HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 13625
City of Palo Alto (ID # 13625)
City Council Staff Report
Meeting Date: 6/20/2022 Report Type: Consent Calendar
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Title: Approval of the Fiscal Year 2023 Investment Policy
From: City Manager
Lead Department: Administrative Services
Recommendation
The Finance Committee and Staff recommend the City Council approve the Fiscal Year 2023
Investment Policy (Attachment A).
Discussion
The Investment Policy (Policy) requires that the Policy be reviewed and any changes proposed
by Staff be approved by the City Council during the annual budget process. The Finance
Committee discussed the Policy at its June 7, 2022 meeting (CMR 14378) and unanimously
recommended Council approval. For Fiscal Year 2023, staff is proposing no changes to the
Policy.
Resource Impact
There are no budget impacts associated with the approval of the Investment Policy and the
City’s investment portfolio continues to be managed in-house with existing staff resources.
Policy Implications
This recommendation does not represent any change to City policies.
Environmental Review
The actions requested in this report do not constitute a project for the purposes of the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
.
Attachments:
• Attachment A: Proposed City of Palo Alto Investment Policy - Fiscal Year 2022-23
Fiscal Year 2023 1
Attachment A
PROPOSED CITY OF PALO ALTO
Investment Policy
Fiscal Year 2022-23
With No Changes
INTRODUCTION
The City of Palo Alto invests its pooled idle cash according to State of California law and the charter
of the City of Palo Alto. In particular, the City follows “The Prudent Investor Standard” cited in the
State Government Code (Section 53600.3). Under this standard, all governing bodies of local
agencies or persons authorized to make investment decisions on behalf of the City are trustees and
therefore fiduciaries subject to the prudent investor standard. When investing, reinvesting,
purchasing, acquiring, exchanging, selling, or managing public funds, a trustee shall act with care,
skill, prudence, and diligence under the circumstances then prevailing, including, but not limited to
the general economic conditions and the anticipated needs of the agency, that a prudent person
acting in a like capacity and familiarity with those matters would use in the conduct of funds of a
like character and with like aims, to safeguard the principal and maintain the liquidity needs of the
agency.
INVESTMENT PHILOSOPHY
The basic principles underlying Palo Alto's investment philosophy is to ensure the safety of public
funds, provide that sufficient money is always available to meet current expenditures, and achieve a
reasonable rate of return on its investments.
The City's preferred and chief practice is to buy securities and to hold them to their date of maturity
rather than to trade or sell securities prior to maturity. The City may, however, elect to sell a security
prior to its maturity should there be a significant financial need. If securities are purchased and held
to their maturity date, then any changes in the market value of those securities during their life will
have no effect on their principal value. Under a buy and hold philosophy, the City is able to protect
its invested principal. The economy, the money markets, and various financial institutions (such as
the Federal Reserve System) are monitored carefully to make prudent investments and to assess the
condition of the City’s portfolio.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
The primary objectives, in priority order, of investment activities shall be safety, liquidity, and yield:
Fiscal Year 2023 2
1. Safety: Safety of principal is the foremost objective of the investment program.
Investments shall be undertaken in a manner that seeks to ensure the preservation of
capital in the overall portfolio. The objective will be to mitigate credit risk and interest
rate risk.
a) Credit risk is the risk that an obligation will not be paid and a loss will result. The
City will seek to minimize this risk by:
Limiting investment to the safest types of securities or minimum credit
quality rating as listed in the “Authorized Investment” section
Diversifying its investments among the types of securities that are
authorized under this investment policy
b) Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in interest rates will adversely affect the
value of an investor’s portfolio. For example, an investor with large holdings in
long-term bonds has assumed significant interest rate risk because the value of
the bonds will fall if interest rates rise. The City can minimize this risk by:
Buying and holding its securities until maturity
Structuring the investment portfolio so that securities mature to meet cash
flow requirements
To further achieve the objective of safety, the amount that can be invested in all
investment categories, excluding obligations of the U.S. Government and its agencies, is
limited either as a percentage of the portfolio or by a specific dollar amount. These
limits are defined under the “Authorized Investments” section.
2. Liquidity: Liquidity is the second most important objective of the investment
program. The investment portfolio shall remain sufficiently liquid to meet all operating
requirements that may be reasonably anticipated. This is accomplished by maintaining
a portion of the portfolio in liquid money market mutual funds or local government
investment pools. In addition, the City will maintain one month’s net cash needs in
short term and/or liquid investments and at least $50 million shall be maintained in
securities maturing in less than two years. Although the City’s practice is to buy and
hold securities to maturity, since all possible cash demands cannot be anticipated, the
portfolio will consist of securities with active secondary or resale markets should the
need to sell a security prior to maturity arises.
