CFA-Level-I Exam Questions and Answers

QUESTION: 131

Felix Asterix is a shrewd industry analyst working for Obelix, Inc., a brokerage firm of some repute. Asterix had invested about $50,000 in a few stocks trading on the Australian exchange a year ago. Obelix itself is not active outside the US and Asterix's transactions do not represent any violations of the company policies. One of the Australian firms whose shares Asterix holds recently applied for a dual listing on the NYSE and will begin trading in the US in a month. Asterix has advised in his recent research reports that investors would be well-off investing in this dual-listed stock. He does not reveal his holdings in the Australian stock. Felix has:

not violated the AIMR standard since his transactions took place long before the dual listing and he is not obligated to reveal his personal holdings.
II. violated Standard III (C) - Disclosure of Conflicts to Employer.
III. violated Standard IV (3) - Independence and Objectivity.
IV. violated Standard IV (B.7) - Disclosure of Conflicts to Clients and Prospects.
I only
II and III only
II and IV only
II, III and IV only

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

This is a classic case of potential conflict and appearance of conflict of interests. Indeed, this kind of situation is so common that it is covered by multiple AIMR standards of ethics. Asterix, as an investment advisor and analyst, should be extremely careful about any potential conflicts of interest that might be perceived as affecting the objectivity of his judgment. Clearly, his substantial Australian holdings, while not in violation of company policies when purchased, are a source of bias now that the stock is trading in the US. Felix must discuss the situation with the Compliance Department at Obelix, Inc. and if he receives the permission to continue holding the stock, should reveal his vested interests to all his potential clients. This ensures that there is no perception of unfair bias and lack of objectivity in his investment recommendations.

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QUESTION: 132

Which of the following is/are required by AIMR-PPS with regards to calculation of returns?

For leveraged portfolios, the stated returns must be on an "all-cash" basis, removing the effects of debt financing.
II. Performance must be based on "gross" returns i.e. before necessary expenses like brokerage and SEC fees.
III. Composites must be asset-weighted using beginning-of-period weights.
none of them
I, II and III
I and III only
III only

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

For leveraged portfolios, PPS require a statement of performance using actual returns as well as on an "all- cash" basis (i.e. without leverage). Performance must be based on returns after trading expenses like brokerage and SEC fees. Composites must be asset-weighted using beginning-of-period weights.

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QUESTION: 133

Level ________ verification applies to the firm.

IV
0
I
II
III

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

Level I verification applies to all firm composites. Level II verification requires a Level I verification at least on the specific composites being verified at Level II. (Note: There are only two levels of verification.)

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QUESTION: 134

When an investment manager uses client brokerage to purchase research services that benefit the investment manager; this is known as ________.

under-the-table agreements
soft dollars
through-research agreements
bartering arrangements
shifting agreements

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

An investment manager often has discretion over the selection of brokers executing transactions. Conflicts arise when an investment manager uses client brokerage to purchase research services that benefit the investment manager, which is commonly called "soft dollars," "soft pounds," or "soft commissions." Whenever a manager uses such client brokerage to purchase services that benefit him, as a fiduciary, he must disclose to clients the methods or policies followed to address the potential conflict.

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QUESTION: 135

ERISA fiduciaries must adhere to the following prudent procedures:

- establish a ________ investment policy for the plan
- diversify plan assets
- make investment decisions with the skill and care of a prudent expert
- monitor investment performance
- control investment expenses
- avoid prohibited transactions

supervisory
none of these answers
written
diversified

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

These procedures are stipulated under the detailing of ERISA fiduciary duties, to ensure that the fiduciary complies with the duty to act with prudence.

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Test Prep CFA-Level-I Exam (page: 27) Test Prep CFA® Level I Chartered Financial Analyst Updated on: 09-Feb-2026

QUESTION: 131

Explanation:

QUESTION: 132

Explanation:

QUESTION: 133

Explanation:

QUESTION: 134

Explanation:

QUESTION: 135

Explanation:

Test Prep CFA-Level-I Exam (page: 27)
Test Prep CFA® Level I Chartered Financial Analyst
Updated on: 09-Feb-2026