All Courses > ETFs > 100
ETFs 112: What to Know about Exchange-Traded Notes

Test your knowledge

Choose wisely. There is only one correct answer to each question.

0%
Keep studying!
Review your answers below to learn more.
1.
How can investors protect themselves from the credit risk inherent in owning an exchange-traded note?
Choose wisely. There is only one correct answer.
By monitoring the financial situation of the issuing bank, and selling out if warning signs appear. The other three options are ways to mitigate the market risk of the investment, not the credit risk.
2.
A sizable premium or discount on an exchange-traded note could be a red flag. Why?
Choose wisely. There is only one correct answer.
Either of the above. Either of these situations could lead to big premiums or discounts on an exchange-traded note.
3.
A big premium on an exchange-traded note is a good sign.
Choose wisely. There is only one correct answer.
False. A big premium usually indicates that the market is uncomfortable about the health of the issuing company.
4.
Exchange-traded notes (ETNs) and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have a lot in common. Which one of the following statements is false?
Choose wisely. There is only one correct answer.
ETNs and ETFs both hold a basket of securities in order to track the performance of an index. ETNs and ETFs both trade on exchanges; that's what the 'E' in their name stands for. They both have a create and redeem process for their shares, which allows authorized participants to exchange shares for the net asset value of the underlying index, preventing large trading spreads from opening up. They both charge a fee based on a percentage of the assets under management. However, only ETFs are funds which actually hold securities in trust for the shareholders; ETNs are the debt of the issuer, who promises to pay the return of the underlying index instead of a set interest rate.
5.
What is the main tax advantage of exchange-traded notes over exchange-traded funds?
Choose wisely. There is only one correct answer.
Taxes are charged only on capital gains when the ETN is sold. ETNs are not tax-free, but they can be used to defer taxes as typically dividend or interest income is applied as an increase in the principal, so investors only have to pay taxes upon sale. At that time, the typically lower capital gains rate will be applied, not the ordinary income rate, and if the ETN was held for longer than a year, the lower long-term rate will be applied. The exception is with currency ETNs, which are taxed like other currency investments including ETFs.