3. Yield: Yield on the City’s portfolio is last in priority among investment objectives.
The investment portfolio shall be designed to obtain a market rate of return that reflects
the authorized investments, risk constraints, and liquidity needs outlined in the City’s
investment policy. Compared to similar sized cities, the City of Palo Alto should be
able to take advantage of its relatively large reserve balances to achieve higher yields
through long-term investments. In addition, the City will strive to maintain the level of
investment of idle funds as close to 100 percent as possible.
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ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) RESPONSIBILITIES
In addition to and subordinate to the Safety, Liquidity, and Yield investment objectives,
investments that support sound environmental, social and governance (ESG) objectives are also
considered. While the City’s portfolio is not classified as an ESG portfolio, investments in
entities that support community well-being through practices that emphasize safe and
environmentally sound objectives; fair labor practices; and equality of rights regardless of sex,
race, age, disability, or sexual orientation, is encouraged. Direct investments in entities that
manufacture tobacco products, firearms, and engage in direct production or drilling of fossil
fuels is discouraged.
This section applies to new investments (after November 5, 2018) only and does not require
divestment of existing investments. Investments in Certificates of Deposit (CDs) and Negotiable
Certificates of Deposit are exempt from the ESG investing objective.
SCOPE
A. This investment policy shall apply to all financial assets of the City of Palo Alto as accounted
for in the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), including but not limited to the
following funds:
1. General Fund
2. Special Revenue Funds
3. Debt Service Funds
4. Capital Project Fund
5. Enterprise Funds
6. Internal Service Funds
7. Trust and Agency Funds
B. The policy does not cover funds held by the California Public Employees Retirement System
(CalPERS), the California Employers’ Retiree Benefit Trust (CERBT), Deferred Compensation
programs (e.g. ICMA, Hartford), the Authority for California Cities Excess Liability (ACCEL),
and the Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS) Section 115 Irrevocable Trust.
C. Investments of bond proceeds shall be governed by the provisions of the related bond
indentures.
GENERAL INVESTMENT GUIDELINES
1. The maximum stated final maturity of individual securities in the portfolio should be
ten years.
2. A maximum of 30 percent of the par value of the portfolio shall be invested in
securities with maturities beyond five years.
3. The City shall maintain a minimum of one month’s net cash needs in short term and/or
Fiscal Year 2023 4
liquid investments.
4. At least $50 million shall be maintained in securities maturing in less than two (2)
years.
5. Should the ratio of the market value of the portfolio to the book value of the portfolio
fall below 95 percent, the Administrative Services Department will report this fact to
the City Council within a reasonable time frame and evaluate whether there is any risk
of holding any of the securities to maturity.
6. Commitments to purchase securities newly introduced on the market shall be made no
more than three (3) working days before pricing.
7. Whenever possible, the City will obtain three or more quotations on the purchase or
sale of comparable securities and take the higher yield on purchase or higher price on
sale. This rule will not apply to new issues, which are purchased at market no more
than three (3) working days before pricing, as well as to LAIF, City of Palo Alto
bonds, money market accounts and mutual funds, all of which shall be evaluated
separately.
8. Where the Investment Policy specifies a percentage limitation for a particular category
of investment, that percentage is applicable only at the date of purchase. A later
increase or decrease in a percentage resulting from a change in the portfolio’s assets or
values shall not constitute a violation of that restriction. As soon as possible,
percentage limitations will be restored as investments mature in each category.
AUTHORIZED INVESTMENTS
The California Government Code (Sections 53600 et seq.) governs investment of City funds. The
following investments are authorized:
1. U.S. Government Securities (e.g. Treasury notes, bonds and bills) Securities that are
backed by the full faith and credit of the United States
a) There is no limit on purchase of these securities.
b) Securities will not exceed 10 years maturity.
c) All purchased securities must have an explicit or a de facto backing of
the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.
2. U.S. Government Agency Securities – Obligations issued by the Federal Government
agencies (e.g. Federal National Mortgage Association, etc.).
a. There is no limit on purchase of these securities except for:
Fiscal Year 2023 5
Callable and Multi-step-up securities provided that:
- The potential call dates are known at the time of purchase
- The interest rates at which they “step-up” are known at the time
of purchase
- The entire face value of the security is redeemed at the call date
- No more than 25 percent of the par value of the portfolio
b. Securities will not exceed 10 years maturity.
