A

Administrative Fee

This a charge made to cover any administrative costs other than advisor fees on a mutual fund.

ADSM

Abu Dhabi Securities Market

Advisor

An organization employed by a mutual fund to give professional advice on its investments and management of its assets.

Aggressive growth funds

Seek maximum capital growth; current income is not a significant factor. Investment techniques may involve a greater than average risk.

Annual and Semiannual Reports

Summaries that a mutual fund sends to its shareholders which review the fund's performance over a defined period and identify the securities currently in the fund's portfolio.

Annuity

An annuity is a contract sold by a life insurance company. In return for an investment (in one payment or in several), an annuity guarantees a series of fixed or variable payments to an annuitant for life or a specified period of time. Annuities have become an attractive retirement vehicle because any earnings-whether they're from interest income, dividends or capital gains-grow tax deferred. This means that an investment in an annuity has the opportunity to grow faster than a similar taxable investment because money that otherwise would have been paid in taxes each year remains in the account to earn more.

Ask or offering price

The price at which a mutual fund's shares can be purchased. The asked or offering price means the current net asset value per share plus sales charge, if any.

Asset Allocation

A strategy that investors use to distribute and diversify their assets among multiple investment products.

Assets

The investment holdings and cash owned by a mutual fund.

Automatic Reinvestment

An option available to mutual fund shareholders in which fund dividends and capital gains distributions are automatically directed to buy new shares of the fund and thereby increase holdings.

Average Maturity

This is the weighted average of the maturities of the bonds in each fund's portfolio. This statistic is calculated by weighting each bond's maturity date by its relative size within the portfolio.

B

Balanced Fund

A kind of mutual fund that generally seeks to conserve investors' principal, pay current income, and achieve long-term growth of principal and income. Their portfolios are typically a mix of bonds, preferred stocks, and common stocks.

Bear Markets

When stocks trend downward for a long period of time, experts call it a "bear" market. This term was selected based on the way a bear attacks, striking downward with his paws.

Beta

Analyzes the market risk of a fund by showing how responsive the fund is to the market. The beta of the market is 1.00. Accordingly, a fund with a 1.10 beta is expected to perform 10% better than the market in up markets and 10% worse in down markets. Usually the higher betas represent riskier investments.

Bid price

The price at which a mutual fund's shares are redeemed (bought back) by the fund. The bid or redemption price usually equals the current net asset value per share. (Also known as the redemption price).

"Big Board"

The New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, is the largest stock exchange in the nation. Traders and analysts often call it the Big Board to distinguish it from smaller exchanges.

Blue Chip

A stock with outstanding prospects for long-term growth and a history for paying dividends.

Bond

A debt security issued by a company, municipality, or government agency. The bond issuer promises to pay the bond holder a stated rate of interest up to the date of maturity, when the issuer promises to repay the principal.

Bond Terms

A short-term bond matures in less than 2 years; an intermediate-term bond matures in 2-10 years; a long-term bond matures in more than 10 years.

Broker Commission

A fee paid by an investor to a broker or other sales agent for investment advice and assistance. The Broker is any individual or firm in the business of buying and selling securities for itself and others. When acting as a broker, a broker/dealer executes orders on behalf of his/her client. When acting as a dealer, a broker/dealer executes trades for his/her firm's own account.

Broker/Dealer

A firm that buys and sells mutual fund shares and other securities to the public.

Bull markets

When stock prices have risen steadily over several months, experts call it a "bull" market. This term was selected for the way the bull attacks. When a bull rushes forward, he holds his head low then gores upward with his horns.

C

Callable

An option that allows a bond issuer to recall a bond before its maturity date.

Capital Gain

Money earned by a mutual fund when it sells holdings in its portfolio at a price greater than the price it originally paid. An increase in the market value of a mutual fund's securities, as reflected in the net asset value (NAV) of the fund's shares.

Capital Gain Distributions

Payments to mutual fund shareholders of profits realized on the sale of securities in the fund's portfolio. These amounts are usually distributed to shareholders annually. Capital growth (in mutual funds)

An increase in market value of a mutual fund's securities, as reflected in the net asset value of fund shares. The long-term investment objective for a capital growth mutual fund places priority on making the initial investment grow in value.

