Investing and Money Glossary, terms and definitions.

Mortgage-Backed Securities

Mortgage-backed securities, which are secured by thousands of mortgages held by American families, are relatively safe investments.

The Government National Mortgage Association or ""Ginnie Mae"" issues the safest mortgage-backed securities of all. They are the only securities, other than U.S. Treasury issues, that carry the full faith and credit guarantee of the federal government.