Glossary H

Health/Biotechnology Funds

These mutual funds seek capital appreciation by investing primarily in equities of companies engaged in the design, manufacture, or sale of products or services connected with health care or medicine.

Hedge

A commitment or investment made with the intention of minimizing the impact of adverse movements in interest rates or securities prices and offsetting potential losses.

Hedge Fund

A limited partnership of investors that invests in speculative stocks. (or)
Funds using calls, puts, margin, etc., to increase return.

High Yield Fund

A High Yield Mutual Fund typically invests in taxable bonds with at least 70% of their portfolio invested in high-yield corporate bonds. These are risky bonds with poor credit ratings, typically rated by Standard & Poor's and Moody's below BBB. Also known as junk bond funds.

Holding Company

(1) Any corporation, partnership, trust, association, or organized group of persons owning or controlling 10% or more of the outstanding voting shares of a company. (or)(2) A corporation that exercises control over other companies through title to their securities, primarily voting issues.

Holdings

A listing of corporations that a mutual fund is primarily invested in, this information is required by the SEC to be updated on a semiannual basis.

Homeowner's Insurance

Insurance for home loss caused by fire, vandalism, and other damaging events, depending upon the terms of the policy. Flood or wind insurance may require additional coverage. Homeowner's insurance is required to close on a loan. Also known as Hazard Insurance

Hot Issue

When a security which has been the subject of an offering, trades at an immediate premium when trading in the secondary market commences.

HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development)

A government agency responsible for creating and operating federal housing and community development programs. It also oversees the Federal Housing Administration.