Investment Environment & UK Markets Flashcards

Which organisation is the primary conduct regulator for financial services firms in the UK?

Answer: The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

The FCA is the UK's primary conduct regulator, overseeing how firms treat customers and ensuring market integrity. The PRA focuses on prudential supervision of banks and insurers.

What is the primary function of the London Stock Exchange (LSE)?

Answer: To provide a regulated marketplace for buying and selling securities

The LSE's primary role is to operate a regulated marketplace where securities such as equities and bonds can be bought and sold in an orderly and transparent manner.

Which UK government body is responsible for setting monetary policy and the base interest rate?

Answer: The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of England

The MPC, a committee within the Bank of England, meets regularly to set the base rate and other monetary policy tools to meet the government's inflation target of 2%.

What does MiFID II primarily govern in the UK context post-Brexit?

Answer: Investment services and markets regulation

MiFID II (Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II) governs the provision of investment services and activities in regulated markets, covering transparency, best execution, and investor protection.

In the UK investment market, what is a 'gilt'?

Answer: A UK government bond

Gilts are UK government bonds issued by HM Treasury. They are called gilts because the original certificates had gilded (gold) edges. They are considered low-risk, fixed-income securities.

Which index is the primary benchmark for large-cap UK equities?

Answer: FTSE 100

The FTSE 100 index comprises the 100 largest companies listed on the LSE by market capitalisation and is the primary benchmark for large-cap UK equities, widely used as a barometer of the UK market.