A municipal bond backed by the full faith, credit, and "taxing power" of issuing unit rather than the revenue from a given project.

Global Fund

A mutual fund that invests in stocks and bonds all over the world, including the United States. By contrast, an international fund invests all over the world except in the United States.

Going Public

Selling privately held shares to new investors for the first time.

Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA)

A federal agency of the Department of Housing and Urban Development more commonly known by its nickname, Ginnie Mae. The GNMA guarantees the full and timely payment of all interest and principal on mortgage-backed bonds sold to mutual funds and investors. Ginnie Mae bonds are backed by residential mortgage loans which in turn are insured or guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration, the Farmer's Home Administration, and the Veteran's Administration.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

A measure of output from United States factories and related consumption in the United States. It does not include products made by U.S. companies in foreign markets.

Group Annuity

An insurance contract issued by your service provider to your qualified retirement plan under which you may choose from several different investment options as you contribute to the plan, and under which you may also have the option to purchase a fixed annuity upon retirement.

Group Annuity Contract

An annuity contract issued by an insurance company that allows a participant to choose from several investment options as he defers contributions and under which he may purchase a fixed annuity upon retirement.

Growth Investment

An investment whose main objective is to grow your principal rather than to generate income. A house, a gold coin, and a stock mutual fund are all growth investments. You hope to make money in a growth investment by eventually selling it for a lot more than you paid for it.

Guaranteed Investment (interest) Contract (GIC)

Debt instrument sold in large denominations issued by Insurance Companies and often bought for retirement plans. The word guaranteed refers to the interest rate paid on the GIC; the principal is at risk. The company issuing the GIC makes the guarantee, not the U.S. Government.