Investment Environment Flashcards

What role does the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) play in the UK financial system?

Answer: It is responsible for the prudential regulation and supervision of banks, building societies, and insurers

The PRA, part of the Bank of England, is responsible for the prudential regulation and supervision of around 1,500 banks, building societies, credit unions, insurers, and major investment firms. Its primary objective is to promote the safety and soundness of these firms and, for insurers, to contribute to policyholder protection.

Which of the following best describes the yield curve in normal economic conditions?

Answer: Long-term yields are higher than short-term yields

A normal (positive) yield curve shows long-term bonds yielding more than short-term bonds. This reflects the term premium — investors demand higher compensation for locking up capital for longer periods due to greater uncertainty about future inflation, interest rates, and credit risk. An inverted curve (short rates above long rates) often signals recession expectations.

What is the primary function of the London Stock Exchange's Alternative Investment Market (AIM)?

Answer: To provide a market for smaller, growing companies to raise capital

AIM was launched in 1995 as a sub-market of the London Stock Exchange specifically designed for smaller, growing companies. It offers a more flexible regulatory environment than the Main Market, with lighter listing requirements, making it easier for smaller firms to access equity capital. AIM companies benefit from certain tax reliefs including Business Property Relief for IHT purposes.

In the context of Modern Portfolio Theory, what does the 'efficient frontier' represent?

Answer: The set of portfolios offering the highest expected return for each level of risk

The efficient frontier, developed by Harry Markowitz, represents the set of optimal portfolios that offer the highest expected return for a given level of risk (or the lowest risk for a given return). Portfolios below the frontier are sub-optimal because they could achieve either higher returns at the same risk or lower risk at the same return through better diversification.

What is the impact of rising interest rates on the price of existing fixed-rate bonds?

Answer: Bond prices fall as new bonds offer higher yields

There is an inverse relationship between interest rates and bond prices. When interest rates rise, newly issued bonds offer higher coupon rates, making existing bonds with lower coupons less attractive. To compensate, existing bond prices fall until their yield to maturity matches prevailing rates. This interest rate risk is measured by duration.

Which of the following describes 'stagflation'?

Answer: Low economic growth combined with high inflation and high unemployment

Stagflation describes an economic condition where stagnant economic growth (low or negative GDP growth), high unemployment, and high inflation occur simultaneously. This is particularly challenging for policymakers because traditional tools to combat inflation (raising interest rates) would worsen unemployment, while stimulating growth could fuel further inflation. The UK experienced notable stagflation in the 1970s.