The date during the quarter by which you must own a stock to receive its quarterly dividend payout. So, on the ex-date, you buy the stock without the dividend. If you are investing in mutual funds, look for funds with an expense ratio of less than one percent. Back to Top F Face value See Par value . Fannie Mae See Federal National Mortgage Association .
Federal funds rate The interest rate that is charged by banks on overnight loans to other banks.
A government-sponsored private corporation authorized to purchase and sell mortgages, which increases the affordability and availability of mortgages. Also charged by the federal government with facilitating the orderly operation of a secondary market for home mortgages. It sets key interest rates, such as the discount rate, and buys and sells government securities, which increases or decreases the nation's money supply. The central bank of the United States. The Federal Reserve System is governed by a seven-member board.