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CFA Institute CFA-Level-I Exam - Topic 1 Question 29 Discussion

Andy Pilling is a bond trading specialist who recently started a special fund, the "Structured Bond Fund." The strategy behind this fund is quite complex, involving a mix of highly speculative, high-yield bonds and various tax-free municipal bonds for some stability. Andy has a strong view that the economy will remain vibrant and bullish over the next two years and hence, is not worried about the risky bonds. Assuming a falling rate scenario in this case allows the fund to project an expected return 130 basis points above the S&P 500 return. In his special report, Pilling does not disclose such assumptions nor does he reveal any details about the bond strategy. He does analyze the state of the economy and the future outlook in the report. Based on his reputation and his association with some big name academics, Pilling is able to obtain capital of close to 75 million dollars on this fund alone. Andy has:
C) violated Standard IV (A.2) - Research Reports - by not revealing the assumptions and details about the strategy.
A) not violated any standards in the AIMR Code of Ethics.
B) violated Standard IV (B.6) - Prohibition Against Misrepresentation.
D) violated Standard IV (B.1) - Fiduciary Duties - by not disclosing the nature of the strategy.

CFA Institute CFA-Level-I Exam - Topic 1 Question 29 Discussion

Actual exam question for CFA Institute's CFA-Level-I exam
Question #: 29
Topic #: 1
[All CFA-Level-I Questions]

Andy Pilling is a bond trading specialist who recently started a special fund, the "Structured Bond Fund." The strategy behind this fund is quite complex, involving a mix of highly speculative, high-yield bonds and various tax-free municipal bonds for some stability. Andy has a strong view that the economy will remain vibrant and bullish over the next two years and hence, is not worried about the risky bonds. Assuming a falling rate scenario in this case allows the fund to project an expected return 130 basis points above the S&P 500 return. In his special report, Pilling does not disclose such assumptions nor does he reveal any details about the bond strategy. He does analyze the state of the economy and the future outlook in the report. Based on his reputation and his association with some big name academics, Pilling is able to obtain capital of close to 75 million dollars on this fund alone. Andy has:

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Suggested Answer: C

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Kate
2 days ago
I think he’s fine, reputation matters in this game.
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Ernestine
7 days ago
Not sure if he's violated any standards, but it feels sketchy.
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Marya
12 days ago
Surprised he got 75 million without full transparency!
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Jutta
2 months ago
I agree, he should definitely disclose those assumptions.
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Tina
2 months ago
Sounds like a risky move with those high-yield bonds!
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Van
3 months ago
I’m a bit confused about the standards, but I think if he’s not disclosing key details, it could be a violation of ethics. Standard IV (A.2) seems relevant here.
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Glory
3 months ago
This situation reminds me of a practice question where a fund manager misrepresented their strategy. I think that could connect to Standard IV (B.6) about misrepresentation.
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Shawnda
3 months ago
I'm not entirely sure, but I feel like the lack of detail about the strategy could also relate to fiduciary duties. Maybe he violated Standard IV (B.1)?
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Nobuko
3 months ago
I remember discussing the importance of transparency in research reports, so I think he might have violated Standard IV (A.2) by not disclosing his assumptions.
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