Capital Growth

An increase in the market value of a fund's securities which is reflected in the value of the fund's shares. This is a specific long-term objective of many mutual funds.

Cash Management System

Method of managing cash that allows it to be invested and income-producing until the day it is actually needed. Cash management oriented mutual funds are those which invest in short-term, highly liquid money market instruments. In addition to offering a variety of funds, a cash management system provides services including investment management, checkwriting, debit card privileges, and ease of accounting.

Clone Fund

A fund which is identical in portfolio composition to an already existing fund but which is fully subject to the Federal Reserve Special Reserve Requirement. Clone funds can be used as variable annuity funds.

Closed-end Investment Company

Unlike mutual funds (known as "open-end" investment companies), closed-end companies issue a limited number of shares and do not redeem them (buy them back). Instead, closed-end shares are traded in the securities markets, with supply and demand determining the price. The portfolio, like an open-end fund, is actively managed.

Closing Price

The price of a security at the end of the day, after the final trade.

Commercial Paper

An unsecured, short-term promissory note issued by a corporation. This product trades on a discounted basis like a Treasury Bill. Minimum face amount is $100,000 and settlement is same day. Maturities range from 1 to 270 days. This is a morning traded security and securities are held in book entry form. Rates subject to change daily.

D

Dealer

Acts as principal and buys securities from or sells securities to his/her customers.

Declaration Date

Date when a fund's Board of Directors decides to pay a dividend or capital gain to shareholders.

Default

Failure to pay principal or interest when due.

Deferred annuity

A deferred annuity can be purchased with a single payment or with a series of payments. Payments to the annuitant may be deferred for many years. With a deferred annuity, there is a "pay-in" period, which is also called the accumulation phase. During this period, any interest, dividends, and capital gains that are earned are automatically reinvested in the contract and compound on a tax-deferred basis. Deferred annuities may be appropriate for investors with other income sources who are looking for an investment vehicle that allows them to defer taxes on their retirement nest egg. A deferred annuity can either be fixed or variable, with the value of the investor's contract and any income payments based upon whether the account is earning a fixed or variable rate of return.

Deferred sales charge

A fee charged when mutual fund shares are sold. This amount is typically based on the age of the investment. Usually the longer the shares have been held, the smaller the charge. See also contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC).

DFM

Dubai Financial Market

Direct Obligation

A U.S. government security, such as a Treasury bill, note, or bond, that is backed by the full faith and credit of the federal government.

Distributor

The organization normally associated with a mutual fund responsible for the sale or repurchase of fund shares either through the broker/dealer community or directly to the public. The distributor of all Federated funds is Federated Securities Corp., Pittsburgh, PA.

Distribution rate

A bond fund's distribution rate equals its last dividend annualized divided by maximum offering price.

Distribution Yield

The 30-day distribution yield reflects actual distributions made to shareholders. Those distributions are comprised primarily of ordinary income and short-term capital gains, but may also include return of capital under certain circumstances. Distribution yield is calculated by dividing the monthly annualized dividend plus short-term capital gains, if any, by the average 30-day offering price/net asset value. To understand a fund's performance trends, distribution yield should always be reviewed together with the fund's SEC yield.

Diversification (in mutual funds)

The mutual fund policy of spreading its investments among a number of different securities to reduce the risks inherent in investing. The average investor would find it difficult to amass a portfolio as diversified as that of a mutual fund.

Dividends

Those moneys earned by a fund on the equity or debt securities held in its portfolio. A fund pays a corresponding amount to its shareholders as dividends. Mutual fund owners may keep the dividend or reinvest it automatically to purchase additional shares in the fund.

Dollar-cost averaging

Investing equal amounts of money at regular intervals regardless of whether securities markets are moving up or down. This practice reduces average share costs to the investor who acquires more shares in periods of lower securities prices and fewer shares in periods of higher prices. Dollar-cost averaging does not assure a profit nor protect against loss in a declining market. It involves continuous investments in securities regardless of fluctuating price levels of securities. Investors should consider their financial ability to continue their purchases through period of low price levels.

Duration

A measure of a security's price sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Securities with longer durations are more sensitive to changes in interest rates than securities of shorter durations.