3. California State, California Local Government Agencies, and other United States
State Bonds
a) Having at time of investment a minimum Double A (AA/Aa2) rating
as provided by a nationally recognized rating service (e.g. Moody’s,
Fitch, and/or Standard and Poor’s).
b) May not exceed 40 percent of the par value of the portfolio.
c) Investments include:
i) Registered state warrants or treasury notes or bonds of the State of
California and bonds, notes, warrants, or other evidences of
indebtedness of any local agency within California, including bonds
payable solely out of the revenues from a revenue producing
property owned, controlled, or operated by the state or local agency
or by a department, board, agency, or authority of the state or local
agency.
ii) Registered treasury notes or bond of any of the 49 United States in
addition to the State of California, including bonds payable solely
out of the revenues from a revenue-producing property owned,
controlled, or operated by a state or by a department, board, agency
or authority of any of the other 49 United States, in addition to the
State of California.
4. Certificates of Deposit (CD) - A debt instrument issued by a bank for a specified
period of time at a specified rate of interest. Purchase of CD’s are limited to:
a) May not exceed 20 percent of the par value of the portfolio.
b) No more than 10 percent of the par value of the portfolio in
collateralized CDs in any institution.
c) Purchase collateralized deposits only from federally insured large banks
that are rated by a nationally recognized rating service (e.g. Moody’s,
Fitch, and/or Standard and Poor’s).
Fiscal Year 2023 6
d) For non-rated banks, deposit should be limited to amounts federally
insured (FDIC). – See Appendix C
e) Rollovers are not permitted without specific instruction from authorized
City staff.
5. Banker's Acceptance Notes (BA) – Bills of exchange or time drafts drawn on and
accepted by commercial banks. Purchase of banker’s acceptances are limited to:
a) No more than 30 percent of the par value of the portfolio.
b) Not to exceed 180 days maturity.
c) No more than $5 million with any one institution.
6. Commercial Paper - Short-term unsecured obligations issued by banks, corporations,
and other borrowers. Purchases of commercial paper are limited to:
a) Having highest letter or numerical rating as provided for by a nationally
recognized rating service (e.g. Moody’s, Fitch, and/or Standard and
Poor’s).
b) No more than 15 percent of the par value of the portfolio.
c) Not to exceed 270 days maturity.
d) No more than $3 million or 10 percent of the outstanding commercial
paper of any one institution, whichever is lesser.
7. Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) – A State of California managed investment
pool may be used up to the maximum permitted by California State Law.
8. Short-Term Repurchase Agreements (REPO) – A contractual agreement between
a seller and a buyer, usually of U.S. government securities, whereby the seller agrees
to repurchase the securities at an agreed upon price and, usually, at a stated time.
Purchases of REPO’s must:
a) Not to exceed 1 year.
b) Market value of securities that underlay a repurchase agreement shall be
valued at 102 percent or greater of the funds borrowed against those
securities.
c) A Master Repurchase agreement must be signed with the bank or dealer.
Fiscal Year 2023 7
9. Money Market Deposit Accounts – Liquid bank accounts which seek to maintain a
net asset value of $1.00.
10. Mutual Funds which seek to maintain a net asset value of $1.00 and which are limited
essentially to the above investments and further defined in note 9 of Appendix A
a) No more than 20 percent of the par value of the portfolio.
b) No more than 10 percent of the par value with any one institution.
11. Negotiable Certificates of Deposit (NCD) issued by nationally or state-chartered
banks and state or federal savings institutions and further defined in note 11 of
Appendix A. Purchases of negotiable certificates of deposit:
a) May not exceed 20 percent of the par value of the portfolio.
b) No more than $5 million in any one institution.
12. Medium-Term Corporate Notes – Issued by corporation organized and operating
within the United States or by depository institutions licensed by the United States or
any state and operating with the United States.
a) Not to exceed 5 years maturity.
b) Securities eligible for investment shall have a minimum rating of AA or
Aa2 from a nationally recognized rating service (e.g. Moody’s, Fitch,
and/or Standard & Poor’s).
c) No more than 10 percent of the par value of the portfolio.
d) No more than $5 million of the par value may be invested in securities of
any single issuer, other than the U.S. Government, its agencies and
instrumentality.
e) If securities owned by the City are downgraded by Moody’s, Fitch, or
Standard & Poors to a level below AA or Aa2, it shall be the City’s
policy to review the credit situation and make a determination as to
whether to sell or retain such securities in the portfolio.
13. Supranational Organizations Securities – Supranational organizations refer to
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), International
Finance Corporation (IFC) and Inter-American Development Bank (IADB).
a. Securities will not exceed 5 years maturity.
b. No more than 20 percent of the par value of the portfolio.
c. No more than 10 percent of the par value with any one institution.
Fiscal Year 2023 8
d. Securities eligible for investment shall have a minimum rating of AA or
Aa2 from a nationally recognized rating service (e.g. Moody’s, Fitch,
and/or Standard & Poor’s).
e. Limited to United States dollar denominated senior unsecured
unsubordinated obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by
IBRD, IFC, and IADB.
