01-18-2005 - 2005 Investment PolicyCity of West Covina
Memorandum
AGENDA
ITEM NO. G56
DATE January 18, 2005
TO: Andrew Pasmant, City Manager
and City Council
FROM: Tom Bachman, Director
Finance Department
SUBJECT: 2005 INVESTMENT POLICY
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the City's Investment Policy and accompanying
Investment Portfolio Guidelines.
DISCUSSION:
Section 53646 of the Government Code requires the City's chief fiscal officer to submit a
statement of investment policy to the City Council annually. West Covina's Investment Policy
and accompanying Investment Portfolio Guidelines cover all financial assets of the City of West
Covina, Community Development Commission and West Covina Public Financing Authority.
This policy does not apply where superseded by specific bond issue documents, which are more
restrictive, or to the West Covina Deferred Compensation Plan (established under the Internal
Revenue Code 457). The City's deferred compensation plan provides for self -direction of
investments by individual employees and retirees.
The objectives of the City's investment policy, in priority order, are to safeguard principal, maintain
cash liquidity sufficient to, meet cash flow requirements and maximize yield consistent with the first
two objectives. The accompanying investment policy provides guidelines of allowable investments
for the City, their maximum maturity, the applicable quality ratings, and state mandated reporting
requirements. The policy also includes internal investing procedures and other information to assist
readers in understanding the policy.
The City, Council adopted the 2004 Investment Policy"on February 17, 2004.. According to the
League of California Cities, our current policy complies with all statutory changes in the California
State Government Code related to the types of allowable investments, investment policy and
portfolio reporting. There are no changes to the previously approved investment policy.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact.
Prepared by: ennis Swink
City Controller
Finance Docs/Xfiles/Invest Policy
Reviewed/Approved y: Thomas Bachman
Finance Director
CITY OF WEST COVINA
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENT POLICY
FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2005
The purpose of this Investment Policy is to establish cash management and investment
guidelines for the City of West Covina (City). The investment of the funds of the City of
West Covina is directed towards the goals of safety, liquidity and yield. The State of
California authority governing investments for municipal governments is set forth in the
California Government Code, Sections 53600 through Sections 53659.
The primary objective of the investment policy of the City of West Covina is safety of
principal. Investments shall be placed in securities outlined in the authorized
investments and maturity sections of this document. Effective cashflow management
and resulting cash investment practices are recognized as essential to good fiscal
management and control. The City monitors cash flow on a daily basis and reports
results to City Council and Community Development Commission (formerly known as
the Redevelopment Agency) Board monthly to help ensure that liquidity is never
threatened. The City's portfolio shall be designed and managed in a manner
responsive to the public trust and consistent with state and local law.
This investment policy applies to all financial assets of the City of West Covina, the
West Covina Community Development Commission and the West Covina Public
Financing Authority, as applicable. All references to the City of West Covina also are
references to these agencies. These funds are accounted for in the City's general
ledger and reported in the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). This
policy is applicable, but not limited to all funds listed below:
• General Funds
• Special Revenue Funds.
• Debt Service Funds
• Capital Project Funds
• Proprietary Funds
Trust and Agency Funds
Any new fund created unless specifically exempted
This policy shall not apply 'where superseded by specific bond documents, or to the
West Covina Deferred Compensation Plan under Internal Revenue Code 457.
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The standard to be used by the investment officials shall
and shall be applied in. the context of managing all a:
Government. Code Section 53600.3 provides that those
decisions have been delegated (and the Council or affili;
investment decisions) are trustees with a fiduciary duty
This standard of care requires that "a trustee shall act
diligence under the circumstances then prevailing, that
capacity and familiarity with those matters would use in
be that of a "prudent investor"
;pects of the overall portfolio. -
persons to whom investment
ated Agency Board if it makes
to act as a prudent investor.
with care, skill, prudence, and
i prudent person acting in like
the conduct of funds of a like
character and with like aims, to safeguard the principal and maintain the liquidity needs
of the agency." ,
IV. OBJECTIVE
The primary objectives, in priority order, of the City of West Covina's investment
activities shall be:
(A) Safeguard principal,: Safety of principal is the foremost objective of the
investment program. Each investment transaction shall seek to ensure that
capital losses are avoided, whether from securities default, broker -dealer default
or erosion of market value. The City shall seek to preserve principal by
mitigating the two types of risk, credit risk and market risk.
