According to the LLQP Investment and Savings principles, the time horizon and purpose of funds are more important than an investor’s general risk tolerance when determining suitability. Although Eddie is comfortable with high-risk investments for long-term goals, the $100,000 provided by his parents has a very specific, short-term objective: serving as a home down payment within approximately 12 months.
For short-term goals, the LLQP curriculum stresses that capital preservation and certainty should take priority over growth. Market-based investments such as equity funds or bond funds can fluctuate significantly in value over short periods. A market downturn—even a temporary one—could materially reduce the value of Eddie’s down payment just when he needs it. Therefore, Options C and D are inappropriate, regardless of Eddie’s comfort with risk.
A regular savings account (Option A) offers high liquidity and safety, but typically provides very low returns. While safety is important, Eddie knows that he will not need the funds for up to a year. The LLQP study guide explains that when funds are not needed immediately but are required within a defined short-term period, short-term guaranteed investments are often the most suitable solution.
A one-year GIC meets all of Eddie’s needs. It provides full capital protection, a guaranteed rate of return, and a maturity that aligns perfectly with his expected home-buying timeline. Because the purchase horizon is known and relatively short, locking the funds in for one year does not create a liquidity problem. This approach protects Eddie from market risk while still allowing him to earn a modest return on the cash.
The LLQP curriculum emphasizes that funds earmarked for major short-term purchases—such as a home down payment—should not be exposed to market volatility, even for investors with high risk tolerance.
Therefore, based on LLQP-approved suitability principles, the correct and fully verified answer is Option B: Put the money in a one-year GIC.
