STOCK MARKET

A general term for the organized trading of stocks through exchanges, over-the-counter, and computerized trading venues.

STOCK FUND

“Stock fund” and “equity fund” describe a type of investment company (mutual fund, exchange-traded fund, closed-end fund, unit investment trust (UIT)) that invests primarily in stocks or “equities” (as contrasted with “bonds”).  The types of stocks in which a stock fund will invest will depend upon the fund’s investment objectives, policies, and strategies.  For example, one stock fund may invest in… Continue reading STOCK FUND

STOCK

An instrument that signifies an ownership position (called equity) in a corporation, and a claim on its proportional share in the corporation’s assets and profits. Most stocks also provide voting rights, which give shareholders a proportional vote in certain corporate decisions, such as the election of corporate directors.

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI)

Conveys information about an open or closed-end fund that some investors find useful. Funds are not required to provide investors with the SAI, but they must provide it for free upon request. Also known as “Part B” of the fund’s registration statement.

STATE SECURITIES REGULATORS

While the SEC regulates and enforces the federal securities laws, each state has its own securities regulator who enforces what are known as “blue sky” laws. These laws cover many of the same activities the SEC regulates, such as the sale of securities and those who sell them, but are confined to securities sold or persons… Continue reading STATE SECURITIES REGULATORS

STATE REGULATORS

In addition to state securities regulators, there are a number of state agencies that may be able to assist you with your problems and questions. For example, if you have concerns about viatical settlements, you may want to speak to your state insurance regulator. If you’ve purchased a certificate of deposit from a bank and have problems or questions… Continue reading STATE REGULATORS

SPIN-OFFS

In a “spin-off,” a parent company distributes shares of a subsidiary to the parent company’s shareholders so that the subsidiary becomes a separate, independent company. The shares are usually distributed on a pro rata basis. State law and the rules of the stock exchanges determine whether a company must seek shareholder approval for a spin-off.… Continue reading SPIN-OFFS

SOURCES OF MUNICIPAL SECURITIES INFORMATION

Most municipal securities offerings are exempt from the registration provisions of the federal securities laws.  That means municipal issuers do not have to file a registration statement with the SEC.  But you can still obtain information about municipal securities from the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB), through its Electronic Municipal Market Access (EMMA) website. EMMA provides free public… Continue reading SOURCES OF MUNICIPAL SECURITIES INFORMATION