Other Glossary

Abandon OptionAn option holder chooses not to exercise their option
Absolute RiskThe volatility of total returns
AcceptanceShort-term debt instruments, drawn on a bank for future payment
Acceptance HouseGuarantees payment of trade bills used to finance trade deals and goods in shipment
AcceptingSigning a Bill of Exchange signifying an agreement to pay. Subsequent or alternative signature by a bank virtually guarantees payment.
Account??
Accreted Value??
Accreting SwapA swap in which the principal increases in each time period.
Accrual SwapAn interest rate swap where interest on one side accrues only when a certain condition is met.
Accrued InterestInterest that has been earned but not yet paid
ActuaryA statistician who calculates risk
AdministratorAn Administrator is responsible for ensuring the efficient day-to-day operation of a fund including the accounting.
AlphaA measure of performance on a risk adjusted basis.
Alternative Investment MarketA market dedicated to smaller companies.
Alternative Minimum Tax??
American Depository ReceiptThe form in which foreign shares can be traded in the US without a formal listing.
American OptionAn option that can be exercises at any time during its life.
AmortisationRepayment of the principal on a loan or bond installments over a period of time.
Amortising??
Amortising SwapA swap where the notional principal decreases in a predetermined way as time passes.
Annual Percentage RateUsed to describe the true cost of the money borrowed on mortgages, loans and credit cards.
Annual Yield??
AnnuitySomething that pays regular cash flows at fixed periods over a given period of time.
APACSControlling cheque clearing, BACS and CHAPS in the UK
ArbitrageTaking advantage of an anomaly in prices or rates in different markets.
ArbitrageurA person who engages in arbitrage opportunities.
Article 65Article for the Japanese Financial Code - prevents commercial banks from engaging in some investment banking
Asian OptionAn option with a payoff dependent on the average price of an underlying asset during a specified period.
Ask PriceThe price that a dealer is offering to sell a security.
Ask RateOffer Rate
Asset Backed Securities??
Asset Pricing??
Asset-Or-Nothing Call OptionAn option that provides a payoff equal to the asset price if the asset price is above the strike price and zero otherwise.
Asset-Or-Nothing Put OptionAn option that provides a payoff equal to the asset price if the asset price is below the strike price and zero otherwise.
AssetsThe side of the balance sheet dealing with lending
AssuranceThe business of life insurance and pensions
As-You-Like-It OptionChooser Option
At-Best OrderAn order to a broker to buy and or sell a contract at the best price available.
At-The-Money OptionAn option in which the strike price equals the price of the underlying asset.
Auction Market Preferred Stock??
AuditInspection of a companys books by independent accountants
Automated Clearing House??
Automated Pit TradingA computerised trading system used at the LIFFE in addition to open cry
Automatic ExerciseWhen the clearing house automatically exercises in-the-money options at expiry.
Average-Price Call OptionAn option giving a payoff equal to the greater of zero and the amount by which the average price of the asset exceeds the strike price.
Average-Price Put OptionAn option giving a payoff equal to the greater of zero and the amount by which the strike price axceeds the average price of the asset.
Average-Strike OptionAn option that provides a payoff dependent on the difference between the final asset price and the average asset price.
Back OfficeAccounting and Settlements
Back-TestingTesting a value-at-risk or other model using historic data.
BackwardationWhen the spot or near term price of a commodity is higher than the forward rate.
Backwards InductionA procedure for working from the end of a tree to its neginning in order to value an option.
Bank BillA Bill of Exchange accepted by a bank on the central bank's "eligible" list. The central bank itself would rediscount a bill of this type. Also called an Eligible Bill
Bankers AcceptanceBills of exchange acceppted by large banks
Bankers Automated Clearing Services??
Barrier OptionAn option whose payoff depends on whether the path of the underlying asset has reached a barrier (i.e. a certain predetermined level).
Base Currency??
Base Rate??
BasisThe difference between the spot price and the futures price of the commodity.
Basis PointOne hundredth of a percent (0.01%)
Basis RiskWhen relationships between products used to hedge each other change or break down
Basis SwapSwap where cash flows determined by one floating reference rate are exchanged for cash flows determined by another floating reference rate.
Basket OptionAn option that provides a payoff dependent on the value of a portfolio of assets.
BearA pessimist - selling securities in the belief of a falling stock and bond market, hence a "Bear" market
Bear MarketA falling market
Bear SpreadA short position in a put option with a strike price X1 combined with a long position in a put option with strike price X2 where X2 > X1. (A bear spread can also be created with call options).
Bearer BondA bond payable to whoever is in possession - that is no central register
Bed and BreakfastSelling shares one day and buying them back the next - at the end of the tax year to maximise Capital Gains Tax allowance or claim losses against profits
Bermudan OptionAn option that can be exercides on specified dates during its life.
BetaA measure of systematic risk of an asset.
Bid PriceThe price that a dealer is prepared to pay for an asset.
Bid RateRate of interest offered for deposits in banking. Generally the dealer's buying price for equities, bonds, foreign exchange etc
Bid-Ask SpreadThe amount by which the ask price exceeds the bid.
Bid-Offer Spreadsame as Bid-Ask Spread
Big BangDeregulation of the UK Stock Market 27 October 1986. New regulation and an automated price quotation system. The day when minimum commissions were abolished
BillA short-term (3 months or so) instrument which pays interest to the holder and can be traded. Some bills do not pay interest but are issued at a discount to their face value.
Bill of ExchangeA signed promise to pay by a receiver of goods or services and kept by the supplier.
