Securities issued by U.S. government agencies, such as the Federal Home Loan Bank. These securities have high credit ratings but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.

Anything owned that has value; any interest in real property or personal property that can be used for payment of debts.

Financial instruments collateralized by one or more types of assets including real property, mortgages, and receivables.

A high-quality, short-term negotiable discount note, drawn on and accepted by banks that are obligated to pay the amount at maturity.

The smallest measure used in quoting yields or returns. One basis point is 0.01% of yield, 100 basis points equals 1%. A yield that changed from 8.75% to 9.50% increased by 75 basis points.

A standard unit used as the basis of comparison; a universal unit that is identified with sufficient detail so that other similar classifications can be compared as being above, below, or comparable t [..]

The value of individual assets, calculated as actual cost less allowance for any depreciation. Book value may be more or less than current market value.

Also known as capital appreciation, capital gain measures the increase in value of an asset over time.

(See book value definition above.)

A debt instrument issued by banks, usually paying interest, with maturities ranging from seven days to several years.