HKSI Paper 12 (Asset Management) English Free Trial Set Two

Managed funds, also known as collective investment schemes, pool funds from numerous investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of securities or other assets. These funds are managed by professional fund managers or investment advisors who make decisions on behalf of the investors. This structure allows investors to benefit from diversification, professional management, and economies of scale.

Option B is incorrect because managed funds are not exclusively for high-net-worth individuals; they are accessible to various types of investors. Option C is incorrect as it describes direct investments rather than collective investment schemes. Option D is incorrect because it refers to real estate investments, which are not necessarily managed funds.

Index funds are a type of managed fund that passively tracks a specific market index, such as the Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong. They require minimal active management, making them suitable for investors like Mr. X who prefer a hands-off approach and seek diversified exposure to the market.

Option B, hedge funds, typically involve more sophisticated strategies and higher risk levels, making them less suitable for retail investors like Mr. X. Options C and D, private equity funds and venture capital funds, respectively, involve investments in private companies and are not typically accessible or suitable for individual investors seeking diversified exposure to financial markets.

Hong Kong has emerged as one of the major global fund management centers, attracting a significant number of international fund managers and investors. Its strategic location, robust regulatory framework, well-established financial infrastructure, and access to mainland China’s markets have contributed to its prominence in the fund management industry.

Option A is incorrect because the fund management industry in Hong Kong has a rich history and has been attracting international players for many years. Option C is incorrect as the industry caters to both local and international investors. Option D is incorrect because Hong Kong’s fund management industry encompasses a wide range of asset classes beyond traditional stocks and bonds, including alternative investments and emerging markets.

Managed funds, also known as collective investment schemes, pool funds from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of securities, bonds, or other assets. These funds are managed by professional fund managers or investment advisors who make investment decisions on behalf of the investors. This structure allows investors to benefit from diversification and professional management expertise.

Option A is incorrect because managed funds involve pooling funds and professional management, rather than direct investments by individual investors. Option C is incorrect as managed funds are accessible to various types of investors, including retail investors, not just institutional investors. Option D is incorrect because managed funds can encompass both short-term and long-term investment strategies, depending on their investment objectives.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are investment funds that trade on stock exchanges and typically track the performance of a specific index, sector, commodity, or asset class. ETFs offer diversified exposure to global equities at relatively low costs compared to actively managed funds, making them suitable for investors seeking broad market exposure while minimizing expenses.

Option B, real estate investment trusts (REITs), primarily invest in real estate assets and may not provide the desired exposure to global equities. Option C, unit trusts, may offer diversified investment portfolios, but ETFs are specifically designed to track market indices and offer cost-effective diversification. Option D, sovereign wealth funds, are typically government-owned investment funds that may not be accessible or suitable for individual investors seeking diversified exposure to equities.

Fund managers play a crucial role in managed funds by making investment decisions and managing the fund’s portfolio in line with its stated investment objectives. They analyze market conditions, research investment opportunities, and construct portfolios to achieve desired risk and return profiles for investors.

Option A is incorrect because fund managers typically do not engage in day-to-day trading activities within the fund portfolio; rather, they make strategic investment decisions. Option B is incorrect because setting up the fund structure and legal framework is usually handled by fund administrators and legal professionals. Option D is incorrect because marketing and promotional activities are typically conducted by fund distributors or marketing teams, not fund managers themselves.

Bond funds, also known as fixed-income funds, primarily invest in a diversified portfolio of bonds and other fixed-income securities issued by governments, corporations, or municipalities. These funds aim to generate income through interest payments while minimizing credit risk and volatility associated with equity investments.

Option A, equity funds, focus on investing in stocks or equities rather than fixed-income securities. Option C, money market funds, typically invest in short-term, high-quality debt securities and cash equivalents rather than a diversified portfolio of fixed-income securities. Option D, real estate funds, invest in real estate properties or related assets rather than fixed-income securities.

Balanced funds, also known as asset allocation funds, invest in a mix of asset classes such as stocks, bonds, and cash equivalents to achieve a balance between growth and income while managing risk. These funds aim to provide stable returns with lower volatility compared to equity-focused funds, making them suitable for investors seeking a diversified investment approach with reduced risk exposure.

Option A, growth funds, typically prioritize capital appreciation and may carry higher levels of risk due to their focus on equities or growth-oriented securities. Option B, income funds, focus on generating regular income through dividends or interest payments and may not provide the desired stability in volatile markets. Option D, sector funds, concentrate investments in specific sectors or industries, which may lead to higher volatility and risk concentration.

