Russell is a Dealing Representative with Wealth Quest Strategies Ltd., a mutual fund dealer and member of the Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada (MFDA). Russell is developing his website to include sales content on a Target Date Fund. Which of the following is Russell permitted to include on his website about the Target Date Fund?
i. the asset mix through the life of the fund until the future date
ii. the expected decline in the fund's risk level as the fund reaches its target date iii. the guaranteed return that the client will receive on the future date iv. a graphic illustration of the fund's promised growth on target date
Correct Answer: A
Explanation
A target date fund is a type of mutual fund that adjusts its asset allocation and risk level according to a predetermined future date, such as retirement or college education. A target date fund typically starts with a higher proportion of stocks and a lower proportion of bonds and cash, and gradually shifts to a more conservative mix as the target date approaches. This is called the fund's glide path, which shows the asset mix through the life of the fund until the future date. Russell is permitted to include this information on his website, as it is factual and relevant to the fund's characteristics and suitability. Russell is also permitted to include information about the expected decline in the fund's risk level as the fund reaches its target date, as this is part of the fund's objective and strategy. However, Russell is not permitted to include any information that implies or suggests that the target date fund offers a guaranteed return or a promised growth on the future date, as this would be misleading and inaccurate. Target date funds are not guaranteed investments, and their performance depends on the market conditions and the fund manager's decisions. Russell must not make any false or exaggerated claims about the target date fund's benefits or returns on his website.
References: Canadian Investment Funds Course, Chapter 7: Know Your Product1