Credit risk, defined as the risk of loss due to failure of the issuer, of a
security, shall be mitigated by investing in investment grade securities and
by diversifying the investment portfolio.
f
Market risk, defined as the market value fluctuations due to overall
changes in the general level of interest rates, shall be mitigated by limiting
the average maturity of the City's investment portfolio to three years, the
maximum maturity of any one security to five years. The structuring of the
portfolio will be based on historic and current cash flow analysis, thereby
eliminating the need to sell securities prior to maturity and avoiding the
purchase of long term securities for the sole purpose of short term
speculation.
(B) Meet liquidity n�de.: Historical cash flow trends are compared to current
cash flow requirements on an ongoing basis in an effort to ensure that the City's
investment portfolio will remain sufficiently liquid to enable the City to meet all
reasonably anticipated operating requirements for the following six months.
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Investment Policy 2004
(C) Achieve a return on funds: The City's investment portfolio shall be
designed with the objective of maximizing yield consistent with (A) and (B)
above.
The City Council or its delegate is a fiduciary for investments of City funds. However,
when the City deposits funds in the Los Angeles County Pool, that responsibility
transfers to the County Board of Supervisors or County Treasurer if the Board has
delegated its investment authority to him/her.
Authority to manage the City's investment program is derived from -West Covina
Municipal Code Section 2-182(i). Management responsibility for the investment
program is hereby assigned to the Director of Finance or to his/her authorized designee.
Daily management responsibility of the investment program may be delegated to
responsible members of the Finance Department staff who shall, under direction of the
Director of Finance, establish Investment Policy Guidelines (attached) for the operation
of the investment program consistent with this investment policy. Under the direction of
the Director of Finance, the Finance Department staff is responsible for daily cash
management functions and is authorized to conduct transactions involving pooled. cash
accounts, as necessary.
Officers and employees involved in the investment process shall refrain from personal
business activity that could conflict with proper execution of the investment policy, or
which could impair their ability to make impartial investment decisions. Investment
officials shall disclose to the City Manager, and as otherwise required by law, any
material financial interests (as defined by the Political Reform Act and the regulations
thereunder) in financial institutions that conduct business within this jurisdiction, and
they shall further disclose any large personal financial or investment positions that could
be related to the performance of the City's portfolio. Employees and officers shall
subordinate their personal investment transactions to those of the City, particularly with
regard to the time of purchases and sales. .
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The City of West Covina will diversify its investments by security type and institution.
With the exception of U.S. Treasury and U.& Agency securities and authorized
investment pools, no more than 40% of the City's. total portfolio will be invested in a
single security type or with a single financial institution. If a lower percentage is
legislatively established, then the legislatively established limit will apply.
Investments in a single issuer other than the U.S. Treasury or U.S. Agencies, which
exceed 5% of the total portfolio on the day the investment is purchased, must be
approved by the Council prior to the purchase. The following percentage limits, maturity
matrix, and quality requirements, by individual investment type, are established for the
City's total pooled funds portfolio:.
Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) I N/A I None
(not to exceed $40,000,000 per account)
None
Overnight banks investment pools that
invest solely in Investments allowable
under this D0IiCY
N/A
10%
None
U.S. Treasury bonds/notes/bills
5 vears
None
None
U.S. Government AgencyAgengy obligations
5 years
None
None
Bankers' acceptances
180 days
40%
Federal Reserve
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Investment Policy 2004
• M#9[flilp
The Director of Finance or his/her authorized designee will maintain a list of financial
institutions authorized to provide investment services. In addition, a list will also be
maintained of approved security broker/dealers selected by credit worthiness, who
maintain an office in the State of California. These may include primary or secondary
dealers or brokers that qualify under Securities and 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 law.
All financial institutions and broker/dealers who desire to become qualified bidders for
investment transactions must supply the following:
A. Audited financial statements
B. Proof of National Association of Security Dealers certification
C. Proof of State registration
D. Certification of having read investment policy
E. Depository contracts
F. Broker/Dealer questionnaire, as applicable
An annual review of the financial condition and registrations of qualified bidders will be
conducted by the Director of Finance or his/her authorized designee. A current audited
financial statement is required to be on file for each financial institution and
broker/dealer with which the City of West Covina invests.
