What is the best risk assessment of a portfolio composed only of dividend-paying Canadian chartered...

Although Canadian chartered banks are considered high-quality, dividend-paying “blue-chip” stocks, a portfolio composed only of bank stocks still carries risk due to lack of diversification. The Investment Funds in Canada curriculum explains that diversification reduces risk only when assets have low or negative correlation. Bank stocks tend to move together because they are influenced by similar economic factors such as interest rates, credit conditions, and regulatory changes.

This means the portfolio would have positive correlation, increasing exposure to sector-specific risk. While dividends may reduce volatility, they do not eliminate market or sector risk. The CIFC text stresses that “concentration in one sector exposes investors to systematic sector risk,” even when the companies are financially strong.

Options C and D are incorrect because no equity investment is risk-free, regardless of dividend history or reputation. Option B exaggerates risk by implying instability, which is inconsistent with Canadian banks’ historical performance.

Therefore, the correct and CIFC-verified answer is Option A.