NASAA Series 65, Uniform Investment Adviser Law ExaminationInvestment Vehicle CharacteristicsEasy

A client is looking for a short-term, highly liquid investment that offers safety of principal and is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. They need to access their funds within a year. Which of the following would be the most suitable recommendation?

  1. ATreasury Note
  2. BTreasury Bond
  3. CTreasury Inflation-Protected Security (TIPS)
  4. DTreasury Bill
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. Treasury Bill

Treasury Bills are short-term government securities with maturities of one year or less, offering high liquidity and safety, making them ideal for the client's needs.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Treasury Notes have maturities of 2 to 10 years, also too long for a short-term need.
  • B. Treasury Bonds have maturities of 10 to 30 years, which is too long for a client needing funds within a year.
  • C. TIPS are designed to protect against inflation and have maturities of 5, 10, or 30 years, not suitable for a short-term, highly liquid investment need.

Treasury Bill (T-Bill)

A short-term debt obligation issued by the U.S. Treasury with a maturity of one year or less, sold at a discount from face value.

  • Maturity of one year or less
  • Issued at a discount, matures at face value
  • Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government

Memory trick: T-Bills are the shortest BIlls from the Treasury.

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