Investment Basics Quiz

What is one way to distinguish investing from saving and trading?

• Investing involves buying goods for personal use.

• Investing focuses on short-term gains.

• Investing is primarily about preserving capital.

• Investing aims to grow wealth over time.

Answer explanation

Investing aims to grow wealth over time, distinguishing it from saving, which focuses on preserving capital, and trading, which often targets short-term gains.

Why might someone like Henry choose to invest rather than just save money?

• To avoid all financial risks.

• To outpace inflation and grow wealth.

• To ensure immediate liquidity.

• To minimize tax liabilities.

Answer explanation

Investing allows individuals to outpace inflation and grow their wealth over time, whereas saving typically offers lower returns that may not keep up with rising prices.

How does compounding help in building wealth over time?

• By reducing the amount of interest earned.

• By increasing the frequency of withdrawals.

• By earning interest on both the initial principal and the accumulated interest.

• By focusing solely on short-term investments.

Answer explanation

Compounding builds wealth by allowing you to earn interest on both your initial principal and the interest that accumulates over time. This leads to exponential growth of your investment.

One benefit of using an interactive simulation for making investment decisions is that it provides a (a)   environment to explore different strategies.

• safe

• dynamic

• controlled

• realistic

Answer explanation

Using an interactive simulation allows investors to test various strategies without real financial risk, making it a valuable tool for learning and decision-making.

Match the following actions with whether they describe saving (S) or investing (I):

• It is meant for short-term goals.

• Both S and I

• It can be used for both short-term and long-term goals.

• Saving (S)

• It involves buying stocks or bonds.

• Investing (I)

• It does not involve financial planning.

• Neither S nor I

Answer explanation

The statement describes saving (S) because saving is typically associated with short-term goals, while investing (I) is aimed at long-term growth. Therefore, the correct choice is Saving (S).

Nora is considering her financial options and is looking at assets like stocks and bonds. Identify whether this scenario describes saving (S) or investing (I):

• Saving (S)

• Investing (I)

• Both S and I

• Neither S nor I

Answer explanation

The statement describes investing (I) because it specifically mentions assets like stocks and bonds, which are typically associated with investment activities rather than saving.

Henry is considering two options for his money. One option harnesses compound interest and higher average returns to grow his wealth faster. This option describes (a)   :

• Saving (S)
• Investing (I)
• Both S and I
• Neither S nor I

Answer explanation

The statement refers to investing (I) as it emphasizes harnessing compound interest and achieving higher average returns, which are key characteristics of growing wealth through investments rather than traditional saving.

Aria is considering her financial options. She wants to choose an option that involves very little risk. Identify whether this scenario describes saving (S) or investing (I):

• Saving (S)

• Investing (I)

• Both S and I

• Neither S nor I

Answer explanation

The statement "It involves very little risk" describes saving (S), as savings accounts typically have low risk compared to investing (I), which involves higher risk for potential returns.

Identify whether the following statement describes saving (S) or investing (I): "Your account balance will be impacted by the market."

(a)  

• Saving (S)
• Investing (I)
• Both S and I
• Neither S nor I

Answer explanation

The statement indicates that the account balance is affected by market fluctuations, which is characteristic of investing (I). In contrast, saving typically involves stable, fixed returns not influenced by market changes.

Mason is considering starting to invest at a young age. What is the advantage of doing so?

• Higher risk of losing money

• More time for compound interest to grow

• Immediate financial independence

• Less need for financial planning

Answer explanation

Starting to invest at a young age allows for more time for compound interest to grow, which can significantly increase the value of investments over time. This is a key advantage of early investing.