E

Equity Fund

A fund whose investments are in common stock. Equity fund objectives may include capital appreciation, growth, and income.

Expense Ratio

A fund's cost of doing business, disclosed in the prospectus, as a percent of assets.

ESCA

Emirates Securities and Commodities Authority

Exchange Privilege

Enables mutual fund shareholders to transfer their investment from one fund to another within the same fund family as shareholder needs or objectives change. Usually funds let investors use the exchange privilege several times a year for a low or no fee per exchange.

Exchange traded derivatives

Examples include: futures, options (puts and calls), and options on futures. Expenses Mutual fund expenses are split into three separate categories and should be summed to determine a portfolio's total expense ratio.

F

Family of Funds

Mutual fund companies with a variety of funds under their roofs. They allow for ease of switching investments from one type to another, and may have combined monthly statements.

Federal Agency issues

Congress authorizes certain agencies of the Federal Government to issue marketable debt securities. The term "agency" is sometimes used to refer to entities that are not, technically government agencies, but do have ties to the government. Agencies are backed either directly of indirectly by the U.S. Government. Interest on agency issues may be exempt from state and local taxes, but is always subject to Federal taxation.

Federal Reserve System

A system of Federal Reserve Banks in the United States forming 12 districts under the control of the Federal Reserve Board. These banks regulate the extension of credit as well as other banking activities.

Financial Planner

A professional who advises individuals and corporations about their financial status and goals. Their compensation may be fee only, commissions, or a combination.

Fixed annuity

A fixed annuity contract guarantees the annuitant a fixed rate of return and fixed payments, either for life or for a specified period. With a fixed deferred annuity, the insurance company credits the account during the accumulation phase with a guaranteed fixed rate of return on the investment and guarantees the return of principal. With fixed annuities, the insurer bears the investment, or market, risk. Regardless of interest rate movements, the insurance company is obligated to pay the investor the agreed upon rate. Of course, the security of principal and earnings and the fixed option payouts depend on the financial strength of the insurance company.

Fixed Income

Paying a specified rate of interest income.

Flexible portfolio funds

Allow their money managers to anticipate or respond to changing market conditions by investing in stocks, bonds or money market instruments, depending on economic changes.

Forward Pricing

Under Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations, all incoming orders to buy and sell mutual fund shares become effective at the next net asset valuation of the fund shares.

Front end sales charge or "load"

A fee to purchase shares in a mutual fund. This is a one time deduction made upon an initial investment into the fund. A table of minimum and maximum charges are listed in a fund's prospectus. Since fees change frequently and are occasionally waived, it is best to contact the fund for specific information about fees before investing in any fund.

Fund Advisor

The organization employed by a mutual fund to give professional advice on the fund's investments and asset management practices (also called "investment advisor/adviser").

Futures

Futures are agreements to buy or sell a specified amount of a commodity or financial instrument at a specified price on a specified date. The buyer of a futures contract is obligated to purchase the underlying commodity or security unless the buyer sells the contract before its settlement date. This contrasts with options, which the buyer may but is not obligated to exercise.

G

Global bond funds

Seek a high level of income. These funds invest in debt securities of companies and countries worldwide, including the U.S.

Global equity funds

Seek growth in the value of their investments. They invest in stocks traded worldwide, including the United States.

Growth and income

Funds seek to combine long-term capital growth and current income. These funds invest in the common stock of companies that have displayed a solid record of paying dividends.

Growth Fund

A non-money market fund whose investments are generally common stock. The objective of the fund is the appreciation of capital.

Growth Stock

One whose value is expected to grow dramatically over time. Its return comes primarily from its rising share price, and not from dividends.

H

High-yield bond funds

Seek a very high yield, but carry a greater degree of risk than corporate bond funds. The majority of these portfolios are invested in lower rated corporate bonds.

I

Immediate annuity

An immediate annuity, also called a payout annuity, is purchased with a lump sum of money. Payments generally begin immediately and continue on a monthly, semiannual, or annual basis. An immediate annuity may be appropriate for investors who want income payments right away. An immediate annuity can either be fixed or variable, with the value of the investor's contract and any income payments based upon whether the account is earning a fixed or variable rate of return.

