a firm acts in a principal capacity, it trades securities for its own account, buying or selling directly to or from its inventory. The firm’s role differs from an agency capacity, where it acts as an intermediary.

A is correctbecause principal capacity involves selling directly from the firm's inventory.

B,C, andDare incorrect because these scenarios describe agency transactions, where the firm facilitates trades between two parties.

Step by Step Explanation:

FINRA Rule 2210: Firms are prohibited from suggesting or implying FINRA's endorsement or approval in any advertising materials.

Approvals: Even if a principal or FINRA approves the content, such a statement remains impermissible.

Key Point: FINRA's role is to regulate, not to endorse firms or their marketing.

References:

FINRA Rule 2210 (Communications with the Public): FINRA Rule 2210.

Step by Step Explanation:

ETF Expense Ratios: ETFs generally have lower expense ratios compared to mutual fundsdue to their passive management style.

Incorrect Options:

A: ETFs do not have sales loads; they are traded like stocks.

B: ETFs can be purchased on margin, like other equities.

C: ETFs are traded throughout the day at market prices, not NAV.

References:

SEC ETF Fact Sheet: SEC ETF Info.

Open-end mutual funds do not trade on secondary markets. Instead, shares are continuously issued or redeemed by the fund at the net asset value (NAV), calculated at the market close.

D is correctbecause investors purchase and redeem shares directly through the fund or authorized brokers.

Ais incorrect because mutual funds do not have a predetermined dissolution date.

Bis incorrect because mutual fund shares are priced at the NAV calculated once daily after the market closes.

Cis incorrect because secondary market trading applies to closed-end funds and ETFs, not open-end mutual funds.

Currency devaluation reduces the value of a country’s currency relative to others, making its exports cheaper and more competitive internationally. This stimulates demand for the country’s goods and services.

D is correctbecause devaluation reduces export costs, encouraging foreign buyers.

Ais incorrect because devaluation can increase inflation by raising the cost of imported goods.

Bis incorrect because GDP often rises due to increased export demand.

Cis incorrect because imports become more expensive after devaluation, reducing demand.

Step by Step Explanation:

General Obligation (GO) Bonds: Backed by the full faith and credit of the issuing municipality, relying on its taxing power for repayment.

Revenue Bonds: Supported by revenues from a specific project or source.

Treasury Bonds: Issued by the federal government.

Corporate Bonds: Issued by corporations, not municipalities.

References:

SEC Municipal Bond Guide: SEC GO Bonds.

Buying a put option gives the investor the right to sell a stock at a specific strike price, effectively setting a floor for potential losses if the stock price declines. This is a common risk-management strategy.

A is correctbecause buying puts limits downside risk while retaining the potential for upside gains.

Bis incorrect as buying puts is a bearish strategy, not one used during upward momentum.

Cis incorrect because selling call options does not hedge losses; it is a speculative or income-generating strategy.

Dis incorrect because buying calls is a bullish strategy, used during upward momentum, not downward.

Nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plans allow employees to defer income until a future date.

D is correctbecause NQDC funds remain part of the company’s general assets, which creditors may claim if the company goes bankrupt.

Ais incorrect as NQDC plans are not subject to ERISA rules.

Bis incorrect because these plans do not require IRS review.

Cis incorrect as NQDC assets are not required to be held in escrow.

Step by Step Explanation:

Diversification: Spreads investments across multiple securities, industries, or asset classes to reduce exposure to a single security or sector.

Other Options:

Use of Leverage: Increases, not decreases, portfolio risk.

Dollar-Cost Averaging: Reduces timing risk but does not address concentration.

Dividend Reinvestment: Enhances returns but does not mitigate concentration risk.

References:

SEC Guidance on Diversification: SEC Diversification.

A transfer agent is responsible for maintaining accurate records of shareholder purchases, redemptions, and account balances. They also handle the issuance and cancellation of shares and ensure shareholders receive appropriate distributions.

D is correctbecause maintaining shareholder records is a core duty of a transfer agent.

Ais incorrect because underwriting is the responsibility of a broker-dealer.