Appendix A provides a more detailed description of each investment vehicle and its security and
liquidity features. Most of the City's short-term investments will be in securities which pay principal
upon maturity, while long-term investments may be in securities that periodically repay principal, as
well as interest. Most of the City's investments will be at a fixed rate. However, some of the
investments may be at a variable rate, so long as that rate changes on specified dates in pre-
determined increments.
PROHIBITED INVESTMENTS:
Includes all investments not specified above, and in particular:
1. Reverse repurchase agreements
2. Derivatives, as defined in Appendix B
Appendix B provides a more detailed description of each investment, which is prohibited, for City
investment.
AUTHORIZED INVESTMENT PERSONNEL
Idle cash management and investment transactions are the responsibility of the Administrative
Services Department. The Administrative Services Department is under the control of the Director of
Administrative Services (Director), as treasurer, who is subject to the direction and supervision of
the City Manager.
The Assistant Directors of Administrative Services (Assistant Director), who reports to the Director,
are authorized to make all investment transactions allowed by the Statement of Investment Policy.
The Assistant Director may authorize the Manager of Treasury, Debt & Investments and/or Senior
Management Analyst (Manager and/or Analyst) to enter into investments within clearly specified
parameters.
The Investment function is under the supervision of the Assistant Director. The Assistant Director is
charged with the responsibility to manage the investment program (portfolio), which includes
developing and monitoring the City's cash flow model and developing long-term revenue and
financing strategies and forecasts.
The Manager and/or Analyst are subject to the direction and supervision of the Assistant Director.
The Manager and/or Analyst assist the Assistant Director, in the purchase and sale of securities. The
Manager and/or Analyst also prepare the quarterly report, and record daily all investment
transactions as to the type of investment, amount, yield, and maturity. Cash flow projections are
Fiscal Year 2023 9
prepared as needed.
In all circumstances, approval from the Director of Administrative Services is required before selling
securities from the City's portfolio. The Manager and/or Analyst may also transfer no more than a
total of $10 million a day from the City's general account to any one financial institution, without the
prior approval of the Assistant Director.
No other person has authority to make investment transactions without the written authority of the
Director or Assistant Director of Administrative Services.
USE OF BROKERS AND DEALERS
The Administrative Services Department maintains a list of acceptable dealers. A dealer acts as a
principal in security transactions, selling securities from and buying securities for their own position.
A dealer must have:
a) At least three years experience operating with California municipalities;
b) Maintain an inventory of trading securities of at least $10 million; and
c) Be approved by the Assistant Director before being added to the City's list of approved
dealers; including individual traders or agents representing a dealer:
A dealer will be removed from the list should there develop a history of problems to include: failure
to deliver securities as promised, failure to honor transactions as quoted, or failure to provide
accurate information.
SAFEKEEPING AND CUSTODY
All securities shall be delivered to the City's safekeeping custodian and held in the name of the City
of Palo Alto, with the exception of the following investments:
a) Certificates of deposit, which may be held by the City itself.
b) City shares in pooled investment funds, under contract.
c) Mutual funds
d) Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF)
Fiscal Year 2023 10
POLICY REVIEW AND REPORTING ON INVESTMENTS
Monthly, the Administrative Services Department will review performance in relation to Council
adopted Policy. Quarterly, the Department will report to Council investment activity, including: the
portfolio’s performance in comparison to policy, explain any variances from policy, provide any
recommendations for policy changes, and discuss overall compliance with the City’s Investment
Policy. In addition, the Department will provide Council with:
a) A detailed list of all securities, investments and monies held by the City, and
b) Report on the City’s ability to meet expenditure requirements over the next six months.
Annually, the Administrative Services Department will present a Proposed Statement of Investment
Policy, to include the delegation of investment authority, to the City Council for review during the
annual budget process. All proposed changes in policy must be approved by the Council prior to
implementation.
Adopted by City Council October 22, 1984 Amended by City Council June 11, 2001
Monthly reporting effective January 1985 Amended by City Council June 17, 2002
Amended and Adopted by City Council June 24, 1985 Amended by City Council June 17, 2003
Amended by City Council December 2, 1985 Amended by City Council June 28, 2004
Amended by City Council June 23, 1986 Amended by City Council June 20, 2005
Amended by City Council June 22, 1987 Amended by City Council June 12, 2006
Amended by City Council August 8, 1988 Amended by City Council June 11, 2007
Amended by City Council November 28, 1988 Amended by City Council June 09, 2008
Amended by City Council June 26, 1989 Amended by City Council June 15, 2009
Amended by City Council May 14, 1990 Amended by City Council June 28, 2010
Amended by City Council June 24, 1991 Amended by City Council June 20, 2011
Amended by City Council June 22, 1992 Amended by City Council June 18, 2012
Amended by City Council June 23, 1993 Amended by City Council June 03, 2013
Amended by City Council June 20, 1994 Amended by City Council June 16, 2014
Amended by City Council June 19, 1995 Amended by City Council June 15, 2015
Amended by City Council June 24, 1996 Amended by City Council June 13, 2016
Amended by City Council June 23, 1997 Amended by City Council June 27, 2017
Amended by City Council January 26, 1998 Amended by City Council November 5, 2018
Amended by City Council June 22, 1998 Amended by City Council June 24, 2019
Amended by City Council June 28, 1999 Adopted by City Council June 22, 2020
Amended by City Council June 19, 2000 Amended by City Council June 21, 2021
Fiscal Year 2023 11
APPENDIX A
EXPLANATION OF PERMITTED INVESTMENTS
1. U.S. Government Securities: United States Treasury notes, bonds, bills, or certificates of
indebtedness or those for which the faith and credit of the United States are pledged for the
payment of principal and interest.
