1.
U.S. Federal income tax on the highest tax bracket peaked at what percentage in 1944?
Correct Answer
C. 94%
Explanation
In 1944, the U.S. Federal income tax on the highest tax bracket peaked at 94%. This means that individuals who fell into the highest tax bracket had to pay 94% of their income in taxes. This high tax rate was implemented during World War II to generate revenue for the war effort. It was a way for the government to fund the war and support the troops. This high tax rate was temporary and was gradually reduced in the following years.
2.
For 2012, a person filing singly would have to make less than what amount in order to qualify for the lowest federal income tax bracket?
Correct Answer
D. 8700
Explanation
In order to qualify for the lowest federal income tax bracket in 2012, a person filing singly would have to make less than $8,700. This means that if their income is equal to or below this amount, they would be eligible for the lowest tax rate applicable for that year.
3.
Which of the following types of securities does the U.S. Treasury department not sell through auction?
Correct Answer
B. Savings Bonds
Explanation
The U.S. Treasury department does not sell Savings Bonds through auction. Savings Bonds are instead sold directly to individuals at face value. They are a type of government bond that offers a fixed interest rate over a fixed period of time. Unlike Treasury Bills, TIPS, and Treasury Notes, which are all sold through auctions, Savings Bonds can be purchased online or at financial institutions.
4.
The NASDAQ was created in what year?
Correct Answer
C. 1971
Explanation
The correct answer is 1971. The NASDAQ, which stands for National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations, was created in 1971 as the world's first electronic stock market. It was established to provide investors with a more efficient and transparent trading platform. Unlike traditional stock exchanges, NASDAQ operates through a computerized system, allowing for faster and more accurate transactions. Since its inception, NASDAQ has grown to become one of the largest stock exchanges in the world, listing numerous technology and biotechnology companies.
5.
Which of the following investment types usually carries a heavy penalty for an early withdrawal?
Correct Answer
D. Certificate Of Deposit
Explanation
Certificate of Deposit usually carries a heavy penalty for an early withdrawal. This is because a Certificate of Deposit is a fixed-term investment where the investor agrees to keep their money deposited for a specific period of time, known as the maturity period. If the investor decides to withdraw their funds before the maturity period ends, they will typically incur a penalty fee. This penalty fee serves as a deterrent for early withdrawals and compensates the financial institution for the loss of interest they would have earned if the deposit had remained until maturity.
6.
When an individual files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which variety of assets is generally used to pay off a portion of their debt?
Correct Answer
A. Non-Exempt Liquid Assets
Explanation
When an individual files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, they are required to liquidate their non-exempt assets in order to pay off a portion of their debt. Non-exempt assets are those that are not protected or exempt from being used to pay off debts. Liquid assets refer to assets that can be easily converted into cash, such as bank accounts, stocks, or bonds. Therefore, the correct answer is "Non-Exempt Liquid Assets" as these are the assets that are typically used to pay off debts in Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
7.
Which of the following is true of a home equity loan?
Correct Answer
A. The Interest Rate Is Fixed
Explanation
A home equity loan typically has a fixed interest rate. This means that the interest rate remains the same throughout the life of the loan, providing stability for the borrower in terms of monthly payments. Unlike adjustable-rate loans, where the interest rate can fluctuate over time, a fixed interest rate ensures that the borrower's monthly payments remain consistent.
8.
Which of the following is an alternative name for the Consumer Price Index?
Correct Answer
C. Laspeyres Index
Explanation
The Laspeyres Index is an alternative name for the Consumer Price Index. The Laspeyres Index is a price index formula that measures the average change in prices of a fixed basket of goods and services consumed by a specific group of consumers. It is commonly used to track inflation and calculate cost-of-living adjustments. The other options mentioned (Mundell Index, Paasche Index, and Keynes Index) are not alternative names for the Consumer Price Index.
9.
Which of the following states imposes a state-wide sales tax?
Correct Answer
D. Wyoming
Explanation
Wyoming is the correct answer because it is the only state listed that imposes a state-wide sales tax. Montana, New Hampshire, and Delaware do not have a state-wide sales tax.
10.
What is the minimum age at which you can withdraw from a Roth 401(k) and not face a 10% penalty fee?
Correct Answer
A. 59 ╜
Explanation
The minimum age at which you can withdraw from a Roth 401(k) and not face a 10% penalty fee is 59 ½. This is because the IRS imposes a penalty fee for early withdrawals from retirement accounts, including Roth 401(k)s, before the age of 59 ½.
11.
What phrase coined by Adam Smith describes an economy's ability to self-correct imbalances?
Correct Answer
B. The Invisible Hand
Explanation
The phrase coined by Adam Smith, "The Invisible Hand," describes an economy's ability to self-correct imbalances. According to Smith, when individuals pursue their own self-interest in a free market, it leads to the overall benefit of society. The invisible hand refers to the unseen forces of supply and demand that guide market participants to make rational decisions, resulting in the efficient allocation of resources and the correction of imbalances without the need for government intervention.
12.
As of December, 2011, which of the following company's stocks is not used to compute the Dow Jones Industrial Average?
Correct Answer
B. Sears
Explanation
Sears is not used to compute the Dow Jones Industrial Average as of December 2011. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is calculated using the stocks of 30 large, publicly traded companies, known as "blue-chip" stocks. These stocks are selected by the editors of The Wall Street Journal based on their reputation, stability, and industry representation. Sears, a retail company, may not have met the criteria for inclusion in the index, leading to its exclusion from the computation.
13.
Which of the following type of mortgage loans is usually not a target for predatory mortgage servicing?
Correct Answer
B. Fixed Rate
Explanation
Fixed rate mortgage loans are usually not a target for predatory mortgage servicing because they have a stable interest rate that does not change over the life of the loan. Predatory mortgage servicing typically involves lenders or servicers taking advantage of borrowers through unfair practices such as excessive fees, high interest rates, or deceptive loan terms. Since fixed rate loans have a predictable and consistent payment structure, they are less susceptible to these predatory practices compared to other types of mortgage loans like subprime or Alt-A loans.
14.
Which of the following is not an anti-counterfeiting measure instituted by the U.S. Treasury?
Correct Answer
B. Making Bills Heavier
Explanation
Making bills heavier is not an anti-counterfeiting measure instituted by the U.S. Treasury. The U.S. Treasury has implemented various security features on bills to prevent counterfeiting, such as adding security strips, incorporating more colors, and adding larger portraits. However, the weight of the bills is not a factor in their anti-counterfeiting measures.
15.
What market form involves a market or industry dominated by a small number of sellers?
Correct Answer
C. Oligopoly
Explanation
An oligopoly is a market form in which a small number of sellers dominate the market or industry. In an oligopoly, these few sellers have significant control over the prices and competition in the market. This market structure often leads to intense competition among the sellers and can result in collusion or strategic behavior between them. Therefore, the correct answer is Oligopoly.