Bis incorrect because distributing the prospectus is handled by the fund’s distributor.

Cis incorrect because custody of securities is the role of a custodian, not the transfer agent.

Step by Step Explanation:

Rule 144 Holding Period: Restricted securities held by affiliates require a six-month holding period before sale, provided the issuer is subject to SEC reporting requirements.

Other Options:

Notification to FINRA (C) is incorrect; Form 144 is submitted to the SEC, not FINRA.

The 10% ADTV limitation (D) applies to the volume of shares sold, not the conditions for sale.

References:

SEC Rule 144 (Selling Restricted Securities): SEC Rule 144.

When bond yields rise, the price of existing bonds falls. This inverse relationship exists because the fixed coupon payments of the bonds become less attractive compared to new bonds issued at higher yields.

B is correctbecause the bond’s market value decreases as its yield increases.

Ais incorrect because bond values decrease, not increase, with rising yields.

Cis incorrect because the face value (par value) remains unchanged.

Dis incorrect because changes in yield directly affect the bond’s market price.

Step by Step Explanation:

Temporary Hold Period: Under FINRA Rule 2165, a firm can initially place a hold on disbursements for up to 10 business days if financial exploitation is suspected.

Additional Holds: The period may be extended by an additional 10 business days if warranted and allowed by state law.

Incorrect Options:

A & B: These are shorter than the permissible period.

D: The initial hold period is capped at 10 business days.

References:

FINRA Rule 2165 (Financial Exploitation of Specified Adults): FINRA Rule 2165.

Step by Step Explanation:

403(b) Accounts: These tax-advantaged retirement plans are specifically for employees of public schools, tax-exempt organizations, and certain other nonprofit employers, such ashospitals.

Incorrect Options:

Volunteer Workers: Ineligible unless they are also employees.

Small Business Owners and Military Personnel: These groups typically qualify for other retirement plans, not 403(b).

References:

IRS Publication 571 (403(b) Plans): IRS 403(b) Guidance.

Step by Step Explanation:

Ex-Dividend Date Pricing: On the ex-dividend date, the mutual fund's price is adjusted downward by the amount of the dividend.

Closing Price: $10.00

Dividend: $0.25

Adjusted Opening Price: $10.00 - $0.25 = $9.75.

Incorrect Options:

A: $9.25 subtracts more than the dividend amount.

C: $10.00 does not reflect the dividend adjustment.

D: $10.25 adds to the price rather than subtracting the dividend.

References:

SEC Guidance on Mutual Fund Pricing: SEC Mutual Funds.

Under FINRA Rule 2150, registered representatives may share in profits and losses in a customer’s account if:

The customer provides written consent.

The arrangement is approved by the RR’s firm.

The sharing is proportional to the RR's financial contribution.

C is correctbecause it aligns with FINRA requirements.

A,B, andDare incorrect because they do not meet the necessary conditions for sharing.

FINRA Rule 3270 requires registered representatives to disclose all outside business activities that involve compensation or could reasonably be perceived as a conflict of interest.

C is correctbecause serving as a board member for a publicly traded company is a business activity requiring disclosure, even if compensation is indirect.

Ais incorrect because volunteer work for charities does not require disclosure.

Bis incorrect because acting as a trustee for a personal or family estate is generally not considered an OBA.

Dis incorrect because unpaid board membership for a not-for-profit entity does not typically require disclosure.

A private securities transaction involves the sale of securities outside the scope of a registered representative’s employment with their member firm. Such transactions must be disclosed to and approved by the firm under FINRA Rule 3280.

B is correctbecause raising money for a startup involves the sale of securities and must be reported as a private securities transaction.

Ais incorrect because soliciting charitable donations does not involve securities.

Cis incorrect because selling term life insurance policies is not a securities transaction.

Dis incorrect because investing personal money does not involve soliciting or selling securities to others.

The Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) is responsible for issuing and guaranteeing the performance of listed options contracts, including Long-term Equity Anticipation Securities (LEAPS), which are long-term options.

D is correctbecause LEAPS are a type of listed options contract cleared by the OCC.

