CSI Updated IFC Exam Questions and Answers by cristian

The investor in this scenario is concerned about fund expenses (MERs) and prefers a product with lower costs and potential for higher returns.

According to the CSC materials, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are known for having:

Significantly lower management expense ratios (MERs) compared to mutual funds and most other managed products, because they are generally passively managed and do not bear the high costs of active portfolio management.

Lower trading costs due to the in-kind creation and redemption process, which reduces the need for the fund itself to buy and sell securities.

Opportunities for higher returns as lower costs directly enhance net returns to investors.

In contrast:

Segregated funds (B) are insurance products with higher fees due to guarantees.

Hedge funds (C) typically charge very high fees (often 2% management + 20% performance fees).

Liquid alternatives (D) also come with higher MERs and are designed for diversification and risk management, not necessarily for low cost.

Therefore, the most appropriate choice is Exchange-traded funds (ETFs), as they best meet the investor’s preference for low MERs and potential for higher returns.

D is correct because a passive portfolio management strategy is based on the assumption that the markets are efficient and that it is impossible or very difficult to consistently find mis-priced securities that can generate abnormal returns. A passive portfolio manager aims to replicate the performance of a market index or benchmark by holding a diversified portfolio of securities that mirrors the index or benchmark. A passive portfolio manager does not believe in using active strategies such as market timing, security selection, or sector rotation. The manager does not need to use benchmarks (A), as they are essential for measuring and evaluating the performance of a passive portfolio. The manager does not wish to create capital gains in the mutual fund by frequently buying and selling stocks (B), as this would incur higher transaction costs and taxes, and deviate from the index or benchmark. The manager does not believe he or she can outperform the market with his or her stock picking skills ©, as this would imply an active portfolio management strategy. References: Investment Funds in Canada (IFC) | Canadian Securities Institute

 An exchange-traded fund (ETF) is a type of pooled investment security that operates much like a mutual fund. Typically, ETFs will track a particular index, sector, commodity, or other assets, but unlike mutual funds, ETFs can be purchased or sold on a stock exchange the same way that a regular stock can. ETFs have lower management expense ratios (MERs) compared to mutual funds because they are passively managed and do not incur high costs for research, analysis, and portfolio rebalancing. Therefore, this statement is true about ETFs. References: Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) Explanation With Pros and Cons - Investopedia, The Best ETFs - Exchange Traded Funds Rankings | US News Investing