Monday quiz
Kickstart the week with a test of your investment knowledge--this week's focus is on money markets
a) To control the amount of cash in the banking system
b) To control foreign exchange rates
c) To control unemployment
d) To promote speculation
2. The UK money markets are dominated by?
a) GEMMs
b) Private investors
c) Large financial and non-financial institutions
d) Money market brokers
3. What is happening if the ratio between gilt and equity yields rises?
a) Bond yields are rising compared to dividend yields
b) Gilts and equities are about to rise
c) Equities are too expensive
d) Equities are about to rise by comparison with gilts
Answers
1. a) The Bank of England uses T-bills to manage the amount of cash in
the banking system (and interest rates) by conducting Open Market
Operations (OMOs). During OMOs the Bank is buying or selling T-Bills in
the London money market to either inject or remove cash to/from the
banking system.
2. c) Although it is possible for members of the general public to hold money market instruments, the minimum values of most instruments are large enough to discourage wide-scale private involvement.
3. a) Gilts are bonds, and their yield will rise as other bond yields rise. Equities pay dividends--the yield from dividends is known as the dividend yield.
Click here to access the Morningstar Glossary of investment terms and definitions.