2. U.S. Government Agency Securities: U.S. Government Agency Obligations include the
securities of the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), Federal Land Banks (FLB),
Federal Intermediate Credit Banks (FICB), banks for cooperatives, Federal Home Loan Banks
(FHLB), Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA), Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation (FHLMC), Student Loan Marketing Association (SLMA), Small Business
Administration (SBA), Federal Farm Credit (FFC), and Federal Agricultural Mortgage
Corporation (FAMC or FMAC). Federal Agency securities are debt obligations that
essentially result from lending programs of the Government. Federal agency securities differ
from other types of securities, as well as among themselves. Their characteristics depend on
the issuing agency. It is possible to distinguish three types of issues: (A) participation
certificates (pooled securities), (B) Certificates of interest (pooled loans), (C) notes, bonds, and
debentures. The securities of a few agencies are explicitly backed by the full faith and credit
of the U.S. Government. All other issues purchased by the City have the de facto backing
from the federal government, and it is highly unlikely that the government would let any
agency default on its obligations.
3. Certificates of Deposit: A certificate of deposit (CDs) is a receipt for funds deposited in a
bank, savings bank, or savings and loan association for a specified period of time at a specified
rate of interest. Denominations are $250,000 and up. The first $250,000 of a certificate of
deposit is guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), if the deposit is
with a bank or savings bank, or the Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF), if the deposit
is with a savings and loan. CDs with a face value in excess of $250,000 can be collateralized
by U.S. Government Agency and Treasury Department securities or first mortgage loans.
Government securities must be at least 110 percent of the face value of the CD collateralized in
excess of the first $250,000. The value of first mortgages must be at least 150 percent of the
face value of the CD balance insured in excess of the first $250,000. Generally, CDs are issued
for more than 30 days and the maturity can be selected by the purchaser.
4. Bankers' Acceptance: A Banker's Acceptance (BA) is a negotiable time draft or bill of
exchange drawn on and accepted by a commercial bank. Acceptance of the draft irrevocably
obligates the bank to pay the bearer the face amount of the draft at maturity. BAs are usually
created to finance the import and export of goods, the shipment of goods within the United
States and storage of readily marketable staple commodities. In over 70 years of usage in the
United States, there has been no known instance of principal loss to any investor in BAs. In
addition to the guarantee by the accepting bank, the transaction is identified with a specific
commodity. Warehouse receipts verify that the pledged commodities exist, and, by definition,
these commodities are readily marketable. The sale of the underlying goods generates the
Fiscal Year 2023 12
necessary funds to liquidate the indebtedness.
BAs enjoy marketability since the Federal Reserve Bank is authorized to buy and sell prime
BAs with maturities of up to nine months. The Federal Reserve Bank enters into repurchase
agreements in the normal course of open market operations with BA dealers.
As are sold at a discount from par. An acceptance is tied to a specific loan transaction;
therefore, the amount and maturity of the acceptance is fixed.
5. Commercial Paper: Commercial paper notes are unsecured promissory notes of industrial
corporations, utilities, and bank holding companies. Interest is discounted from par and
calculated using actual number of days on a 360-day year. The notes are in bearer form, with
maturities up to 270 days selected by the purchaser, and denominations generally start at
$100,000. There is a small secondary market for commercial paper notes and an investor may
sell a note prior to maturity.
Commercial paper notes are backed by unused lines of credit from major banks. Some issuer's
notes are insured, while some are backed by irrevocable letters of credit from major banks.
State law limits a City to investments in United States corporations having assets in excess of
five hundred million dollars with an "A" or higher rating by a nationally recognized rating
service for the issuer's debentures. Cities may not invest more than 25 percent of idle cash in
commercial paper.