While cryptocurrencies have gained popularity as investment assets, they are not typically included in the asset classes that managed funds invest in. Managed funds commonly invest in equities (stocks), fixed-income securities (bonds), commodities (such as gold or oil), and real estate, among other assets. Cryptocurrencies are relatively new and highly volatile assets that may not fit the risk profiles or investment strategies of traditional managed funds.

Option A, equities, represent ownership in companies and are a common asset class for managed funds seeking capital appreciation. Option B, commodities, include physical goods like gold, oil, or agricultural products, which managed funds may invest in for diversification or inflation hedging purposes. Option C, fixed-income securities, include bonds issued by governments or corporations and are commonly held by managed funds for income generation and risk management.

Actively managed funds involve professional fund managers actively making investment decisions to outperform the market or a specific benchmark. These fund managers conduct research, analyze market trends, and adjust the fund’s portfolio holdings accordingly to achieve superior returns. For investors seeking exposure to global equities with active management, actively managed funds are the most suitable option.

Option B, passively managed funds (such as index funds or ETFs), track market indices and do not involve active investment decisions by fund managers. Option C, absolute return funds, aim to generate positive returns regardless of market conditions through various investment strategies and risk management techniques. Option D, special situation funds, focus on specific investment opportunities or events, such as mergers, acquisitions, or distressed assets, rather than broad market exposure.

The correct answer is (a) Increasing investor awareness and education. As emerging markets evolve, there’s often a parallel increase in financial literacy and awareness among investors. This heightened understanding prompts individuals to seek investment opportunities, thereby fueling the growth of the fund management industry. Regulatory barriers and constraints (option b) may hinder industry growth by imposing restrictions on fund managers, limiting their ability to innovate or expand. Limited access to capital markets (option c) is a barrier rather than a contributor to growth, as it constrains the industry’s ability to attract investments. Decreased demand for investment products (option d) would inversely affect the growth of the industry, making it an incorrect choice.

The correct answer is (b) It increases competition among fund managers. Globalization expands the pool of investment opportunities, attracting more players to the industry. This intensifies competition as fund managers vie for market share and strive to outperform their peers. Option (a) is incorrect because globalization typically broadens, rather than narrows, investment opportunities. Option (c) is incorrect as globalization often necessitates adherence to multiple regulatory frameworks, increasing rather than decreasing compliance requirements. Option (d) is incorrect as globalization tends to promote diversified investment strategies rather than isolationism.

The correct answer is (a) Encourage transparency and accountability. Stringent reporting requirements compel fund managers to disclose more information about their operations and investments, fostering transparency and accountability. This benefits investors by providing them with greater insight into fund performance and risk exposure. Option (b) is incorrect because increased reporting requirements typically enhance, rather than reduce, investor protection. Option (c) is incorrect as stringent reporting is intended to discourage speculative practices by enhancing oversight. Option (d) is incorrect as while increased regulations may raise barriers to entry for new players, they don’t necessarily affect existing market participants.

The correct answer is higher fees. When investing in hedge funds, clients often incur higher fees compared to traditional investment vehicles such as mutual funds or ETFs. Hedge funds typically charge a management fee, which is a percentage of assets under management, as well as a performance fee, which is a percentage of any profits generated. These fees can significantly impact the overall returns of the investment. While hedge funds may offer potential benefits such as diversification and potentially lower volatility, the primary implication for clients is the higher fees associated with these investments.

Option a) Increased diversification: While hedge funds may offer diversification benefits, this is not the primary implication discussed in the scenario. The focus is on the impact of fees.

Option b) Lower liquidity risk: Hedge funds may have lower liquidity compared to traditional investments, but liquidity risk is not the primary implication discussed in the scenario.

Option d) Lower volatility: While hedge funds may aim to lower volatility through various strategies, the primary implication discussed in the scenario is the impact of higher fees.

The correct answer is Mr. Chan’s retirement age. An investment constraint is a limitation or restriction that may impact investment decisions. Mr. Chan’s retirement age represents a constraint because it defines a specific time frame within which investment objectives must be achieved. Failure to consider this constraint could result in inappropriate investment choices that do not align with Mr. Chan’s retirement needs. Therefore, understanding Mr. Chan’s retirement age is essential for designing an appropriate investment strategy.

