1.
Which international economic figure is facing questioning over allegations of embezzlement and fraud?
Correct Answer
B. International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde
Explanation
International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde is facing questioning over allegations of embezzlement and fraud. This suggests that she is being investigated or accused of committing these crimes. The other options, Bank of England governor Mervyn King and European Central Bank president Mario Draghi, are not mentioned in relation to any allegations of embezzlement and fraud.
2.
Where did a dodgy British will-writer turn up this week and what did he claim was his name?
Correct Answer
A. Australia; Gary Lewis
Explanation
The dodgy British will-writer turned up in Australia this week and claimed that his name was Gary Lewis.
3.
Who warned Europe it was facing a “decade of stagnation”?
Correct Answer
B. Bank of Canada director Mark Carney
Explanation
The correct answer is Bank of Canada director Mark Carney. Mark Carney warned Europe that it was facing a "decade of stagnation." As the director of the Bank of Canada, Carney had expertise in economic matters and was in a position to provide insights on the state of the European economy. His warning indicated that he believed Europe would experience a prolonged period of economic stagnation, which could have significant implications for the region's economic growth and stability.
4.
How far did Irish gross mortgage lending plummet after the government withdrew tax reliefs for new borrowers?
Correct Answer
C. By 70%
Explanation
After the government withdrew tax reliefs for new borrowers in Ireland, gross mortgage lending experienced a significant decline. The correct answer indicates that Irish gross mortgage lending plummeted by 70%. This suggests that the removal of tax reliefs had a substantial impact on the mortgage market, leading to a sharp decrease in lending activity.
5.
Which challenger bank plans to launch in Scotland in June?
Correct Answer
B. Aldermore
Explanation
Aldermore is the correct answer because it is the only option among the given choices that is a challenger bank. Metro Bank is not a challenger bank, and Bank of Mum and Dad is not a bank at all. Therefore, Aldermore is the only logical choice for the challenger bank planning to launch in Scotland in June.
6.
How many Bank of Ireland customers gained a reprieve from the interest rate hike this week?
Correct Answer
A. 1,200
Explanation
1,200 Bank of Ireland customers gained a reprieve from the interest rate hike this week. This means that out of all the Bank of Ireland customers, 1,200 of them were exempted from the increase in interest rates.
7.
What did pro-Scottish independence campaigners describe the UK government's report on independence and financial services as?
Correct Answer
C. A hasty rewrite
Explanation
Pro-Scottish independence campaigners described the UK government's report on independence and financial services as "A hasty rewrite." This suggests that they believe the report was rushed and not thoroughly revised. It implies that the report may lack accuracy or credibility due to its rushed nature.
8.
Who described the Help to Buy scheme as a "bubble” followed by a “desert”?
Correct Answer
B. Council of Mortgage Lenders chief Paul Smee
Explanation
Paul Smee, the chief of the Council of Mortgage Lenders, described the Help to Buy scheme as a "bubble" followed by a "desert". This suggests that Smee believes the scheme initially created an artificial increase in housing demand, leading to a bubble. However, once the scheme ended or was scaled back, there was a decrease in demand, resulting in a desert-like situation with limited housing activity. This statement implies that Smee has concerns about the potential negative consequences of the Help to Buy scheme on the housing market.
9.
What did housing minister Mark Prisk suggest landlords needed to do to comply with his proposed immigration regulations?
Correct Answer
A. Check their tenant's passport
Explanation
The correct answer is to check their tenant's passport. This means that housing minister Mark Prisk suggested that landlords should verify the immigration status of their tenants by inspecting their passports. This is in line with the proposed immigration regulations, as it would help ensure that only individuals with legal immigration status are renting properties.
10.
Which musical did MP Richard Bacon quote to describe the self-build market?
Correct Answer
C. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang; “When it’s depressing, it’s a blessing”