Ais incorrect because listed stocks are not options contracts.

Bis incorrect because over-the-counter bonds are not cleared by the OCC.

Cis incorrect because ETFs are not options, though ETF options may be cleared by the OCC.

Passive ETFs track an index and require minimal management, leading to lower expenses compared to actively managed ETFs.

D is correctbecause passive ETFs are cost-efficient and have lower fees.

Ais incorrect because index ETFs have low turnover since they replicate an index.

Bis incorrect because ETFs are priced continuously throughout the trading day.

Cis incorrect as ETFs aim to match, not outperform, the index.

Step by Step Explanation:

FINRA Rule 1122: Requires that registered representatives update their residential address with FINRA for two years post-termination.

Purpose: This ensures accurate records for potential regulatory inquiries during the statutory two-year period when a terminated individual remains subject to FINRA’s jurisdiction.

References:

FINRA Rule 1122 (Filing False or Misleading Information): FINRA Rule 1122.

Step by Step Explanation:

SIPC Coverage: Protects customers of brokerage firms against the loss of securities and cash due to broker-dealer insolvency, but it does not protect against market losses.

FDIC Coverage: Protects bank deposits (checking, savings, CDs) up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution.

Incorrect Options:

A: SIPC covers both securities and cash held at brokerage firms (within limits).

C & D: Money market mutual funds are not FDIC insured, and securities are not covered by the FDIC.

References:

SIPC Overview:SIPC Coverage.

FDIC Insurance:FDIC Coverage.

The federal funds rate, which is the interest rate banks charge each other for overnight loans, changes frequently due to daily fluctuations in bank reserves and market conditions.

D is correctas it is the most sensitive to short-term market forces.

A,B, andCchange less frequently.

Purchasing a put option allows the customer to sell the stock at a predetermined price (the strike price) if the share price declines. This strategy protects against downside risk while maintaining upside potential.

C is correctbecause a put acts as insurance, locking in a minimum sale price.

Ais incorrect because selling a put exposes the investor to additional risk if the stock declines.

Bis incorrect because selling a call generates income but does not protect against downside risk.

Dis incorrect because purchasing a call is a bullish strategy unrelated to protecting existing positions.

Step by Step Explanation:

Warrants: Are often issued alongside fixed-income securities, such as bonds, to enhance their appeal to investors. Warrants give the holder the right to purchase company stock at a specific price in the future.

Incorrect Options:

Options: Not typically bundled with fixed-income securities.

Common and Preferred Stock: Usually issued separately, not as part of a package with bonds.

References:

SEC Guide on Warrants: SEC Warrants Information.

SEC Regulation A provides a registration exemption for smaller public offerings but includes a "bad actor" disqualification. If certain key parties, such as the issuer, underwriter, or affiliates, have been involved in securities violations, the exemption is forfeited.

B is correctbecause underwriters are considered essential participants, and their status as bad actors disqualifies the offering.

A,C, andDare incorrect because custodians, transfer agents, and clearing corporations are not included in the "bad actor" provisions of Regulation A.

Step by Step Explanation:

Inverse Relationship: Bond prices and interest rates have an inverse relationship. When interest rates fall, existing bonds with higher coupon rates become more valuable, leading to an increase in market value.

Incorrect Options:

A: Market value decreases as interest rates increase.

C: Interest rates and bond values move inversely, not in the same direction.

D: Interest rates are not constant; they fluctuate over time.

References:

SEC Municipal Bonds Overview: SEC Municipal Bonds.

Step by Step Explanation:

FINRA Rule 4530: Requires member firms to report certain events, including allegations of forgery, to FINRA promptly.

Incorrect Options:

Option B: Maintaining a record does not substitute for required reporting.

Option C: Arbitration isn’t required before reporting.

Option D: Reporting is mandatory irrespective of internal investigations.

References:

FINRA Rule 4530 (Reporting Requirements): FINRA Rule 4530.

The Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) protects customers if a broker-dealer fails due to insolvency. Coverage applies to cash and securities in customer accounts, up to $500,000total, including $250,000 for cash.