Income dividends

Payments to mutual fund shareholders of dividends, interest, and/or short-term capital gains earned on the fund's portfolio of securities after deducting operating expenses.

Income stock

A stock purchased primarily due to its potential for higher than average dividend payments. Income stocks tend to be among the least volatile of all stocks. The firms are typically large, well-established firms, often in staid or highly regulated businesses. Income stocks also offer the potential for capital appreciation. The down side of income stocks is they can be sensitive to rising interest rates, which make the dividends look less attractive in comparison to lower-risk Treasury securities and certificates of deposit. Dividends paid by stocks are also taxable as regular income which means a much higher rate than that applied to capital gains (for affluent investors).

Income-bond funds

Seek a high level of current income. These funds invest in a mix of corporate and government bonds.

Income-equity funds

Seek a high level of income by investing primarily in stocks of companies with above average dividend-paying records.

Income-mixed funds

Seek a high level of income. These funds invest in income-producing securities, including both stocks and bonds.

Index

A statistical indicator providing a representation of the value of the securities which constitute it. Indices often serve as barometers for a given market or industry and benchmarks against which financial or economic performance is measured.

Index Fund

Fund that purchases securities that mimic or represent a specific index, for example the Standard and Poor's (S&P) 500 stock index.

Individual Retirement Account (IRA)

A retirement account for individuals. Up to $2,000 per year may be put into a tax-deferred IRA. Removing money from an IRA before age 59½ results in financial penalties. IRAs may be funded with mutual fund shares.

Inflation

A general rise in prices.

Initial sales charge

A fee to purchase shares in a mutual fund. This indicates the front-end sales charge, which is a one time deduction made upon an initial investment into the fund. This amount is generally relative to the amount of the investment, so that larger investments receive smaller charges.

Interest Rate Risk

The risk that a bond's price will decrease due to rising interest rates.

International funds

Seek growth in the value of their investments. Their portfolios are invested primarily in stock of companies located outside the U.S.

Investment company

A corporation, trust, or partnership which invests pooled funds of shareholders in securities appropriate to the fund's objective. Among the benefits of investment companies are professional management and diversification. Mutual funds (open-end investment companies) are the most popular type of investment company.

Investment objective

The goal-such as long-term capital growth, current income, growth and income, etc. which an investor or a mutual fund pursues. Each fund's objective is stated in its prospectus.

J

Junk Bond

A debt obligation with a rating of BA or BB or lower, generally paying interest above the return on more highly rated bonds. Junk bonds are also known as high yield bonds.

L

Limit Down

The Maximum price drop allowed on a future contract in a single trading day.

Limit Up

The Maximum price increase allowed on a future contract in a single trading day.

Lipper Rankings

Based on total return and do not take sales charges into account.

Liquidity

The ability to redeem (sell back) all or a part of your mutual fund shares on any business day and receive the current value (which may be more or less than the original cost). Liquidity, diversification, and professional investment management are three of the major benefits of investing in mutual funds.

Load Fund

Any mutual fund sold to an investor through a broker or salesperson. The fund pays a commission to the broker or salesperson for selling the fund.

Long-term funds

An industry designation for all funds other than short-term funds (money market and short-term municipal bond). The two broad categories of long-term funds are equity (stock) and bond and income funds.

M

Management fee

This is the percentage of the fund's assets that is scheduled to be paid to an advisor, and in some cases, to sub-advisors. They are generally payable monthly or quarterly at an annual rate (e.g. 1/12 of the annual fee may be payable each month). Fees may include a group fee, which is established by a fund family and is based on the family's total assets; a performance fee, which corresponds to a fund's returns as they compare with an established index; a gross income fee, which is based on a percentage of the gross income generated from the investment portfolio.

Market Commission

A fee paid by an investor to the Market.

The Market is the organized trading of stocks through exchanges and over-the-counter.

Minimum purchase

This is the smallest investment accepted for establishing a new account. It should be noted, however, that many funds accept smaller investments for IRA accounts.

Money Market funds

Seek to maintain a stable net asset value. These funds invest in the short-term, high-grade securities sold in the money market, such as Treasury bills, certificates of deposit of large banks, and commercial paper.

