RES 2013-016CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
Resolution No. 2013-16
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
DELEGATING ITS INVESTMENT AUTHORITY TO THE CITY TREASURER AND
RECONFIRMING AND ADOPTING THE CITY WRITTEN INVESTMENT POLICY
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR OCTOBER 1, 2012 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 53607 allows the City Council to delegate its
investment authority to the City Treasurer; and
WHEREAS, the annual review and adoption of the Investment Policy Statement is required to
be adopted by resolution;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of South Lake Tahoe that:
Section 1 The City Council Investment Authority is delegated to the Elected City Treasurer.
Section 2 The Investment Policy as attached is a complete and correct copy under which
City investments are authorized and is adopted as the annual statement of investments.
PASSED AND ADOPTED, by the City Council of the City of South Lake Tahoe at a
regular meeting on the 19th day of February, 2013 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Councilmembers DAMS , COLE CONNER , LAINE & SWANSOT?
Councilmembers
Councilmembers
Councilmembers
CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
.-sue 4^ ~L~.t_YVe ~,~ ~~ I ( i~V ~ ~
:~ - Mayor
T ~i ~ Tom Davis,
TTE~~
Alessi, City Clerk
~ ,,~~'~
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U ~ ~r
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City of South Lake Tahoe
Investment Policy
Fiscal Year 2012/2013
City of South Lake Tahoe
Investment Policy
Fiscal Year 2412/2013
I. POLICY
It is the policy of the City of South Lake Tahoe (City) to invest public funds in a manner
which will provide the highest investment return with the maximum security while meeting the
daily cash flow demands of the entity and conforming to all state and local statutes governing the
investment of public funds.
II. SCOPE
This investment policy applies to all financial assets of the City. These funds are
accounted for in the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and include:
• General Fund
• .Special Revenue Funds
• Debt Service Funds
• Capital Project Funds
• Enterprise Funds
• Internal Service Funds
• Fiduciary Funds
This investment policy does not apply to Bond Proceeds or Deferred Compensation
Funds. California Government Code Section 5922(d) authorizes bond, certificates of
participation notes and other debt issue proceeds to be invested in accordance with the related
offering documentation. These Code Sections recognize the unique needs and objectives of such
proceeds. Likewise, Deferred Compensation Plans are covered under California Government
Code.
III. PRUDENT PERSON RULE
Investments shall be made with judgment and care-under circumstances then prevailing-
which persons of prudence, discretion and intelligence exercise in the management of their own
affairs, not for speculation, but for investment, considering the probable safety of their capital as
well as the probable income to be derived.
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1. The standard of prudence to be used by investment officials shall be the "prudent person"
and/or "prudent investor" standard and shall be applied in the context of managing an overall
portfolio. Investment officers acting in accordance with written procedures and the investment
policy and exercising due diligence shall be relieved of personal responsibility for an individual
security's credit risk or market price changes, provided deviations from expectations are reported
in a timely fashion and appropriate action is taken to control adverse developments.
IV. OBJECTIVE
1. Safety: Safety of principal is the foremost objective of the investment program.
Investments of the City shall be undertaken in a manner that seeks to ensure the preservation of
capital in the overall portfolio. To attain this objective, the City will diversify its investments by
investing funds among a variety of securities offering independent returns and financial
institutions.
2. Liquidity: The City's investment portfolio will remain sufficiently liquid to enable the
City to meet all operating requirements which might be reasonably anticipated.
3. Yield on Investments: The City's investment portfolio shall be designed with the
objective of attaining a benchmark rate of return throughout budgetary and economic cycles,
commensurate with the City's investment risk constraints and the cash flow characteristics of the
portfolio.
V. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY
Authority to manage the City's investment program is derived from California
Government Code 53646. Management responsibility for the investment program is hereby
delegated to the City Treasurer who shall be responsible for all transactions undertaken and shall
establish a system of controls to regulate the activities of subordinate officials, and their
procedures in the absence of the City Treasurer.
1. Investment Procedures: The City Treasurer shall establish written investment policy
procedures for the operation of the investment program consistent with this policy. The
procedures should include reference to: safekeeping, PSA repurchase agreements, wire transfer
agreements, banking service contracts and collateraUdepository agreements. Such procedures
shall include explicit delegation of authority of persons responsible for investment transactions.