The City of West Covina is empowered by California Government Code Section 53601
to invest in the following types of securities, and is .subject to the limitations set out in
that section as well as the remainder of this policy. Any investment structure, which has
the effect of the City borrowing money, is prohibited.
A. TREASURY ISSUES: Treasury Bills, Treasury Notes, and Treasury
Bonds ,
B. FEDERAL AGENCIES: Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA)
securities, Federal. Home Loan Bank .(FHLB) securities, Federal Home
Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC), Federal Farm Credit Bureau
(FFCB) securities, Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA)
securities, Small Business Administration (SBA) securities, Student Loan
Marketing Association (SLMA) securities, etc.
C. BANKERS' ACCEPTANCES: The City may not purchase bankers
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Investment Policy 2004
acceptances exceeding one hundred and eighty (180) days maturity or
forty percent (40%) of the City's surplus money, (Government Code
53601(f).) Furthermore, no more than thirty percent (30%) of the City's
surplus funds may be invested in bankers acceptances of any one
commercial bank.
D. CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT
E. REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND REVERSE REPURCHASE
AGREEMENTS: A Public Securities Association (PSA) Master
Repurchase Agreement is required between the City of West Covina and
the broker/dealer or financial institution for all repurchase agreements and
reverse repurchase agreements transacted. The maturity of repurchase
agreements shall not exceed 100 days. The counterparty must be a
primary dealer of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The market
value of securities used as collateral for repurchase agreements shall be
monitored daily and will not be allowed to fall below 100% of the value of
the repurchase agreement. In order to conform with provisions of the
Federal Bankruptcy Code which provides for the liquidation of securities
held as collateral for repurchase agreements, the only securities
acceptable as collateral shall be eligible negotiable certificates of deposit,
eligible bankers' acceptances, or securities that are direct obligations of, or
that are fully guaranteed as to principal and interest by, the United States
or any agency of the United States.
The City may invest in reverse repurchase agreements only with those
banks and dealers with whom the City has entered into a master
repurchase contract, which outlines the terms and conditions of
repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements. The counterparty must
be a primary dealer of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Prior City
Council approval is required.
The City may invest in reverse repurchase agreements for two purposes:
1. Unanticipated cash outflow, in the judgement of the Director of
Finance, is met more advantageously by entering into a reverse
repurchase agreement than by selling securities outright. In such a
case, the reverse repurchase shall not exceed 92 days, and shall
be matched .to a known cash inflow of sufficient size to repay the
-principal and interest of the reverse repurchase agreement.
2. The Director of Finance, under the prevailing market�conditions can
reinvest funds obtained through the reverse repurchase agreement
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in a higher yielding security to obtain additional interest income for
the City, at a spread deemed to be acceptable. Reverse
repurchase agreements entered into in accordance with this
paragraph may not exceed 92 days to maturity unless there is a
guaranteed earning spread which would extend the maximum
maturity to 100 -days, and must be matched as to maturity and
dollars invested with its corresponding reinvestment. No more than
20% of the market value of the portfolio may be invested in reverse
repurchase agreements. The proceeds from reverse repurchase
agreements may be invested only in instruments with a fixed
principal value and these instruments may not be - used for
additional reverse repurchase agreements. The security reversed
must have been paid for and owned for 30 days prior to the
agreement.
F. COMMERCIAL PAPER: Commercial paper shall be of "prime" quality of
the highest ranking or of the highest letter and numerical rating as
provided for by Moody's Investors Service, Inc., or Standard and Poor's
Corporation. Eligible paper is further limited to issuing corporations that
are organized and operating within the United States, having total assets
in excess of five hundred million dollars ($500,000,000), and having an "A-
V or higher rating for the issuer's debt, other than commercial paper, if
any, as provided for by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or Standard and
Poor's Corporation. Purchases of eligible commercial paper may not
exceed 270 days maturity nor represent more than 10 percent of the
-outstanding paper of an issuing corporation. Purchases of commercial
paper may not exceed 40 percent of the agency's surplus money, which
may be invested. Moreover, the bank, savings association, federal
association, or federally insured industrial loan company receiving City
money must have an overall rating of not less than "satisfactory" in its
most recent evaluation by the appropriate federal financial supervisorial
agency of its record of meeting the credit needs of California's
communities; including low- and moderate -income neighborhoods,
pursuant to Section 2906 of Title 12 of the United States Code.