Option a) Mr. Chan’s preference for socially responsible investments: While this represents an aspect of Mr. Chan’s investment preferences, it is not a constraint. Investment constraints typically refer to factors that impose limitations on investment decisions.

Option b) Mr. Chan’s desire to maximize returns: This represents an investment objective rather than a constraint. Investment objectives reflect goals or targets that clients aim to achieve through their investments.

Option c) Mr. Chan’s investment horizon of 5 years: This represents an investment objective rather than a constraint. The investment horizon specifies the length of time over which investments will be held, guiding the selection of appropriate investment vehicles and strategies.

The correct answer is increased risk exposure. Managed funds that focus on high-growth technology stocks may experience increased risk exposure during economic downturns. Technology stocks are often more volatile and sensitive to economic conditions compared to other sectors. During periods of economic downturn, investors may become more risk-averse, leading to sell-offs in high-growth stocks. Consequently, the fund’s performance may be adversely affected, as it is heavily concentrated in a sector susceptible to economic downturns.

Option a) Lower volatility: Investing in high-growth technology stocks typically entails higher volatility, especially during economic downturns. Therefore, lower volatility is unlikely to be an implication of this investment strategy.

Option b) Higher capital preservation: High-growth technology stocks are generally associated with higher risk, making capital preservation more challenging during economic downturns. Therefore, higher capital preservation is unlikely to be an implication of this investment strategy.

Option d) Lower correlation with the broader market: High-growth technology stocks may exhibit lower correlation with the broader market during certain market conditions, but this is not a guaranteed implication during economic downturns when correlations among stocks tend to increase. Therefore, lower correlation with the broader market is not the most suitable implication in this scenario.

The fund manager makes investment decisions on behalf of the fund’s investors. Fund managers are responsible for implementing the investment strategy outlined in the fund’s prospectus or mandate. They analyze market conditions, select appropriate securities, and manage the portfolio with the objective of achieving the fund’s investment objectives. Investors rely on the expertise of the fund manager to make informed investment decisions aligned with their goals.

Option a) The fund manager acts as a custodian of the fund’s assets: Custodians are typically responsible for safeguarding the assets of the fund, but this is a separate role from that of the fund manager.

Option b) The fund manager is responsible for marketing the fund to potential investors: While fund managers may be involved in promoting the fund, their primary role is managing investments rather than marketing.

Option d) The fund manager provides legal advice to the investors: Providing legal advice falls outside the scope of the fund manager’s responsibilities, which primarily revolve around investment management.

His age and health status. Age and health status are significant determinants of an individual’s risk tolerance. As people approach retirement age or face health-related concerns, they often become more risk-averse to protect their savings and ensure financial stability. Therefore, understanding Mr. Johnson’s age and health status is crucial for assessing his risk tolerance and designing an appropriate investment strategy that aligns with his needs and preferences.

Option a) His current income level: While income level may influence investment decisions, it is not as directly related to risk tolerance as factors such as age and health status.

Option b) His preferred investment sector: Investment sector preferences may impact portfolio allocation but are not necessarily indicative of risk tolerance.

Option c) His retirement savings target: While the retirement savings target is essential for financial planning, it may not directly determine risk tolerance, which is more influenced by factors such as age and health status.

Reduced income for investors. During periods of low interest rates, dividend-paying stocks may become relatively less attractive compared to fixed-income securities such as bonds. Companies may also reduce dividend payouts to preserve cash, further impacting investors’ income. Therefore, a shift to dividend-paying stocks in a low-interest-rate environment may result in reduced income for investors relying on dividends for regular cash flow.

Option b) Increased capital appreciation: While dividend-paying stocks may offer potential for capital appreciation, the primary focus of this investment strategy is on generating income through dividends rather than capital gains.

Option c) Lower volatility in the fund’s performance: Dividend-paying stocks may exhibit lower volatility compared to growth stocks, but this is not guaranteed, especially during periods of market turbulence. Therefore, lower volatility is not the most suitable implication in this scenario.

Option d) Higher risk exposure to market fluctuations: Dividend-paying stocks may provide some stability during market downturns but are still subject to market fluctuations. However, the primary implication discussed in the scenario is the impact on investors’ income rather than risk exposure.

Hedge funds often employ leverage to enhance returns. Unlike traditional investment vehicles, hedge funds frequently use leverage, which involves borrowing funds to increase the size of their investments. By using leverage, hedge funds seek to amplify returns, potentially achieving higher profits. However, leverage also magnifies losses, increasing the risk associated with hedge fund investments.