No person may engage in an investment transaction except as provided under the terms of this
policy and the procedures established by the City Treasurer.
VI ETHICS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Officers and employees involved in the investment process shall refrain from personal
business activity that could conflict with proper execution of the investment program, or which
would impair their ability to make impartial investment decisions. Employees and investment
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officials shall disclose to the City Manager any material financial interests in financial
institutions that conduct business within their jurisdiction, and they shall further disclose any
large personal financial/investment positions that could be related to the performance of the City.
All the City's employees who are listed on the City's Conflict of Interest Policy are required by
the Fair Political Practices Commission to complete and file a Form 700 annually.
VII. AUTHORIZED FINANCIAL DEALERS AND INSTITUTIONS
The Treasurer will maintain a list of financial institutions authorized to provide
investment services. In addition, a list will also be maintained for approved or security
broker/dealers selected by, the City Treasurer and approved by the City council, for their credit
worthiness that are authorized to provide investment services in the State of California. These
may include "primary" dealers or regional dealers that qualify under Securities & Exchange
Commission Rule 15C3-1 (uniform net capital rule). No public deposit shall be made except in a
qualified public depository as established by state laws. All financial institutions and
broker/dealers who desire to become qualified bidders for investment transactions must supply
the Treasurer with the following: audited financial statements, proof of National Association of
Security Dealers certification, trading resolution, proof of state registration, completed
broker/dealer questionnaire, certification of having read City's investment policy and depository
contracts.
An annual review of financial condition and registrations of qualified bidders will be conducted
by the Treasurer. A current audited financial statement is required to be on file for each financial
institution and broker/dealer in which the City invests.
VIII. AUTHORIZED AND SUITABLE INVESTMENTS
The City is empowered by statute to invest in the following types of securities:
1. Certificates of Deposit (or Time Deposits) placed with commercial banks and or
savings and loan institutions.
2. Bankers' Acceptance.
3. Securities of the U.S. Government or its agencies.
4. Commercial Paper.
5. Medium-Term Corporate Notes.
6. Local Agency Investment Fund (State Pool) Demand Deposits.
7. Negotiable Certificates of Deposit.
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City of South Lake Tahoe
Investment Policy
Fiscal Year 2012!2013
8. Passbook Savings Account Demand Deposits.
9. Shares of beneficial interest issued by diversified management companies
(Government Security Mutual Funds 2370M of the California Revenue and Taxation
Code).
10. Bonds or Notes of California Local Agencies.
11. Bond proceeds may be invested as authorized by California Government Code
53601(k), but may also be invested in authorized investments as outlined in bond
covenants and agreements.
12. Registered Treasury Notes or Bonds of a1150 United States.
Prohibited Investments: Under Provisions of California Code 53601.6 the City shall not
invest any funds covered by this Investment Policy in inverse floaters, range notes, interest-only
strips derived from mortgage pools or any investment that may result in a zero interest accrual if
held to maturity. Also, the City shall not invest in Reverse Repurchased Agreements and
Mortgage Pass Through Securities.
IX INVESTMENT POOLS/MUTUAL FUNDS
A thorough investigation of the poollfunds is required prior to investing, and on a
continual basis. There shall be a questionnaire developed which will answer the following
general questions:
• A description of eligible investment securities, and a written statement of
investment policy and objectives.
• A description of interest calculations and how it is distributed, and how gains and
losses are treated.
• A description of how the securities are safeguarded (including the settlement
processes), and how often the securities are priced and the program audited.
• A description of who may invest in the program, how often, what size deposit and
withdrawal are allowed.
• A schedule for receiving statements and portfolio listings.
• Are reserves, retained earnings, etc. utilized by the pooUfund?
• A fee schedule, and when and how is it assessed.
• Is the pooUfund eligible for bond proceeds and/or will it accept such proceeds?
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City of South Lake Tahoe
Investment Policy
Fiscal Yeaz 2012/2013
X. COLLATERIZATION
Collateraliztion will be required on two types of investments: certificates of deposit and
sweep checking accounts. In order to anticipate market changes and provide a level of security
for all funds, the collateralization level will be 110% of market value of principal and accrued
interest.
The City chooses to limit collateral to the following: certificates of deposit and sweep
checking accounting held by an independent third party with whom the entity has a current
custodial agreement. A clearly marked evidence of ownership (safekeeping receipt) must be
supplied to the entity and retained. The right of collateral substitution is granted.
