Canadian Securities Course (CSC) Level 1 Practice Exam

How does the non-competitive tender system work?

1. Bidding at agreed-upon interest rates

2. Accepting bids above a set maximum price

3. Accepting bids in full at average yield

4. Accepting bids through a lottery system

The correct answer is: Accepting bids in full at average yield

In a non-competitive tender system, investors submit bids without specifying the yield they are willing to accept. Instead, the bids are accepted at the average yield determined by the competitive bids received during the auction. This process is designed to provide a level of certainty for individual investors who are less inclined or unable to participate in competitive bidding. By securing their purchase at the average yield, these investors can ensure they will acquire the bonds without the risk of being outbid, thus making the non-competitive tender attractive for retail investors and smaller institutions. This mechanism helps stabilize the auction process and encourages broader participation from various types of investors, thereby contributing to a more efficient and effective bond market. The average yield reflects the market consensus determined by the competitive bids, ensuring that non-competitive bidders receive a fair return aligned with market conditions.