6. Local Agency Investment Fund Demand Deposit: The Local Agency Investment Fund
LAIF) was established by the State to enable treasurers to place funds in a pool for
investments. The City is limited to an investment of the amount allowed by LAIF (currently
$75 million). LAIF has been particularly beneficial to those jurisdictions with small portfolios.
Palo Alto uses this fund for short-term investment, liquidity, and yield.
7. Repurchase Agreements: A Repurchase Agreement (REPOS) is not a security, but a
contractual arrangement between a financial institution or dealer and an investor. The
agreement normally can run for one or more days. The investor puts up funds for a certain
number of days at a stated yield. In return, the investor takes title to a given block of securities
as collateral. At maturity, the securities are repurchased and the funds repaid, plus interest.
Usually, amounts are $500,000 or more, but some REPOS can be smaller.
8. Money Market Deposit Accounts: Money Market Deposit Accounts are market-sensitive
bank accounts, which are available to depositors at any time, without penalty. The interest rate
is generally comparable to rates on money market mutual funds, though any individual bank's
rate may be higher or lower. These accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or the Savings Association Insurance Fund.
Fiscal Year 2023 13
9. Mutual Funds: Mutual funds are shares of beneficial interest issued by diversified
management companies, as defined by Section 23701 M of the Revenue and Taxation Code.
To be eligible for investment, these funds must:
a) Attain the highest ranking in the highest letter and numerical rating provided by
not less than two of the three largest nationally recognized rating services; or
b) Have an investment advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission with not less than five years’ experience investing in the securities
and obligations, as authorized by subdivisions (a) to (n), inclusive, of Section
53601 of the California Government Code, and with assets under management in
excess of five hundred million dollars; and
c) Invest solely in those securities and obligations authorized by Sections 53601 and
53635 of the California Government Code. Where the Investment Policy of the
City of Palo Alto may be more restrictive than the State Code, the Policy
authorizes investments in mutual funds that shall have minimal investment in
securities otherwise restricted by the City's Policy. Minimal investment is
defined as less than 5 percent of the mutual fund portfolio; and
d) The purchase price of shares of beneficial interest purchased shall not include
any commission that these companies may charge.
e) Have a net asset value of $1.00.
10. Callable Securities and Multi-Step-ups: Callable securities are defined as fixed interest rate
government agency securities that give the issuing agency the option of returning the invested
funds at a specific point in time to the purchaser. Multi-step-ups are government agency
securities in which the interest rate increases ("steps-up") at preset intervals, and which also
have a callable option that allows the issuing agency to return the invested funds at a preset
interval. Callable and multi-step-ups are permitted, provided that:
the potential call dates are known at the time of purchase;
the interest rates at which they “step-up” are known at the time of purchase; and
the entire face value of the security is redeemed at the call date.
Fiscal Year 2023 14
11. Negotiable Certificates of Deposit (NCD): NCDs are large-dollar-amount, short-term
certificate of deposit. Such certificates are issued by large banks and bought mainly by
corporations and institutional investors. They are payable either to the bearer or to the order of
the depositor, and, being negotiable, they enjoy an active secondary market, where they trade
in round lots of $5 million. Although they can be issued in any denomination from $100,000
up, the typical amount is $1 million also called a Jumbo Certificate of Deposit.
State law prohibits the investment of local agency funds in negotiable certificates of deposit
issued by a state or federal credit union if a member of the legislative body of the local agency,
or any person with investment decision making authority in the administrative, manager’s,
budget, auditor-controller’s, or treasurer’s offices of the local agency also serves on the board
of directors, other credit committee or the supervisory committee of the state or federal credit
union issuing the negotiable certificate of deposit.
12. Medium-Term Corporate Notes: All corporate and depository institution debt securities
with a maximum remaining maturity of five years or less, 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. According to California
Government Code Section 53601, “Notes eligible for investment under this subdivision shall
be rated in a rating category of “A” or its equivalent or better by a nationally recognized rating
service. Purchase of medium-term notes shall include other instruments authorized by this
section and shall not exceed 30 percent of the agency’s moneys that may be invested pursuant
to this section.”
13. Supranational Securities: California Government Code Section53601 defines allowable
supranational securities as United States dollar denominated senior unsecured unsubordinated
obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by the International Bank for Reconstruction
and Development, the International Finance Corporation, and Inter-American Development
Bank. Supranationals are well capitalized and in most cases have strong credit support from
contingent capital calls from their member countries. Section 53601 was amended effective
January 1, 2015 to allow local agencies to invest in the senior debt obligations of these three
supranational issuers which are eligible for purchase and resale within the United States. These
entities were established with the purpose of ending poverty and raising the standard of living
around the world through sustainable economic growth.
a) The supranationals are international organization owned by member countries.
