SIE Securities Industry Essentials Exam (SIE) Questions and Answers

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.

Federal Reserve Regulation T mandates that customers must pay for purchases in a cash account within two business days of settlement (T+4). If payment is not made, the brokerage firm must liquidate the securities and place the account on a 90-day restriction.

C is correctbecause the customer’s account is frozen for 90 days, during which all trades must be paid for in advance.

Ais incorrect as closing transactions are still permitted but require prepayment.

Bis incorrect because the restriction lasts for 90 days, not 30.

Dis incorrect as only the delinquent account, not related accounts, is frozen.

FINRA Rule 3220 prohibits member firms from giving gifts exceeding $100 per individual per year to ensure that gifts do not influence business conduct. The rule applies to gifts given in connection with the firm’s business.

C is correctbecause it adheres to FINRA’s $100 annual limit.

Ais incorrect because the total value of gifts must also not exceed $100 annually.

Bis incorrect as there is no $200 limit.

Dis incorrect as gifts are allowed within the $100 limit.

Step by Step Explanation:

Federal Funds Rate: The rate at which depository institutions lend reserves to each other overnight. It is set by the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC).

Other Rates:

Prime Rate: Rate banks charge their most creditworthy customers.

Discount Rate: Rate the Federal Reserve charges banks for borrowing directly from it.

LIBOR: Interbank lending rate used internationally, now being phased out.

References:

Federal Reserve Explanation of Rates: Federal Funds Rate.

Step by Step Explanation:

Hypothecation Agreement: Required for margin accounts, it authorizes the broker-dealer to use the customer's margin securities as collateral to secure loans for funding customer transactions.

Incorrect Options:

A: Sharing customer information is regulated under privacy rules (Regulation S-P).

B: Unauthorized trading violates securities laws.

C: Selling unpaid securities in cash accounts pertains to Regulation T, not hypothecation agreements.

References:

FINRA Margin Account Rules: FINRA Rule 4210.

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.

Mutual funds are traded based on forward pricing. Orders received after the market closes are executed at the NAV calculated at the next market close.

A is correctbecause it aligns with forward pricing rules.

B,C, andDare incorrect as they do not follow mutual fund trade practices.

Step by Step Explanation:

Short Sale Definition: Involves selling borrowed securities with the expectation of repurchasing them at a lower price.

Investor Ownership: Short sales do not involve securities already owned by the seller.

Other Options: None of the other choices accurately define a short sale.

References:

SEC Regulation SHO (Short Selling): SEC Short Sales.

529 savings plans are state-sponsored education savings accounts that offer tax-advantaged growth. Key features include:

Contributions are not federally tax deductible (some states offer state-level deductions).

No income limitations for contributions.

The account owner, not the beneficiary, controls the plan.

Assets can be transferred tax-free to another family member’s 529 plan.

D is correctbecause tax-free rollovers are allowed for family members of the current beneficiary.

Ais incorrect as contributions are not universally tax deductible.

Bis incorrect as there are no income limitations for contributing.

Cis incorrect because the account owner, not the beneficiary, controls the assets.

Step by Step Explanation:

Debentures: Corporate bonds not backed by physical assets or collateral. They rely on the issuer’s creditworthiness.

Incorrect Options:

B: Trust certificates are a legacy term for bonds backed by a trust.

C: Collateral trust bonds are secured by financial assets.

D: GO bonds are issued by municipalities, not corporations.

References:

SEC Guide on Corporate Bonds:SEC Corporate Bonds.

The sales load is calculated as a percentage of the POP, using the formula:Sales load = (POP − NAV) ÷ POP × 100

POP = $15.50, NAV = $14.35.

Sales load = ($15.50 − $14.35) ÷ $15.50 × 100 =8.50%.

C is correctbecause the calculation results in an 8.50% load.

A,B, andDare incorrect due to incorrect calculations.

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.

A covered call involves selling a call option on a stock the investor already owns. The strategy generates income in the form of the premium collected for selling the call, providing additional returns on the stock position.

D is correctbecause the primary goal of a covered call is to generate income.

Ais incorrect because covered calls do not hedge against large declines in the stock price.

Bis incorrect because speculation involves taking higher risks, not a covered call’s conservative strategy.

Cis incorrect because no strategy guarantees a profit.

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.

CMOs are divided into tranches, which are portions of the pool of mortgage-backed securities. Each tranche has its own characteristics, including coupon rate, maturity date, and credit rating, tailored to meet the needs of different investors.

C is correctbecause tranches represent slices of the investment with specific terms.

Ais incorrect because the yield depends on prepayment rates and interest rate changes.

Bis incorrect as average life is an estimate, not a defining characteristic of a tranche.

Dis incorrect because underwriting is unrelated to the definition of a tranche.

A pass-through entity does not pay corporate income taxes; instead, income is passed to owners, who report it on their individual tax returns.