Collateral for other investments must be 110% of principal for government securities and
150% of principal for first mortgages.
XI. SAFEKEEPING AND CUSTODY
All security transactions entered into by the City shall be conducted on adelivery-versus
payment (DVP} basis. Securities will be held by a third party custodian designated by the
Treasurer and evidenced by safekeeping receipts.
XII. DIVERSIFICATION
The City will diversify its investments by security type and institution. V~ith the
exception of U.S. Treasury securities and authorized pools, no more than 50% of the City's total
investment portfolio will be invested in a single security type or with a single financial
institution.
The City Treasurer may invest in the following types of Investment Instruments:
1. Certificate of Deposit: Cash will be invested only in FDIC or FSLIC insured
certificates of deposit. Collateral for investments of greater than $250,000.00 in any one
institution will only be considered through one of the 15 largest banks in the United States with a
credit rating of "aaa" by A.M. Best & Company or "5 stars" by Bank Rate.com. No more than
5% of the City portfolio, not to exceed $500,000.00 shall be invested in any one institution. An
institution must meet the following further criteria:
a. The institution must have been in existence for more than two calendar years.
b. The institution must maintain a net worth to asset ratio of at least 3% with a
positive earnings record for at least the past two years.
c. The institution offices must be located within the United States of America. In
no case, however, will an amount greater than the FDIC or FSLIC insured
maximum be invested in an institution located outside of the State of California.
2. Bankers' Acceptances: The City will only invest through the 15 largest banks in the
United States or the 100 largest banks in the world (in terms of assets). The maximum
investment with any one institution will not exceed $1.0 million. The maximum maturity will be
180 days. The maximum proportion of City funds invested in Bankers' Acceptance shall not
exceed 20% of the total City portfolio. (Note: California Government Code allows a maximum
of 40%).
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Investment Policy
Fiscal Year 2012/2013
3. Securities of the U.S. Government or its A eg ncies: Securities purchased from
brokers/dealers shall be held in third party safekeeping by the trust department of the City's bank
or by other designated third party trust in the City's name and control, whenever possible.
4. Commercial Paper: The City will require safekeeping documentation in an acceptable
safekeeping account in the City's name. Commercial paper will be used solely as a short-term
investment not to exceed 270 days. The City will only invest through the largest 15 banks (in
terms of assets) in the United States. Commercial paper will be of "prime" quality of the highest
ranking or of the highest letter and number rating as provided for by a nationally recognized
statistical-rating organization.
5. Medium-Term Corporate Notes: The City will require safekeeping documentation in
an acceptable safekeeping account in the City's name. The City may invest in medium-term
corporate notes of a maximum of five years maturity issued by corporations organized and
operating within the United States or by depository institutions licensed by the United States or
any state and operating within the United States.
Notes eligible for investment shall be rated "A" or better by a nationally recognized rating
service. The maximum proportion of City funds invested in Medium Term Corporate Notes
shall not exceed 30% of the total City Portfolio. The maximum investment in any one
Corporation will not exceed the lesser of $2.0 million or 5% of the investment funds available.
6. Local Aggncv Investment Fund (State Pool): The investment with LAIF may not, by
state regulation, exceed $50 million. LAIF transactions, by LAIF guidelines, are not to exceed
15 per month.
7. Negotiable Certificates of Deposit: the City shall only invest with the largest 15 banks
(in terms of asset) in the United States.
8. Passbook Savings Account Demand Deposits: This account shall be maintained solely
for the following purposes:
a. Investment of amounts over $100,000.00 received too late in the day to invest
in other instruments; or,
b. Investment of amounts under $100,000.00 for periods of up to ten working
days in order to fine-tune cash flow and minimize LAIF transactions in a given
month.
9. Government Security Mutual Funds: Instruments invested in shall meet the following:
a. Have the highest ranking or rating as provided by not less than two of the three
largest nationally recognized rating services; or,
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City of South Lake Tahce
Investment Policy
Fiscal Year 2012/2013
b. Have an investment advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission with not less than five years experience investing in these types of
funds, and
c. Have assets under management in excess of five hundred million dollars
($SOO,000,OOOAO), and
d. Have no commissions paid
e. The City shall invest no more than 15% of the portfolio in these instruments.
f. The five-yeaz maturity specified in paragraph F below will not apply to
Government Security Mutual Funds investing primarily in adjustable rate securities
guaranteed as to payment of principal and interest by the U.S. Government or its
agencies.