(Government Code 53635.2)
G. MEDIUM TERM NOTES: Notes eligible for investment shall be rated in a i
rating category of "A" or its equivalent or better as provided for by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc., or Standard and Poor's Corporation.
H. NEGOTIABLE CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT (NCD): To be eligible for
purchase by the City, the NCD must be issued by a Nationally or State-
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Chartered bank or a State or Federal, savings and loan association or
State -licensed branch of a foreign bank, and must meet one of the
following criteria:
• Be a California Bank rated "A" or better by a nationally recognized
service;
-r
•
Be a major national or regional bank outside California rated "A" or
better by a recognized rating service;
Be a domestic branch of a foreign bank ("Yankee" C.D.) rated "I" for
country rating, "II" or better for peer -group rating, and "II" or better for
dollar access by a recognized rating service;
Be a savings and loan association operating in California rated "A" or
better by a recognized rating service.
Purchases of negotiable certificates of deposits may not exceed 30%
of the total portfolio.
I. LOCAL AGENCY INVESTMENT FUND (LAIF)
J. LOS ANGELES COUNTY INVESTMENT POOL (LACIP)
K. BANK INVESTMENT POOLS THAT INVEST SOLELY IN SECURITIES
ALLOWABLE UNDER THIS POLICY (items IX.A — IX.J)
•■ # ii I 4LIK)
California Government Code Section 53601.6 prohibits the following list of investment.
types. In addition to this list, any investment which staff does not fully understand shall
be included as an ineligible investment.
A. INVERSE FLOATERS
B. RANGE NOTES
C. INTEREST -ONLY MORTGAGE STRIPS, OR ANY SECURITY THAT
COULD RESULT IN ZERO INTEREST ACCRUAL IF HELD TO
MATURITY.
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Collateral ization will be required on two types of investments: certificates of deposit and
repurchase agreements including reverse repurchase agreements. In order to anticipate
market changes and provide a level of security for all funds, the market value of
securities used as collateral for repurchase agreements shall be monitored daily and will
not be allowed to fall below 100% of the value of the repurchase agreement. In order to
conform with provisions of the Federal Bankruptcy Code which provides for the
liquidation of securities held as collateral for repurchase agreements, the only securities
acceptable as collateral shall be eligible negotiable certificates of deposit, eligible
banker's acceptances, or securities that are direct obligations of, or that are fully
guaranteed as to principal and interest by, the United States or any agency of the
United States.
A third party custodian with whom .the City of West Covina has a current custodial
agreement will always hold collateral. A clearly marked evidence of ownership
(safekeeping receipt) must be supplied to the City and retained.
1.1 . Zi 11kTICY!All szoi•
All security transactions, including collateral for repurchase agreements, entered into by
the City of West Covina shall be conducted on a delivery -versus -payment (DVP) basis.
Securities will be held by a third party custodian designated by the Director of Finance
or his/her authorized designee and evidenced by safekeeping records.
To the extent possible, the City of West Covina will attempt to match its investments
with anticipated cash flow requirements. Unless matched to a specific cash flow, and
as authorized no less than three months in advance by specific Council action, the City
will not directly invest in securities maturing more than five years from the date of
purchase. However, the City may collateralize its repurchase agreements using longer
dated investments not to exceed five years to maturity.
Reserve funds may be invested in securities exceeding 5 years if the maturityof such
investments is made to coincide as nearly as practicable with the expected use of
funds.
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The Director of Finance will establish internal controls covering investing procedures
designed to protect the City's investments from unauthorized use or disposition and
ensure compliance with the Investment Policy. The controls established are attached to
this document. See the attached "Investment Procedures".
The Director of Finance or his/her authorized designee shall establish an annual process of
independent review of internal control by an external auditor. This review will assure
compliance with policies and procedures. Specific areas of review are investment
authorizations, proper safekeeping methods, and comparison of broker dealer with
safekeeping confirmations.
The investment portfolio will be designed to obtain a market average rate of return
during budgetary and economic cycles, taking into account the City's investment risk
constraints and cash flow needs. The City's investment strategy is active. Given this
strategy, the basis used by the Director of Finance or his/her authorized designee to
determine whether market yields are being achieved shall be no lower than the six
month U.S. Treasury Bill yield at month end.
