Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products Representative (Series 6)Practice Exam

What is typically included in the cost basis of an investment fund?

1. Market value at the time of redemption

2. Original investment amount only

3. Investment amount plus any reinvested earnings

4. Dividends received during the investment period

The correct answer is: Investment amount plus any reinvested earnings

The cost basis of an investment fund is primarily the amount originally invested, plus any reinvested earnings. This means that if an investor has chosen to reinvest dividends or any other earnings back into the fund, those amounts are added to the original investment to give a more accurate representation of the total investment in the fund. This total is important for calculating capital gains or losses when the investment is sold or redeemed, as it determines the taxable portion of the transaction. In contrast, the market value at the time of redemption reflects the current worth of the investment but does not directly factor into the cost basis calculation. The original investment amount alone does not account for reinvested earnings, which can significantly alter the total investment picture. Lastly, dividends received during the investment period are not included in the cost basis if they are taken as cash rather than being reinvested. Therefore, the most comprehensive and correct representation of the cost basis includes the investment amount combined with any reinvested earnings.