A is correctbecause C corporations are not pass-through entities; they pay corporate taxes.

B,C, andDare all pass-through entities for tax purposes.

Step by Step Explanation:

Front Running Definition: Occurs when a broker executes a personal trade ahead of a customer’s order to profit from the anticipated market movement.

Thinly Traded Security: Front running is particularly impactful in low-liquidity securities.

Other Options:

Selling Away: Involves unapproved securities transactions outside the employing firm.

Insider Trading: Involves trading on material non-public information.

Market Manipulation: Encompasses activities like wash trading or spoofing, not specific to this scenario.

References:

FINRA Rule 5270 (Front Running of Block Transactions): FINRA Rule 5270.

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.

Step by Step Explanation:

Reverse Split Calculation: A 1-for-2 reverse split reduces the number of shares by half while doubling the price per share.

Pre-Split Holdings: 100 shares at $5.00 = $500.

Post-Split Holdings: 50 shares at $10.00 = $500.

Incorrect Options: The total value remains unchanged; only the number of shares and price per share adjust.

References:

FINRA Corporate Actions Guidance: FINRA Reverse Splits.

Step by Step Explanation:

Open-End Mutual Funds: Shares are purchased directly from the fund or its underwriter at the current Net Asset Value (NAV), plus any applicable sales charges.

Custodian: Holds the fund's assets but does not sell shares.

NYSE and Shareholders: Open-end funds do not trade on exchanges or between individual shareholders.

References:

SEC Mutual Fund Basics: SEC Mutual Funds.

Refunding involves replacing existing debt with new debt, usually to take advantage of lower interest rates.

B is correctbecause the company issues new bonds to pay off the existing debt.

Ais incorrect as refunding involves issuing debt, not equity.

Cis incorrect because the company is not obligated to buy back bonds at a discount.

Dis incorrect because a sinking fund is used for gradual repayment, not refunding.

The cost basis of a stock represents the purchase price and does not include dividends received. Taxes paid on dividends also do not affect the cost basis.

Original purchase price per share =$20.00.

Dividends and taxes on dividends do not adjust the stock’s cost basis.

A is correctbecause the cost basis remains $20.00.

B,C, andDincorrectly assume that dividends or taxes change the cost basis.

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.

Open-end mutual funds are redeemable securities, meaning investors can sell their shares back to the fund at the NAV.

D is correctbecause mutual funds allow redemption at NAV.

A,B, andCare not redeemable securities.

Technology stocks are considered high-risk investments due to their volatility and sensitivity to economic cycles, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. While they may offer significant growth potential, they carry greater risk than blue chip stocks, corporate bonds, or government bonds.

C is correctbecause technology stocks are subject to high volatility and risk.

Ais incorrect because blue chip stocks are generally stable and lower-risk.

Bis incorrect because corporate bonds carry moderate risk, depending on the issuer’s creditworthiness.

Dis incorrect because government bonds are considered low-risk due to the backing of the issuing government.

In atenants in commonaccount, each owner has a distinct percentage of ownership. Upon the death of one owner, their share does not transfer to the surviving owner(s); instead, it becomes part of the deceased’s estate.

C is correctbecause ownership is divided, and the deceased’s share passes to their estate.

Ais incorrect because partnerships have different agreements governing ownership transitions.

Bis incorrect because trust corporations are governed by trust agreements, not estate processes.

Dis incorrect because JTWROS accounts pass ownership directly to the surviving account holder(s).

Step by Step Explanation:

SEC Registration Statements: The SEC reviews registration statements for completeness and compliance but does not judge the merits, approve, or endorse the securities being offered.

Other Options:

A, B, and C: Misrepresent the SEC’s role in the registration process.

References:

SEC Bulletin on Registration Statements: SEC Registration Process.

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.

The quote indicates that the market maker is willing to buy 500 shares at $39.05 (bid) and sell 1,000 shares at $39.15 (ask). Market makers are required to honor their quoted size for orders that fall within their bid/ask prices.

D is correctbecause the market maker is obligated to sell at least 1,000 shares at $39.15 as it falls within the quoted size and price.

Bis incorrect because the bid is at $39.05, not $39.00.

Cis incorrect because $39.10 does not match the ask price.

Ais invalid as a stop order would not activate at $39.00.

Fundamental analysis focuses on evaluating a company’s financial health and potential for growth by analyzing its financial statements, such as the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement.

C is correctbecause financial statements provide the data necessary for fundamental analysis.

AandBare incorrect because chart patterns and moving averages are tools of technical analysis, not fundamental analysis.

Dis incorrect because resistance and support levels are also part of technical analysis.

A secondary market transaction occurs when securities are bought and sold between investors, typically on an exchange.

C is correctbecause securities purchased on a registered exchange are secondary market transactions.

Ais incorrect as open-end mutual fund shares are purchased directly from the issuer.

Brefers to the primary market.

Dis also incorrect as private placements occur in the primary market.