TheCity Treasurer shall review and submit monthly reports to the City Council which
shall include the cost or par value of the cash investment, the classification of the
investment, the name of the institution or entity, the rate of interest, the maturity date,
the current market value and accrued interest due for all securities, as well as all bank
account activity. The report shall also include cash held by trustees in various funds for
all bond issues and cash in the various City bank accounts. It most detail compliance or
non-compliance with the investment policy and must provide a statement of the ability to
meet budgeted expenditure needs for the following six months. The City Treasurer
shall also submit copies of its second and fourth quarter reports to the California Debt
and Investment Advisory Commission within 60 days after the close of the second and
fourth quarters of each calendar year.
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City of West Covina
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XVII. LEGISLATIVE CHANGES
Any State of California legislative action, that further restricts allowable maturities,
investment type or percentage allocations, will be incorporated into the City of West
Covina's Investment Policy and supersede any and all previous applicable language.
XVlll. INTEREST EARNINGS
All monies earned and collected from investments authorized in this policy shall be'
allocated quarterly based on cash balances in each fund as a percentage of the entire
pooled portfolio.
XIX. INVESTMENT POLICY ADOPTION
The City of West Covina's investment policy shall be reviewed on an annual basis, and
any modifications made thereto must. be approved by the City Council.
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CITY OF WEST COVINA
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO GUIDELINES
These guidelines were established to direct and control investment activities in such a
manner to assure that the goals established in the Investment Policy are attained.
1. Cash Forecast. The cash flow of the City shall be updated daily with an analysis of
cash receipts and expenditures and a review of the scheduled investment maturities
to ensure that adequate cash will be available to meet disbursement requirements.
2. Lona 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. However, investments may be
made with maturities longer than five years with City Council approval. No more
than 15% of the total portfolio may be invested in securities with maturities greater
than five years unless authorized three months in advance by specific Council
action.
3. Diversification. The portfolio should consist of a mix of various types of securities,
issuers, and maturities.
4.. Solicitation of Bids. Purchase and sale of securities shall be made on the basis of
informal competitive bids and offers with a minimum of two quotes being obtained,
when practical
5. Authorized Institutions. Investment transactions will only be executed with
previously approved entities. A list of these institutions shall be authorized and
maintained by the Director of Finance or his/her authorized designee.
6. Investment Transaction. Every investment transaction must be reviewed and
authorized by the Director of Finance or his/her authorized designee.
7. Automated Wire Transfers. Whenever possible, pre -formatted wire transfers
(templates) will be used to restrict the transfer of funds to pre -authorized accounts
only. When transferring funds to a bank account not previously authorized, callback
verification to the Director of Finance or his/her authorized designee is required to
complete the wire transfer order.
8. Safekeeping. The Trust Department of the Bank designated by the Director of
Finance shall hold securities purchased from broker/dealers in third party
safekeeping. Said securities shall be held in the name of the City of West Covina
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Investment Policy 2004
with the trustee executing transactions as directed by the Director of Finance or
his/her authorized designee.
9. Stratea . Strategy refers to the plan of action for managing financial resources in
the most advantageous manner. The following elements are used in developing
strategy: .
a. Economic Forecasts. Economic forecast information developed by
economists and financial experts and obtained through bankers, financial
analysts and brokers is used to assist in the formulation of an investment
strategy for the City.
b. Investment Implementing. Execute - only investment transactions which
conform with anticipated cash flow requirements, economic condition and
interest rate trends and are consistent with the established Investment Policy
Statement.
C. Rapport. A close working relationship within the Finance Department and
other City departments such as Public Safety and Public Services
Department and all other Departments having a significant impact on cash
flow, is maintained in order to maximize the efficiency of the City's cash
management system and establish cash flow requirements.
d. Preserve Portfolio Value. Develop yield standards in order to maintain
earnings consistent with the market average rate of return to preserve the
value of the portfolio.
(1) Investment instrument characteristics should be known and
understood before a purchase of the investment instrument is
undertaken; and
(2) Recognizing that there are no firm and steadfast rules (strategies) for
portfolio management due to the fact that investor expectations
change by the day, hour and minute, and because of this market
instability, prudent principles of fiscal management mud be applied.
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GLOSSARY
AGENCIES: Federal agency securities.