These are:
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD or
World Bank), a member of the World Bank Group, provides direct loans and
guarantees to sovereigns and government-backed projects
International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank
Group, supports the creation and growth of private companies through direct
lending and equity investment, attracting third party capital, and providing
advisory services
Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), a member of the
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Inter-American Development Bank Group, provides loans, grants, and
guarantees to sovereigns in Latin America and the Caribbean
b) Additional characteristics shared by the IBRD, IFC, and IADB include:
Headquartered in Washington, D.C. with the United States as the largest
shareholder of each organization
Rated AAA/Aaa by S&P and Moody’s
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APPENDIX B
EXPLANATION OF PROHIBITED INVESTMENTS
1. Reverse Repurchase Agreements: A Reverse Repurchase Agreement (Reverse REPO) is a
contractual agreement by the investor (e.g. local agency) to post a security it owns as
collateral, and a bank or dealer temporarily exchanges cash for this collateral, for a specific
period of time, at an agreed-upon interest rate. During the period of the agreement, the local
agency may use this cash for any purpose. At maturity, the securities are repurchased from the
bank or dealer, plus interest.
California law contains a number of restrictions on the use of Reverse REPOS by local
agencies.
2. Derivatives: A derivative is a financial instrument created from, or whose value depends on (is
derived from), the value of one or more underlying assets or indices. The term "derivative"
refers to instruments or features, such as collateralized mortgage obligations, forwards, futures,
currency and interest rate swaps, options, caps and floors. Except for those callable and multi-
step-up securities as described under Permitted Investments, derivatives are prohibited.
Certain derivative products have characteristics which could include high price volatility,
liquid markets, products that are not market-tested, products that are highly leveraged, products
requiring a high degree of sophistication to manage, and products that are difficult to value.
According to California law, a local agency shall not invest any funds in inverse floaters, range
notes, or interest-only strips that are derived from a pool of mortgages.
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APPENDIX C
GLOSSARY OF INVESTMENT TERMS
AGENCIES: Federal agency and instrumentality securities.
ASKED: The price at which securities are offered.
BID: The price offered by a buyer of securities (when one sells securities, one asks for a bid).
See “Offer”.
BROKER: A person or institution that conducts investment transactions on behalf of the buyer
and seller of the investment and earns a commission on the transaction.
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.
ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT (ACFR): The official annual report
for the City of Palo Alto. It includes combined financial statements for each individual fund and
account group prepared in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and
pronouncements set forth by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). The
ACFR also includes supporting schedules that are necessary to demonstrate compliance with
finance-related legal and contractual provisions, extensive introductory material, and a detailed
statistical section.
COUPON: The annual rate of interest that a bond’s issuer promises to pay the bondholder on
the bond’s face value or the 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.
DELIVERY VERSUS PAYMENT: There are two methods of delivery of securities: (1)
delivery versus payment (DVP); and (2) delivery versus receipt (DVR). DVP is delivery of
securities with an exchange of money for the securities. DVR is delivery of securities with an
exchange of a signed receipt for the securities.
DISCOUNT: The difference between the acquisition cost of a security and its value at maturity
when quoted at lower than face value. A security that sells below original offering price shortly after
sale, is also is considered to be at a discount.
DISCOUNT SECURITIES: Non-interest-bearing money market instruments that are issued a
discount and that are redeemed at maturity for full face value (e.g., U.S. Treasury Bills).
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DIVERSIFICATION: Dividing investment funds among a variety of securities that offer
independent returns.
FEDERAL AGRICULTURAL MORTGAGE CORPORATION (“FAMC” or “FMAC”): A
federal agency established in 1988 to provide a secondary market for farm mortgage loans.
Informally called Farmer Mac.
FEDERAL CREDIT AGENCIES: Agencies of the Federal Government that were established to
supply credit to various classes of institutions and individuals (e.g., S&Ls, small business firms,
students, farmers, farm cooperatives, and exporters).
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION (“FDIC”): A federal agency that insures
all types of deposits received at an insured bank, including deposits in a checking account,
negotiable order of withdrawal (NOW) account, savings account, money market deposit account
(MMDA) or time deposit such as a certificate of deposit (CD). FDIC insurance covers depositors'
accounts at each insured bank, dollar-for-dollar, including principal and any accrued interest through
the date of the insured bank's closing, up to the insurance limit.
The FDIC does not insure money invested in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, life insurance policies,
annuities or municipal securities, even if these investments are purchased at an insured bank. The
FDIC does not insure U.S. Treasury bills, bonds or notes, but these investments are backed by the
full faith and credit of the United States government.
The standard maximum deposit insurance amount is described as the “SMDIA” in FDIC regulations.
The SMDIA is $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank.
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
(currently 12 regional 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 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 mortgages and second loans, in addition to fixed-rate
mortgages. FNMA’s securities are also 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”): The FOMC consists of seven
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members of the Federal Reserve Board and five of the 12 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 in Washington, D.C., 12 regional banks, and
about 5,700 commercial banks that are members of the system.