Option a) Hedge funds are highly regulated investment vehicles: Hedge funds are typically less regulated compared to mutual funds and other investment vehicles, allowing greater flexibility in investment strategies. However, this lack of regulation does not necessarily mean that hedge funds are highly regulated.

Option b) Hedge funds typically offer daily liquidity to investors: Hedge funds often have lock-up periods during which investors cannot redeem their investments, limiting liquidity. Therefore, daily liquidity is not a characteristic of hedge funds.

Option d) Hedge funds primarily invest in low-risk assets: Hedge funds are known for pursuing aggressive investment strategies aimed at generating high returns, often involving higher-risk assets. Therefore, investing in low-risk assets is not a characteristic associated with hedge funds.

Her retirement age. Mrs. Liu’s retirement age is a significant factor influencing her investment horizon—the length of time she plans to hold her investments before needing to access the funds for retirement. Younger investors like Mrs. Liu typically have longer investment horizons, allowing them to tolerate more significant fluctuations in the market and potentially pursue higher-risk, higher-reward investment strategies. Therefore, understanding Mrs. Liu’s retirement age is essential for determining the appropriate investment horizon and aligning her investment strategy with her long-term financial goals.

Option a) Her annual income: While income level may impact investment decisions, it is not as directly related to the investment horizon as factors such as retirement age.

Option b) Her risk tolerance: Risk tolerance influences the types of investments Mrs. Liu may consider but does not specifically determine her investment horizon.

Option c) Her career aspirations: While career aspirations may indirectly impact financial goals, they do not directly influence the investment horizon, which is more closely tied to factors such as retirement age.

Higher portfolio turnover. Active investment strategies typically involve frequent buying and selling of securities in an attempt to outperform the market. As a result, active funds tend to have higher portfolio turnover rates compared to passive funds, which aim to replicate the performance of a specific index. Higher portfolio turnover can lead to increased transaction costs, which may impact the fund’s performance and result in higher expenses for investors.

Option a) Lower management fees: Active funds often have higher management fees compared to passive funds due to the additional research and trading involved in active management. Therefore, lower management fees are unlikely to be an implication of implementing an active investment strategy.

Option c) Reduced market risk exposure: Active investment strategies do not necessarily result in reduced market risk exposure, as active managers actively make investment decisions based on market conditions, which may increase or decrease the fund’s exposure to market risk.

Option d) Greater reliance on passive index tracking: Active investment strategies involve actively selecting securities based on research and analysis rather than passively tracking an index. Therefore, greater reliance on passive index tracking would be contradictory to implementing an active investment strategy.

To set specific investment goals for the client. An Investment Policy Statement (IPS) serves as a crucial document in the investment process. It outlines the client’s financial objectives, risk tolerance, time horizon, and any constraints they may have. By clearly defining these factors, the IPS helps the advisor create an investment strategy tailored to the client’s needs and objectives. It acts as a roadmap for the investment decisions and provides a benchmark for evaluating performance. Thus, option (a) is correct.

Option (b) To provide a legal document for the advisor-client relationship is incorrect because while an IPS does formalize the client-advisor relationship, its primary purpose is not legal documentation but rather guiding investment decisions.

Option (c) To outline the advisor’s fee structure is incorrect. While the fee structure might be included in the IPS, it is not its primary purpose. The IPS focuses on investment objectives and strategies.

Option (d) To ensure compliance with anti-money laundering regulations is incorrect. While anti-money laundering regulations are important in financial services, the primary purpose of an IPS is not related to regulatory compliance but rather client-specific investment planning.

The advisor is violating KYC requirements by recommending investments that don’t align with Mr. Lee’s risk profile. Know Your Client (KYC) regulations mandate that financial advisors thoroughly understand their clients’ financial situation, investment objectives, risk tolerance, and other relevant factors before making investment recommendations. In this scenario, the advisor is suggesting investments that contradict Mr. Lee’s high-risk tolerance, which violates KYC requirements. Advisors must recommend investments that align with the client’s risk profile to ensure suitability.

Option (a) The advisor is adhering to KYC requirements by ensuring Mr. Lee’s investments are suitable is incorrect. Recommending conservative, low-risk securities to a client with a high-risk tolerance does not align with KYC requirements, as it disregards the client’s risk profile.

Option (c) The advisor is maximizing Mr. Lee’s potential returns by diversifying his portfolio is incorrect. While diversification is important for risk management, it does not justify recommending investments that contradict the client’s risk tolerance.