10. Bonds, Notes or other evidences of indebtedness issue by the. California Local
Agencies: These instruments of indebtedness shall include bonds payable solely out of the
revenues from revenue-from revenue-producing property owned, controlled, or operated by the
local agency, or by a department, board, agency, or authority of the local agency as authorized by
California Government Code 53601 (e). Notes eligible for investment shall be rated in a category
of "A" or its equivalent by two Nationally Recognized Rating Organizations.
1 1. Bond Proceeds: Section 53601 (k) allows greater flexibility with respect to the types
of investments that may be made with bond proceeds. The law permits money from bond
proceeds to be invested in any security that meets the statutory provisions governing the issuance
of the bond or other agreements made by the issuing agency. This section of the code recognizes
outstanding contracts between issuers and bond holders such as indenture or rating agency
requirements and gives local agencies greater discretion in how to invest bond proceeds.
Specifically, Bond proceeds may be invested in instruments with maturities longer than the 5 year
limitation that applies to other investments.
12. Notes and Bonds of the 50 States: Registered Treasury notes or bonds of a1150 United
States including bonds payable solely out of the revenues from arevenue-producing property
owned, controlled, or operated by a state or by a department, board, agency or authority of the
state as authorized by California Government Code 53601 (c) and (d). Notes eligible for
investment shall be rated in a category of "A" or its equivalent by two Nationally Recognized
Rating Organizations.
XIII. MAXIMUM MATURI'~IES
To the extent possible, the City will attempt to match its investments with anticipated cash
flow requirements. Unless matched to a specific cash flow and /or authorized by the City
Council, the City will not directly invest in securities maturing more than five yeazs from the date
of purchase.
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City of South Lake Tahoe
Investment Policy
Fiscal Year 2012!2013
CD maturities will normally not exceed two years. U.S. Government or Agency securities will
not exceed five years. At least 50% of idle funds will be placed in investments which can be
liquidated for at least face value in the event of an emergency. The City uses LAIF for its idle
funds to insure this requirement is met.
XIV. INTERNAL CONTROL
The Treasurer shall establish an annual process of independent review by an external
auditor. This review will provide internal control by assuring compliance with policies and
procedures.
XV. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
The investment portfolio shall be designed with the objective of obtaining a rate of return
throughout budgetary and economic cycles, commensurate with the investment risk constraints
and the cash flow needs.
1. Market Yield (,Benchmark: the City's investment strategy is passive. Given this
strategy, the basis used by the Treasurer to determine whether market yields is being achieved
shall be to identify a comparable benchmark to the portfolios investment duration, e.g., 90 day US
Treasury Bill, 6 month US Treasury Bill, Average Fed Funds Rate or LAIF.
XVI. REPOR'~ING
1. In accordance with California Government Code 53646 (B (1), The City Treasurer shall
submit to each member of the City Council a quarterly investment report. The report shall include
a complete description of the portfolio, the type of investments, the issuers, maturity dates, par
values and the current market values of each component of the portfolio, including funds managed
for the City of South Lake Tahoe by third party contract managers. The report will also include
the source of the portfolio valuation. As specified in California Government code 53646 (e), if all
funds are placed in LAIF, FDIC-insured accounts and/or in a county investment pool, the
foregoing report elements may be replaced by copies of the latest statements from such
institutions. The report must also include a certificate that (1) all investment actions executed
since the last report have been made in foil compliance with the Investment Policy and, (2) the
city of South Lake Tahoe will meet its expenditure obligations for the next six months.
2. A staff investment committee consisting of Treasurer, City Manager and Finance
Director will convene at least once a year to review the investment program. Such review shall
examine both policy and administrative procedures in the program for possible revision. This
meeting will normally occur in August.
3. Strategy Review: The staff investment committee will review interest rate trends and
resultant desirable investment maturity goals consistent with the City's needs for safety and
liquidity in its investment program.
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Investment Policy
Fiscal Year 2012/2013
XVII. INV,~STMENT POLICY ADOPTION
The City's investment policy shall be adopted by resolution of the City's legislative
authority. Per Government code, the policy shall be reviewed annually by the City Council and
any modifications made thereto must be approved by the City Council.