American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) allow U.S. investors to efficiently invest in foreign corporations without the need to trade on foreign exchanges. ADRs are traded on U.S. exchanges and represent shares of foreign companies.

D is correctbecause ADRs are designed for this purpose, simplifying currency exchange and reporting requirements for U.S. investors.

Ais incorrect because directly purchasing an ETF on a foreign exchange requires additional steps, such as foreign account setup.

Bis incorrect because options are derivative products, not direct investments in the stock.

Cis less efficient because mutual funds may not provide direct exposure to the specific corporation.

Step by Step Explanation:

FINRA Rule 3220: This rule limits gifts to $100 per person annually to prevent conflicts of interest.

Aggregate Limit: There is no provision for exceeding the $100 annual limit, regardless of the number of gifts.

Purpose: The rule ensures that gifts do not influence decisions or create unethical relationships.

References:

FINRA Rule 3220 (Influencing or Rewarding Employees of Others): FINRA Rule 3220.

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:

Escalation Requirement: The RR must promptly notify their supervisor or compliance department about the customer’s complaint as required by FINRA rules. Supervisors handle customer complaints according to firm procedures.

Incorrect Options:

B: Reimbursing the customer is not permissible without firm approval and may create compliance issues.

C: Complaints requiring Form U4 updates involve specific allegations such as fraud, not general dissatisfaction.

D: The RR should not contact FINRA directly; the firm will handle communications.

References:

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

Restricted stock refers to securities acquired through private placements, such as those offered under Regulation D. These securities are not registered with the SEC and are subject to holding period restrictions before resale.

A is correctbecause Regulation D offerings involve private placements, resulting in restricted stock.

Bis incorrect because IPOs involve publicly traded shares, not restricted stock.

CandDare incorrect because restricted stock is not obtained through warrants or exchange-traded options.

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:

Low Liquidity: Hedge funds often impose lock-up periods and restrict redemptions, leading to low liquidity for investors.

Incorrect Options:

B: Hedge funds typically have high minimum investment requirements, often $1 million or more.

C: Hedge funds employ diverse strategies, not just fixed income.

D: Hedge funds are generally opaque about their strategies and holdings to protect their competitive advantage.

References:

SEC Investor Bulletin on Hedge Funds: SEC Hedge Funds.

The cooling-off period begins after the registration statement is filed with the SEC and lasts for at least 20 days. During this time, the issuer and underwriters can market the securities but cannot finalize sales.

D is correctbecause marketing (e.g., roadshows) is permitted during the cooling-off period.

Ais incorrect because the final prospectus is distributed after the offering is effective.

BandCare incorrect because sales and deliveries are prohibited until the registration becomes effective.

Purchasing power risk, also known as inflation risk, occurs when inflation reduces the real value of a fixed-income stream. Fixed payments (e.g., bond interest or annuity payments) lose buying power as inflation rises.

D is correctbecause inflation directly affects fixed income by eroding purchasing power.

Ais incorrect because market risk relates to fluctuations in market prices, not inflation.

Bis incorrect because economic risk generally refers to broader economic downturns.

Cis incorrect because interest rate risk involves changes in bond prices due to interest rate movements, not inflation.

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.

A statutory disqualification occurs if an RR has been convicted of certain crimes, violated securities laws, or been barred by a regulatory authority. Under FINRA rules, the RR cannot associate with a member firm in any capacity unless they obtain a waiver from FINRA.

B is correctbecause the disqualified person must obtain a waiver to continue employment.

AandCare incorrect because the RR is not allowed to associate with the firm in any capacity without a waiver.

Dis incorrect because statutory disqualification directly affects the RR’s employment status.

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.

Step by Step Explanation:

National Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCC): A subsidiary of the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC), the NSCC handles the clearance and settlement of broker-to-broker equity, corporate bond, municipal bond, and UIT transactions.

Incorrect Options:

A: The SEC oversees regulatory compliance but does not settle trades.

B: FINRA is a self-regulatory organization, not a clearing entity.

C: The Federal Reserve manages monetary policy and banking but is not involved in securities settlement.

References:

DTCC Overview of NSCC:DTCC NSCC.

Step by Step Explanation:

Priority in Bankruptcy: Preferred stockholders have a higher claim on a company’s assets than common stockholders during liquidation. Common stockholders are residual claimants.

Dividend Priority: Preferred stockholders are entitled to fixed dividends before common stockholders receive any dividends.

Incorrect Options:

A & B: Common and preferred stocks are treated differently in bankruptcy and dividend payments.

C: Common stock dividends are subordinate to preferred stock dividends.

References:

SEC Guidance on Stockholder Rights:SEC Stock Rights.

Under FINRA Rule 2210, firms must avoid making predictions or projections of future investment performance.

B is correctbecause it involves prohibited predictive statements.

A,C, andDare acceptable under FINRA guidelines, as they do not involve prohibited content.