ASKED: The price at which securities are offered.
BANKERS' ACCEPTANCE (BA): A draft, bill, or exchange accepted by a bank or trust
company accepting institution guarantees payment of the bill, as well as the issuer.
BID: The price offered for securities. ' .
BROKER: A broker brings buyers and sellers together for a commission paid by the
initiator of the transaction or by both sides; he does not position. In the money market,
brokers are active in markets, in which banks buy and sell money, and in inter -dealer
markets.
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.
COMMERCIAL PAPER (CP): Short-term, unsecured, promissory notes issued by
corporations to finance short-term credit needs.
COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT (CAFR): The official annual financial
reportof the City of West Covina. It includes combined statements for each individual fund
and account group 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.
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DELIVERY VERSUS PAYMENT (DVP): There are two methods of delivery of securities:
delivery versus _payment and delivery versus receipt (also called free). Delivery versus
payment 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
at 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., such as savings and loan
associates, small business firms, students, farmers, farm 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 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 United States 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
rate mortgages and second loans in addition to fixed rate mortgages. FNMA's securities
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are 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 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 and 12 regional banks.
About 5,700 commercial banks 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.
The full faith and credit of the U.S. Government protect the security holder. Ginnie Mae
securities are backed by FHA, VA or FMHM mortgages. The term "pass-throughs" is often
used to describe Ginnie Mae Securities.
LIQUID ASSET: 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.
LIQUIDITY: The ability to convert investments to cash.
LOCAL AGENCY INVESTMENT FUND (LAIF): The aggregate of all funds from political
subdivisions that are placed in the custody of the State of California Treasurer for the
benefit of local agencies. State law (California Government Code Section 16429.1)
establishes the maximum deposits for each local agency.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY INVESTMENT POOL (LACIP): Similar to LAIF, this pool is
established by the Los Angeles County Treasurer for the benefit of local agencies under
California Government Code Section 53684.
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 related to repurchase or reverse repurchase agreements.
The contract establishes each party's rights in the transactions. A master agreement will
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often specify, among other things, the right of the buyer -lender to liquidate the underlying
securities in the event of default of the seller -borrower.
MATURITY: The date upon which the principal or stated value of an investment becomes
due and payable.
MEDIUM TERM NOTES: Notes with 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.
MONEY MARKET: The market in which short-term debt instruments (bills, commercial
paper, bankers' acceptances, etc.) are issued and traded.
NEGOTIABLE CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT (NCD): Although technically a deposit, it is
similar to a short-term note, which eams the depositor a competitive rate of return.
Negotiable certificates of deposit were developed so that large deposits could be made at a
competitive interest rate with some liquidity.
OFFER: The price asked by the 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.
PORTFOLIO: A collection of securities held by an individual organization or institution.
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 brokers -dealers, banks,
and a few unregulated firms.
PRUDENT INVESTOR RULE: This rule is 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 state. The securities are commonly referred to as the 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,
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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 or the current
income return.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT (REPO): Agreements with banks and dealers under which
the City has entered into a master repurchase agreement that specifies terms and
conditions of individual repurchase agreements. The agreement requires the seller of a
security to repurchase an investment on a specific date for an agreed -upon price.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS: Agreements with banks and dealers under
which the City has entered into a master reverse repurchase agreement and specifies the
terms and conditions of individual reverse repurchase agreements. The agreement
requires the purchaser of an investment to sell the investment back on a specific date for
an agreed -upon price.
SAFEKEEPING: A service to customers rendered by banks and other security custodians
for a fee. For the fee, the customer's securities and valuables of all types and descriptions
are held in the service provider's vaults for protection. Securities are commonly held
electronically in lieu of physical custody in a vault.
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 options and shifts in the shape of the yield curve.
TREASURY BILLS: A non -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.
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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 (YTM) is the current income yield
minus any premium above par or plus any discount from, purchase price, with the
adjustment spread over the period from the date of purchase to the date of maturity of the
bond.
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Investment Policy 2004
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that I have personally read the City of West Covina's Investment Policy and
the California Government Codes pertaining to the investments of the City of West Covina,
and have implemented reasonable procedures and a system of controls designed to
preclude imprudent investment activities arising out of transactions conducted between our
firm and the City of West Covina. All sales personnel will be routinely informed of the City
of West Covina's investment objectives, horizon, outlook, strategies and risk constraints
whenever we are so advised. We pledge to exercise due diligence in informing the City of
West Covina investment officers of all foreseeable risks associated with financial
transactions conducted with our firm. I attest to the accuracy of our responses to your
questionnaire.