GOVERNMENT NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (“GNMA” or “Ginnie Mae”):
Securities that influence the volume of bank credit that is guaranteed by GNMA and issued by
mortgage bankers, commercial banks, savings and loan associations, and other institutions. A
security holder is protected by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. Ginnie Mae
securities are backed by the FHA, VA, or FMHM mortgages. The term “pass-throughs” is often
used to describe Ginnie Maes.
LIQUIDITY: 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 amount can be done at those quotes.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY: A local government agency is any city, county, city and
county, district, or other local governmental body or corporation, including the California State
Universities (CSU) and University of California (UC) systems, K-12 schools and community
colleges empowered to expend public funds.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT FUND (“LAIF”): Monies from local governmental
units may be remitted to the California State Treasurer for deposit in this special fund for the purpose
of investment.
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 to repurchase-reverse repurchase agreements that establish each party’s rights in
the transactions. A master agreement will often specify, among other things, the right of the buyer
(lender) to liquidate the underlying securities in the event of default by the seller (borrower).
MATURITY: The date upon which the principal or stated value of an investment becomes due and
payable.
MONEY MARKET: The market in which short-term debt instruments (e.g., bills, commercial
paper, and bankers’ acceptances) are issued and traded.
OFFER: The price asked by a seller of securities (when one buys securities, one asks for an offer).
See “Asked” and “Bid”.
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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 that an investor holds.
PRIMARY DEALER: A group of government securities dealers that 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 broker-dealers, banks, and a few unregulated firms.
PRUDENT INVESTOR RULE: An investment standard cited in the California Government Code
Section 53600 et seq. Under this standard, all governing bodies of local agencies or persons
authorized to make investment decisions on behalf of the City are trustees and therefore fiduciaries
subject to the prudent investor standard. When investing, reinvesting, purchasing, acquiring,
exchanging, selling, or managing public funds, a trustee shall act with care, skill, prudence, and
diligence under the circumstances then prevailing, including, but not limited to the general economic
conditions and the anticipated needs of the agency, that a prudent person acting in a like capacity and
familiarity with those matters would use in the conduct of funds of a like character and with like
aims, to safeguard the principal and maintain the liquidity needs of the agency.
QUALIFIED PUBLIC DEPOSITORIES: A financial institution that: (1) does not claim
exemption from the payment of any sales, compensating use, or ad valorem taxes under the laws of
this state; (2) has segregated for the benefit of the commission eligible collateral having a value of
not less than its maximum liability; and (3) 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.
SAFEKEEPING: A service to customers rendered by banks for a fee whereby securities and
valuables of all types and descriptions are held in the bank’s vaults for protection.
SECONDARY MARKET: A market made for the purchase and sale of outstanding issues
following the initial distribution.
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION: An agency created by Congress to
administer securities legislation for the purpose of protecting investors in securities transactions.
STRUCTURED NOTES: Notes issued by instrumentalities (e.g., FHLB, FNMA, SLMA) and by
corporations, that have imbedded options (e.g., call features, step-up coupons, floating rate coupons,
derivative-based returns) in their debt structure. The market performance of structured notes is
affected by fluctuating interest rates; the volatility of imbedded options; and shifts in the yield curve.
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SUPRANATIONALS: International institutions that provide development financing, advisory
services and/or financial services to their member countries to achieve the overall goal of improving
living standards through sustainable economic growth. The California Government Code Section
53601 allows local agencies to purchase the United States dollar denominated senior unsecured
unsubordinated obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), International Finance Corporation (IFC), or Inter-
American Development Bank (IADB).
TIME CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT: A non-negotiable certificate of deposit, which cannot be
sold prior to maturity.
TREASURY BILLS: A non-interest-bearing discount security that is issued by the U.S. Treasury
to finance the national debt. Most T-bills are issued to mature in three months, six months, or one
year.
TREASURY BONDS: Long-term, coupon-bearing U.S. Treasury securities that are 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 that are issued as
direct obligations of the U.S. Government, and having initial maturities of two to 10 years.
YIELD: The rate of annual income return on an investment, expressed as a percentage.
YIELD-TO-CALL (YTC): The rate of return an investor earns from a bond assuming the bond is
redeemed (called) prior to its nominal maturity date.
YIELD-TO-MATURITY: The current income yield minus any premium above par or plus any
discount from par in purchase price, with the adjustment spread over the period from the date of
purchase to the date of maturity.
ZERO-COUPON SECURITIES: Security that is issued at a discount and makes no periodic
interest payments. The rate of return consists of a gradual accretion of the principal of the security
and is payable at par upon maturity.