XVIII. GUIDELINES
Guidelines are established to direct and control activities in such a manner that previously
established goals are achieved.
1. Investment Transactions: Every investment transaction must be authorized,
documented and reviewed by the local agency Treasurer.
2. Pooled Cash: Whenever practical, local agency cash should be consolidated into one
bank account and invested on a pooled concept basis. Interest earnings may be allocated to fund
cash and investment balances.
3. Cpmpetitivg Bids: Purchase and sale of securities should be made on the basis of
competitive offers and bids when practical.
4. dash Forecast: The cash flow for the local agency should be analyzed with the receipt
of revenues and maturity of investments scheduled so that adequate cash will be available to meet
disbursement requirements.
5. Investment Limitations: Security purchases and holdings shall be maintained within
statutory limits imposed by the Investment Policy and California Government code. Any
investments not listed are not subject to % limitations.
Bankers' Acceptance
Commercial Paper
Negotiable Cert. Of Deposit
Medium-Term Corporate Notes
40% Code Section 53601 (f}
25% Code Section 53601 (g}
30% Code Section 53601 (h)
30% Code Section 53601 (j)
6. Li id' :The marketability (salability) of a security should be considered at the time
of purchase as the security may have to be sold at a later date to meet unanticipated cash demand.
7. Long Term Maturities: As a general rule, long-term maturities should not represent a
significant percentage of the total portfolio, as the principal risk involved can outweigh the
potential for higher earnings.
8. Authorized Broker/Dealers: Execute investment transactions with previously approved
broker/dealers who have certified compliance with the City's. investment policy.
9. Diversification: The portfolio should consist of a mix of various types of securities,
issuers and maturities.
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Investment Policy
Fiscal Yeaz 20 1 2120 1 3
10. Evaluation of Certificates of Deposit: The following items will govern the valuation:
a. Time Certificates of Deposit (TCD) shall be evaluated in terms of FDIC or
FSLIC coverage. For deposits in excess of the inswed maximum of $250,000.00,
approved collateral at the amounts stated in section X of this policy. (California
Government Code 53652 and/or 53651 (m).
b. Negotiable Certificates of Deposit (NCD) shall be evaluated in terms of the
credit worthiness of the issuer, as these deposits aze uninsured and uncollateralized
notes.
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GLOSSARY
(Note: Entities are encouraged to include a glossary as part of the investment policy. All words
of a technical nature should be included. Following is an example of common treasury
terminology.)
AGENCIES: Federal agency securities and/or Government-sponsored enterprises.
ASKED: The price at which securities are offered.
BANKERS' ACCEPTANCE (BA): A draft or bill or exchange accepted by a bank or trust
company. The accepting institution guarantees payment of the bill, as well as the issuer.
BENCHMARK: A comparative base for measuring the performance or risk tolerance of the
investment portfolio. A benchmark should represent a close correlation to the level of risk
and the average duration of the portfolio's investments.
BID: The price offered by a buyer of securities. (When you are selling securities, you ask for a
bid.) See Offer.
BROKER: A broker brings buyers and sellers together for a commission.
CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT (CD): A time deposit with a specific maturity evidenced by a
Certificate. Large-denomination CD's are typically negotiable.
COLLATERAL: Securities, evidence of deposit or other property, which a borrower pledges to
secure repayment of a loan. Also refers to securities pledged by a bank to secure deposits
of public monies.
COMPREHENSNE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT (CAFR): The official annual report
for the . It includes five combined statements for each individual fund
and account group prepared in conformity with GAAP. It also includes supporting schedules
necessary to demonstrate compliance with finance-related legal and contractual provisions,
extensive introductory material, and a detailed
Statistical Section.
COUPON: (a) The annual rate of interest that a bond's issuer promises to pay the bondholder
on the bond's face value. (b) A certificate attached to a bond evidencing interest due on
a payment date. DEALER: A dealer, as opposed to a broker, acts as a principal in all
transactions, buying and selling for his own account.
DEBENTURE: A bond secured only by the general credit of the issuer.
DELIVERY VERSUS PAYMENT: There are two methods of delivery of securities: delivery
versus payment and delivery versus receipt. Delivery versus payment is delivery of securities
The Association of public Treasurers of the United States & Canada ...oF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA
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with an exchange of money for the securities. Delivery versus receipt is delivery of securities
with an exchange of a signed receipt for the securities.