NOTE: Completion of Questionnaire is only part of the City of West Covina's certification
process and does not guarantee the applicant will be approved to do business with the City
of West Covina.
SIGNED:
DATE:
COUNTERSIGNED:
DATE:
(Person in charge of government securities operations.) .
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INVESTMENT PROCEDURES
The Revenue. Services Supervisor projects daily cash flow needs.' These needs are
updated and reported to the City Controller daily.
The City Controller tracks economic trends related to investments, including, but not
limited to interest rates, inflation rates, unemployment rates, and stock market trends.
Based upon the cash flow analysis, the holdings in the portfolio and trend analysis, the
City Controller develops an investment strategy for the upcoming month.
The Director of Finance approves the investment strategy.
Based upon the approved investment strategy for the month, the City Controller
arranges to purchase investments, as follows:
Daily, the City Controller determines which investments should be purchased or
sold based upon current market conditions, and allowable investments under this
policy.
The City Controller selects the investments that will provide the City the greatest
return on investment within the established safety and liquidity policies.
The City Controller obtains at least 2 bids for each investment purchased or sold
from authorized brokers/dealers, with the exception of new issues by a
government issuer which sell at a set price, usually par value, and selects the bid
that provides the greatest return on investment to the City.
The City Controller documents compliance with all established criteria and the
rational for each sale or purchase (investment transaction package).
The Director of Finance approves each sale or purchase, as documented
(approved investment transaction package).
The City Controller contacts the selected broker/dealer to execute the approved
transactions The City Controller directs brokers to deliver all investments to the
City's custodial bank for safekeeping, and executes transactions on the DVP
basis.
The Revenue Services Supervisor agrees the terms of the trade, as evidenced by the
safekeeping receipt, to the approved investment transaction package. The safekeeping
receipt is attached to the approved investment transaction package.
The approved investment transaction package is retained in a' chronological file and a
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Investment Policv 2004
copy is forwarded to the accountant for recording in the general ledger.
Monthly, the Accountant reconciles the safekeeping statement and the treasury balance
to the general ledger.
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CITY OF WEST COVINA
BROKER/DEALER .
QUESTIONNAIRE AND CERTIFICATION
1. Name of firm:
2. Address:
3. Telephone: Telephone:
4.
Primary Representative name Manager/Partner-in-charge name
Title Title
Telephone No. Telephone No.
No. of years in Institutional Sales No. of years in Institutional Sales
No. of years with firm No. of years with firm
5. Are you a Primary Dealer in U.S. Government Securities? o Yes o No
6. Are you a Regional Dealer in U.S. Government Securities? o Yes o No
7. Are you a Broker. instead of a Dealer, i.e., you DO NOT own positions of Securities?
o Yes o No
8. What is the net capitalization of your firm?
9. What. is the date of your Firm's fiscal year-end?
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Investment Policy 2004
10. Is your Firm owned by a holding company? If so, what is its name and net
capitalization?
11. Please provide your wiring and delivery instructions:
12. Which of the following instruments are offered regs la�rly by your local desk?
o T-Bills o Treasury Notes/Bonds o Discount Notes o NCD's o BA's (Domestic)
o BA's (Foreign) o Commercial Paper Mid -Term Notes o Agencies (Specify)
13. Which of the above does your Firm specialize in marketing?
14. Please identify your most directly comparable City/Local Agency clients in our
geographical area.
En2y Contact Person Telephone No Client Since
15. What reports, transactions, confirmations and paper trail would we receive?
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Investment Policy 2004
16. Please include samples of research reports or market information that your firm
regularly provides to local agency clients.
17. What precautions are taken by your Firm to protect the interest of the public when
dealing with government agencies as investors?
18. Have you or your Firm" been censored or punished by a State or Federal regulatory
agency for improper or fraudulent activities, related to the sale of securities?
o Yes o No
If yes, please explain:
19. Attach certified documentation of your capital adequacy and financial solvency. In
addition, an audited financial statement must be provided within 120 days of your
fiscal year-end.