Municipal Bond Fund

A fund that invests in municipal bonds which is exempt from Federal Income Tax and passes this tax-free income through to its shareholders.

Municipal bonds

Debt obligation issued by a state or local government entity which may or may not pay a coupon. Generally trades with the same terms as Corporate bonds. Quality varies depending on issuer, debt use and insurance. Interest is generally exempt from federal taxation and may be exempt from state and local taxes.

Mutual fund

An investment company that pools money from shareholders and invests in a variety of securities, including stocks, bonds, and money market securities. A mutual fund stands ready to buy back (redeem) its shares at their current net asset value. The value of the shares depends on the market value of the fund's portfolio securities at the time. Most mutual funds offer new shares continuously. Mutual funds operate according to stated policies and objectives set forth in the fund's prospectus. These objectives, such as income and growth, correspond in varying degrees to investor objectives and risk tolerances. Therefore, it is important that investors read the prospectus and learn more about a particular fund before investing.

N

National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD)

A self-regulatory organization with authority over firms that distribute mutual fund shares as well as other securities.

Net Asset Value (NAV)

Value of one share of a fund that is determined by subtracting liabilities (payables, accrued expenses, taxes) from assets (cash, investments, receivables) and dividing the net assets by the number of shares outstanding.

Net Yields

These are calculated for money market funds and are based on the average daily income dividend and average net asset value for the 7 days, 30 days and 12 months ended. The 7-day net yield annualized yield is based on the average net income per share for the 7 days ended on the date of calculation and the offering price on that date. The 30-day net yield is the annualized average net investment income per share calculated for each of the previous 30 days. The 12-month net yields are based on the average daily income dividend and average net asset value for the 12 months ended. The monthly average net yield is a simple annualized net yield. It differs from the 30-day yield in that it accounts for the actual days in the month which can be 28, 29, 30 or 31 days depending on the number of days in the months and a fund's accounting procedures.

No-Load Fund

A mutual fund selling its shares at net asset value (NAV) without the addition of a sales charge.

Non-Callable Bond

A bond that cannot be called for redemption by the issuer before its specified maturity date.

O

Open-end investment company

The statutory terminology for a mutual fund, indicating that it stands ready to redeem (buy back) its shares on demand. The shareholder's funds are invested in stocks, bonds, or money market instruments, depending on the type of mutual fund company.

Opportunity cost

Opportunity cost is the cost of forgoing a safe return on an investment in hopes of making a larger profit. As an example, if you decided to invest in a promising stock with a dividend yield of just 3%, rather than opting to invest in a money market fund earning 6%, the 3% difference in yield would be the opportunity cost.

Options

A call option gives the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy a specific quantity of an asset for a fixed price during a specified period. A put option gives the holder the right, but not the obligation, to sell the asset for a fixed price during a specified period.

Over-the-counter market

The market for securities transactions conducted through a communications network connecting dealers in stocks and bonds.

P

Par Value

The principal amount of a bond due at maturity.

Pooling

The basic concept behind mutual funds in which a fund aggregates the assets of investors who share common financial goals.

Portfolio manager(s)

Specialists employed by mutual fund companies to invest the pool of money in accordance with the fund's investment objectives. Management teams may consist of many individuals, but one manager may be considered a central figure.

Portfolio turnover

This is a statistical measure of the trading activity of a fund manager. The higher the number, the more trading the portfolio manager is conducting. High portfolio turnover could lead to higher transaction costs.

Precious metals/gold funds

Seek capital growth. Their portfolios are invested primarily in securities associated with gold and other precious metals.

Premarket

The placing of Trading orders in the Period preceding the trading activity from the time a market opens until it closes.

Premium Bond

A bond selling above par or face value.

Price-to-Book ratio (P/B)

A price-book ratio relates the price of the stock to the per-share amount of shareholders' equity.

Price-to-Earnings ratio (P/E)

A price-to-earnings ratio of a stock is calculated by dividing the current price of the stock by the trailing 12-months' earnings per share.

Proxy

The document forwarded to shareowners of a publicly owned corporation requesting that they vote yes or no on certain key issues at the fund's annual meeting.

R

Record Date

The date which determines the shareholders who are eligible to participate in a corporate income distribution.