DERIVATIVES: (1) Financial instruments whose return profile is linked to, or derived from,
the movement of one or more underlying index or security, and may include a leveraging factor,
or (2) financial contracts based upon notional amounts whose value is derived from an
underlying index or security (interest rates, foreign exchange rates, equities or commodities).
DISCOUNT: The difference between the cost price of a security and its maturity when quoted at
lower than face value. A security selling below original offering price shortly after sale also is
considered to be at a discount.
DISCOUNT SECURITIES: Non-interest bearing money market instruments that are issued a
discount and redeemed at maturity for full face value, e.g., U.S. Treasury Bills.
DIVERSIFICATION: Dividing investment funds among a variety of securities offering
independent returns.
FEDERAL CREDIT AGENCIES: Agencies of the Federal government set up to supply credit
to various classes of institutions and individuals, e.g., S&L's, small business firms, students,
farmers, faun cooperatives, and exporters.
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION (FDIC): A federal agency that
insures bank deposits, currently up to $100,000 per deposit. FEDERAL FUNDS RATE: The rate
of interest at which Fed funds are traded. This rate is currently pegged by the Federal Reserve
through open-market operations.
FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANKS (FHLB): Government sponsored wholesale banks
(currently 12 regional banks), which lend funds and provide correspondent banking services to
member commercial banks, thrift institutions, credit unions and insurance companies. The
mission of the FHLBs is to liquefy the housing related assets of its members who must purchase
stock in their district Bank.
FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (FNMA): FNMA, like GNMA was
chartered under the Federal National Mortgage Association Act in 1938. FNMA is a federal
corporation working under the auspices of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD). It is the largest single provider of residential mortgage funds in the United States. Fannie
Mae, as the corporation is called, is a private stockholder-owned corporation. The corporation's
purchases include a variety of adjustable mortgages and second loans, in addition to fixed-rate
mortgages. FNMA's securities are also highly liquid and are widely accepted. FNMA assumes
and guarantees that all security holders will receive timely payment of principal and interest.
FEDERAL OPEN MARKET COMMITTEE (FOMC): Consists of seven members of the
Federal Reserve Board and five of the twelve Federal Reserve Bank Presidents. The President of
the New York Federal Reserve Bank is a permanent member, while the other Presidents. serve on
a rotating basis. The Committee periodically meets to set Federal Reserve guidelines regarding
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Revised 1/OS -Replaces all previous editions.
purchases and sales of Government Securities in the open market as a means of influencing the
volume of bank credit and money.
FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM: The central bank of the United States created by Congress
and consisting of a seven member Board of Governors in Washington, D.C., 12 regional banks
and about 5,700 commercial banks that are members of the system.
GOVERNMENT NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (GNMA or Ginnie Mae):
Securities influencing the volume of bank credit guaranteed by GNMA and issued by mortgage
bankers, commercial banks, savings and loan associations, and other institutions. Security
holder is protected by full faith and credit of the U. S. Government. Ginnie Mae securities
are backed by the FHA, VA or FmIIA mortgages. The term "pass-throughs" is often used to
describe Ginnie Maes.
LIQUIDITY: A liquid asset is one that can be converted easily and rapidly into cash without
a substantial loss of value. In the money market, a security is said to be liquid if the spread
between bid and asked prices is narrow and reasonable size can be done at those quotes.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT POOL (LGIP}: The aggregate of all funds from
political subdivisions that are placed in the custody of the State Treasurer for investment and
reinvestment.
MARKET VALUE: The price at which a security is trading and could presumably be purchased
or sold.
MASTER REPURCHASE AGREEMENT: A written contract covering all future transactions
between the parties to repurchase-reverse repurchase agreements that establishes each party's
rights in the transactions. A master agreement will often specify, among other things, the right of
the buyer-lender to liquidate the underlying securities in the event of default by the seller
borrower.
MATURITY: The date upon which the principal or stated value of an investment becomes due
and payable.
MONEY MARKET: The market in which short-term debt instruments (bills, commercial
paper, bankers' acceptances, etc.) are issued and traded.
OFFER: The price asked by a seller of securities. (When you are buying securities, you ask for
an offer.) See Asked and Bid.