A is correctbecause SIPC’s purpose is to protect against losses arising from a broker-dealer’s insolvency.

Bis incorrect because SIPC does not guarantee investment performance.

Cis incorrect because SIPC does not cover market losses.

Dis incorrect because futures contracts are not covered under SIPC.

Step by Step Explanation:

MSRB Rule G-37: Requires municipal securities dealers to report contributions to the MSRB, even if the amount is below the $1,000 threshold that would trigger a two-year prohibition on municipal business.

Incorrect Options:

SEC and FINRA: Not involved in reporting political contributions for municipal securities.

References:

MSRB Rule G-37 (Political Contributions): MSRB Rule G-37.

Step by Step Explanation:

Call Provision: This allows the issuer to redeem bonds before their maturity date, usually at a premium to the par value, which benefits the issuer in a declining interest rate environment.

Put Provision: Allows bondholders, not issuers, to sell the bond back to the issuer.

Conversion: Relates to convertible bonds that can be converted into equity.

Defeasement: Refers to the removal of a bond issuer’s obligation by setting aside cash or securities to cover the debt.

References:

SEC Guide on Callable Bonds: SEC Callable Bonds.

Step by Step Explanation:

Variable Life Insurance: The cash value depends on the performance of the underlying investment options.

Fluctuating Market Conditions: Since the cash value is linked to market performance, fluctuations directly impact its value.

Beneficiary/Death Benefit Changes: These do not directly impact the cash value unless they involve additional costs or changes to premiums.

References:

SEC Bulletin on Variable Life Insurance: SEC Variable Insurance.

FINRA Rule 2360 requires that customers receive theOptions Disclosure Document (ODD), published by the Options Clearing Corporation (OCC), before they are approved to trade options. The ODD explains the risks and characteristics of options trading.

D is correctbecause the ODD is mandatory for options account approval.

Ais incorrect because a prospectus is not specific to options trading.

Bis incorrect because the MSRB Investor Brochure applies to municipal securities.

Cis incorrect because a margin disclosure statement is required only for margin accounts.

Step by Step Explanation:

Private Securities Transactions: Under FINRA Rule 3280, RRs must obtain written approval from their employing firm before participating in the sale of securities outside the firm.

Promissory Notes: These are typically considered securities, requiring prior approval.

Incorrect Options:

A & C: Notification alone is insufficient; written approval is required.

D: Promissory notes are generally treated as securities under federal law.

References:

FINRA Rule 3280 (Private Securities Transactions): FINRA Rule 3280.

Variable annuity subaccounts are held in separate accounts, distinct from the insurance company’s general account. This separation protects subaccount assets from claims by creditors in case the insurance company becomes insolvent.

C is correctbecause the separate account ensures creditor protection.

Ais incorrect as management fees for variable annuities are often higher.

Bis incorrect because the subaccounts are not held at broker-dealers.

Dis incorrect as subaccounts do not represent subordinated debt.

Step by Step Explanation:

Form U4 Reporting Requirements: Registered persons must disclose criminal charges (excluding minor traffic violations) and material changes such as residential address changes. Gambling-related misdemeanors are considered reportable.

Incorrect Options:

Speeding Ticket: Typically not reportable unless it involves a felony.

Business Telephone Number: Not material for Form U4.

References:

FINRA Form U4 Instructions: FINRA Form U4.

Step by Step Explanation:

Common Stock: Holders of common stock typically have voting rights, which allow them to participate in decisions like electing the board of directors or approving major corporate actions.

Other Securities:

Preferred Stock: Usually does not carry voting rights.

Corporate and Convertible Bonds: Debt instruments, so they do not confer voting rights.

References:

SEC Guide on Stock Voting Rights: SEC Voting Rights.

Step by Step Explanation:

Securitization: The process of pooling financial assets, such as mortgage loans, and creating asset-backed securities that investors can buy.

Incorrect Options:

B: Hypothecation refers to pledging assets as collateral.

C & D: Loan and claim processing are administrative terms, not related to the creation of securities.

References:

SEC Guidance on Asset-Backed Securities: SEC ABS Info.