Redemption

Selling back by a shareholder of mutual fund shares directly through the transfer agent.

Return

Profit or loss you assume through investing.

Revenue Bond

A tax-free municipal bond payable from revenues derived from tolls, charges, or rents paid by users of the facility constructed with the proceeds of the bond issue.

Risk

The possibility that an investment may fluctuate in value. Factors that increase an investment's risk or volatility include credit quality, currency exchange rates, and inflation rates.

Risk / Reward Tradeoff

The concept that an investment must offer higher potential returns as compensation for the likelihood of increased price volatility.

Rule of 72

A quick way to approximate how long it will take for an investment to double in value given the investment's yield. To use the rule of 72, divide 72 by the yield of the proposed investment. If the investment yield 12% annually, it would take six years to double the value of the investment. At 10%, it would take about seven years. The Rule of 72 can only be used with a fixed yield.

S

Sales Charge

Amount charged to purchase shares of a mutual fund.

SCA

Securities and Commodities Authority

Secondary Market

Market for bond issues previously offered or sold.

Selling short

Selling short is a technique used by people who believe the price of a stock will fall in the short run, and who want to profit from the drop. This strategy is very risky since the price of the stock could rise, resulting in unlimited losses.

Shareholder

An investor owning shares in a mutual fund.

Short-term funds

An industry designation for money market and short-term municipal bond funds.

Small Cap

Companies with smaller capitalizations (usually under $650 million in total stock value). Small cap mutual funds invest in small cap companies that often have higher risk but also greater potential for capital gains.

Standardized contracts

Include such securities as futures and options on stock indexes, currencies and U.S. Treasury securities listed on exchanges. They are traded on regulated exchanges and their prices are computed daily.

State municipal bond funds - long-term

Seek income that is exempt from both federal tax and state tax for residents of that state. They invest in bonds issued by a single state.

Stock

A share of ownership or equity in a corporation.

Stock certificate

The document that proves your ownership of shares in a particular company. Generally, when you buy stock, you have the option to receive a stock certificate or let the brokerage firm hold the certificate on your behalf (also know as holding in street name). If you sell stock for which you hold a certificate, you must endorse the certificate to make it negotiable for delivery to the brokerage firm. Or instead, you may sign a stock power which is a form duplicating the back of the certificate.

Stock dividends

The distribution of corporate earnings to shareholders. Usually paid quarterly, dividends give shareholders a piece of the earnings right now, rather than rewarding owners only when they sell.

Swaps

Are individually negotiated exchanges of one group of cash flows for another, usually without the exchange of principal. A common swap is an interest-rate swap, in which one party agrees to pay a fixed interest-rate in exchange for receiving from another party payments based on a floating rate.

T

Trade

A transaction of a security or commodity.

Treasury Bill

Government security with maturity date of a year or less from date of issue.

Treasury Bond

Government security with a maturity date of 10 years or more from the date of issue.

Treasury Note

Government security with maturity date of one to 10 years, issued at face value and redeemed at face value.

V

Variable Annuity

An investment contract sold by an insurance company. Capital is accumulated often through investments in mutual fund clones (called variable funds) and converted to a tax-deferred income stream later, often at an investor's retirement. A variable fund offers a guaranteed death benefit.

W

Warrants

Warrants are securities that give the holder the right to buy common stock at a specified price for a specified period. Warrants are often issued by companies as enticements to purchase stock.

Withdrawal plans

A program in which shareholders receive payments from their mutual fund investments at regular intervals. Typically, these payments are drawn from the fund's dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, and from principal, as needed. Many mutual funds offer these plans.

Y

Yield

A measure of the net income - dividends and interest less expenses - earned by the securities in a fund's portfolio during a specified period. See Distribution Yield and SEC Yield for more information.

Yield to Maturity (YTM)

Used to determine the rate of return an investor would receive if a long-term, interest-bearing investment, such as a bond, is held to its maturity date. It takes into account purchase price, redemption value, time to maturity, coupon yield, and the time between interest payments.

Yield to Worst (YTW)

On a corporate bond, the yield to worst is the lowest yield that a buyer can expect among the reasonable alternatives, such as yield to maturity, yield to call, and yield to refunding.