OPEN MARKET OPERATIONS: Purchases and sales of government and certain other
securities in the open market by the New York Federal Reserve Bank as directed by the FOMC
in order to influence the volume of money and credit in the economy. Purchases inject reserves
into the bank system and stimulate growth of money and credit; sales have the opposite effect.
Open market operations are the Federal Reserve's most important and most flexible monetary
policy tool.
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PORTFOLIO: Collection of securities held by an investor.
PRIMARY DEALER: A group of government securities dealers who submit daily reports of
market activity and positions and monthly financial statements to the Federal Reserve Bank
of New York and are subject to its informal oversight. Primary dealers include Securities
and Exchange Commission (SEC)-registered securities broker-dealers, banks, and a few
unregulated firms.
PRUDENT PERSON RULE: An investment standard. In some states the law requires that a
fiduciary, such as a trustee, may invest money only in a list of securities selected by the custody
state-the so-called legal list. In other states the trustee may invest in a security if it is one
which would be bought by a prudent person of discretion and intelligence who is seeking a
reasonable income and preservation of capital.
QUALIFIED PUBLIC DEPOSITORIES: A financial institution which does not claim
exemption from the payment of any sales or compensating use or ad valorem taxes under the
laws of this state, which has segregated for the benefit of the commission eligible collateral
having a value of not less than its maximum liability and which has been approved by the Public
Deposit Protection Commission to hold public deposits.
RATE OF RETURN: The yield obtainable on a security based on its purchase price or its
current market price. This may be the amortized yield to maturity on a bond the current income
return.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT (RP OR REPO): A holder of securities sells these securities
to an investor with an agreement to repurchase them at a fixed price on a fixed date. The security
"buyer" in effect lends the "seller" money for the period of the agreement, and the terms of the
agreement are structured to compensate him for this. Dealers use RP extensively to finance their
positions. Exception: When the Fed is said to be doing RP, it is lending money that is, increasing
bank reserves.
SAFEKEEPING: A service to customers rendered by banks for a fee whereby securities and
valuables of all types and descriptions are held in the bank's vaults for protection.
SECONDARY MARKET: A market made for the purchase and sale of outstanding issues
following the initial distribution.
SECURITIES & EXCHANGE COMMISSION: Agency created by Congress to protect
investors in securities transactions by administering securities legislation.
SEC RULE 15C3-1: See Uniform Net Capital Rule.
STRUCTURED NOTES: Notes issued by Government Sponsored Enterprises (FHLB, FNMA,
SLMA, etc.) and Corporations, which have imbedded options (e.g., call features, step-up
coupons, floating rate coupons, derivative-based returns) into their debt structure. Their market
performance is impacted by the fluctuation of interest rates, the volatility of the imbedded
The Association of Public Treasurers of the United States & Canada ...oF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA
Revised 1/OS -Replaces all previous editions.
options and shifts in the shape of the yield curve.
TREASURY BILLS: Anon-interest bearing discount security issued by the U.S. Treasury to
finance the national debt. Most bills are issued to mature in three months, six months, or one
year.
TREASURY BONDS: Long-term coupon-bearing U.S. Treasury securities issued as direct
obligations of the U.S. Government and having initial maturities of more than 10 years.
TREASURY NOTES: Medium-term coupon-bearing U.S. Treasury securities issued as direct
obligations of the U.S. Government and having initial maturities from two to 10 years.
UNIFORM NET CAPITAL RULE: Securities and Exchange Commission requirement that
member firms as well as nonmember broker-dealers in securities maintain a maximum ratio of
indebtedness to liquid capital of 15 to 1; also called net capital rule and net capital ratio.
Indebtedness covers all money owed to a firm, including margin loans and commitments to
purchase securities, one reason new public issues are spread among members of underwriting
syndicates. Liquid capital includes cash and assets easily converted into cash.
YIELD: The rate of annual income return on an investment, expressed as a percentage. (a)
INCOME YIELD is obtained by dividing the current dollar income by the current market
price for the security. (b) NET YIELD or YIELD TO MATURITY is the current income yield
minus any premium above par or plus any discount from par in purchase price, with the
adjustment spread over the period from the date of purchase to the date of maturity of the bond.
The Association of Public Treasurers of the United States & Canada ...oF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA
Revised I/OS -Replaces all previous editions.