Option (d) The advisor is exempt from KYC requirements since Mr. Lee is an experienced investor is incorrect. KYC requirements apply to all clients, regardless of their level of investment experience.

Beta measures the volatility of a stock relative to the overall market. A high beta indicates that the stock’s price is more volatile compared to the market, meaning it experiences larger fluctuations. In this scenario, the stock’s high volatility and frequent price fluctuations align with the characteristic of beta, indicating its sensitivity to market movements.

Option (a) Liquidity is incorrect. Liquidity refers to how easily a stock can be bought or sold in the market, not its price volatility.

Option (c) Dividend yield is incorrect. Dividend yield is the ratio of a company’s annual dividend payment per share to its share price, which is unrelated to price volatility.

Option (d) Price-to-earnings ratio is incorrect. The price-to-earnings ratio compares a company’s current share price to its earnings per share and is used to evaluate its valuation, not its volatility.

The coupon rate is the fixed interest rate that a bond issuer pays to bondholders periodically, typically semi-annually or annually, until the bond reaches maturity. In this scenario, the bond issued by a highly-rated government entity offering a fixed interest rate paid semi-annually aligns with the characteristic of coupon rate.

Option (a) Credit risk is incorrect. Credit risk refers to the risk of default by the bond issuer, which is typically lower for bonds issued by highly-rated government entities.

Option (b) Duration is incorrect. Duration measures the sensitivity of a bond’s price to changes in interest rates, which is unrelated to the fixed interest rate paid by the bond.

Option (d) Yield to maturity is incorrect. Yield to maturity represents the total return anticipated on a bond if it is held until maturity and is affected by factors such as the bond’s price, coupon rate, and time to maturity.

Managed funds pool money from various investors to create a diversified portfolio managed by a professional fund manager. This structure allows investors like Mr. Chan to access a diversified investment portfolio without needing to directly manage individual assets. This is in line with the basic structure of managed funds as they operate in the financial industry, aiming to provide investors with professional management expertise to optimize returns while managing risks effectively.

(b) is incorrect because managed funds typically invest in a variety of assets to diversify risk rather than concentrating solely on one type of asset.

(c) is incorrect because one of the key features of managed funds is professional management by a fund manager, rather than investors making individual investment decisions.

(a) is incorrect because managed funds are profit-oriented entities, aiming to generate returns for investors based on the performance of the underlying assets. They are not primarily educational institutions.

The options listed represent common types of managed funds. Index funds track a particular market index, hedge funds employ various strategies to maximize returns while managing risks, and REITs invest in real estate properties. This variety allows investors like Ms. Lee to choose funds based on their investment goals, risk tolerance, and preferences.

(b) is incorrect because fixed deposit schemes, savings accounts, and government bonds are not types of managed funds but rather traditional banking and investment products.

(a) is incorrect because individual stocks and certificate of deposits are not managed funds. Mutual funds are a type of managed fund, but the other options are not.

(d) is incorrect because venture capital funds, precious metals, and cryptocurrency investments are not typically classified as managed funds.

Income funds are designed to provide regular income to investors, making them suitable for retirees like Mr. Wong who seek stable income from their investments. These funds typically invest in fixed-income securities such as bonds, which offer predictable returns in the form of interest payments.

(a) is incorrect because growth funds prioritize capital appreciation rather than regular income, which may not align with Mr. Wong’s investment objective of stable income during retirement.

(c) is incorrect because sector funds focus on specific industries, which may introduce higher levels of risk and volatility compared to Mr. Wong’s preference for stability.

(d) is incorrect because balanced funds aim to achieve a mix of capital growth and income, which may not prioritize stable income generation to the same extent as income funds.

Managed funds pool money from multiple investors to create a diversified portfolio of assets, which is then professionally managed by a fund manager. This definition accurately reflects the core concept of managed funds, providing investors like Ms. Lam with access to professionally managed portfolios to optimize returns while managing risks effectively.

(b) is incorrect because managed funds are typically long-term investment vehicles focused on achieving sustainable returns rather than engaging in short-term speculative trading for quick profits.

(c) is incorrect because managed funds are not restricted to investing in a single asset class. Diversification across various asset classes is a key feature of managed funds to mitigate risk.

(d) is incorrect because managed funds are profit-oriented investment vehicles, aiming to generate returns for investors based on the performance of the underlying assets. They are not government-sponsored initiatives for financial literacy.