Binary OptionOption with discontinuous payoff; for example a cash-or-nothing option or an asset-or-nothing option.
Binomial ModelA model where the price of an asset is monitored over successive short periods of time. In each short period of time it is assumed that only two price movements are possible.
Binomial TreeA tree that represents how an asset price can evolve under the binomial model.
Blacks ApproximationAn approximate procedure developed by Fischer Black for valuing a call option on a dividend paying stock.
Blacks ModelAn extension of the Black Scholes model for valuing European Options on futures contracts.
Black-Scholes ModelThe original European Stock Option pricing model written by Black and Schole in 1972
Blue ChipLarge established companies. The most highly regarded shares.
Board WashingThe individual who handles limit orders in some exchanges. The board broker makes information on outstanding limit orders available to other traders.
BOBLShort name for the short-term German government bond contract on the DTB
BondAn instrument that pays a fixed amount of interest to the holder.
Bond Factor??
Bond Ladder ??
Bond OptionAn option where a bond is the underlying asset.
Bond Provisions??
Bond Stripping??
BonosSpanish Government Bonds
Bonus IssueA free issue of shares to existing shareholders
Bonus Value??
Book Entry??
Book ValueThe value of an asset as entered in a company's balance sheet
Bootstrap MethodA procedure for calculating the zero-coupon yield curver from market data.
Boston Optionsee Deferred payment option
Break Forwardsee Deferred payment option
BrokerAn individual (or firm) that acts as an intermediary putting buyers and sellers together for a brokerage fee.
Building SocietyInstitutions whose primary function is to accept the savings of small investors and channel them to house buyers in return for the security of a mortgage on the property.
BullAn optimist, buying securities in the belief of a rising (stock and bond) market, hence a bull market
Bull MarketA rising market
Bull SpreadBuying a call option (a long position in a call) with a strike X1 combined with selling a call (short position in a call) with a strike price X2 where X2>X1 (a bull spread can also be created using put options).
Bullet RepaymentThe whole of a bond or bank loan is repaid at maturity (instead of staged payments in the last few years)
BundesbankThe German Central Bank
CableShorthand for dollar/sterling rate
Call Date??
Call MoneyMoney lent by banks to other banks or discount houses which can be recalled at noon each day
Call Protection??
Call Risk??
Call Schedule??
Callable Credit Products??
Cancelable SwapSwaps that can be cancelled by one side of prespecified dates.
CapAn agreement with a counterparty which sets an upper limit to interest rates for the cap buyer for a stated time period.
Cap RateThe rate determining payoffs in an interest rate cap
Capital AdequacyThe need to maintain adequate capital to cover counterparty risk and position risk
Capital Asset Pricing ModelA model relating the expected return on an asset to its beta.
Capital Gains TaxA tax on the profit when you sell (or 'dispose of') something (an 'asset') that's increased in value.
Capital Growth BondIssue price at par (100%) with redemption at a multiple of that amount.
Capital MarketsThe market for medium and long term securities
Capital RatioThe ratio of a banks primary capital to a weighted value of assets
CapitalisationMarket capitalisation of a company is the number of shares multiplied by the current price
Capitalisation IssueAn issue where funds from a company's reserves are converted into shares and offered free of charge to shareholders.
CapletOne component on an interest rate cap
Cash Flow MappingA procedure for representing an instrument as a portfolio of zero-coupon bonds for the purpose of calculating value at risk.
Cash RatioThe proportion of a bank's liabilities which it considers prudent to keep in the form of cash.
Cash SettlementWhere the product is settled at expiry, based on the differential between the fixed/guaranteed price and the underlying instrument. Procedure for settling a futures contract in cash rather than by delivering the underlying asset.
Cash-Or-Nothing Call OptionAn option that provides a fixed predetermined payoff if the final asset price is above the strike price and zero otherwise.
Cash-Or-Nothing Put OptionAn option that provides a fixed predetermined payoff if the final asset price is below the strike price and zero otherwise.
CDOA security based on a mix of debt and credit risk. Different laters often referred to as tranches (or slices) each having different risk and maturities.
Central Counterparty ModelSet up by the Stock Exchange to remove credit risk when buying and selling.
Certificate of DepositA tradeable deposit issued by banks and building societies.
Certificates of ParticipationA type of municipal bond that are often used to finance capital improvement projects or equipment.
CHAPSClearing House Automated Payments System - for electronic clearing of payments the same day (UK)
Cheapest-To-Deliver BondThe bond that is cheapest to deliver in the Chicago Board of Trade bond futures contract.
Chinese WallA theoretical barrier between different sections of a firm to avoid fraud (i.e. conflicts of interest or insider dealing). One part of the firm may not pass sensitive information to another if it is against a client's interest.
CHIPSClearing House Interbank Payments - electronic bank clearing in New York
Chooser OptionAn option where the holder has the right to choose whether it is call or a put at some point during its life.
CIRCUSCombined Interest Rate and Currency Swap
Clean PricePrice of a bond not including the accrued interest element. This is the quoted price. The cash price paid for the bond (or dirty price) is calculated by adding the accrued interest to the clean price.
Clearing BankBanks which are part of the clearing system which significantly reduces the number of interbank payments.
Clearing HouseA firm that guarantees the performance of the parties in an exchange-traded derivatives transaction. Central Body guaranteeing contracts in a traded options/futures market. Also known as clearing corporation.
Clearing MarginA margin posted by a member of a clearing house.
CLOCollateralized Loan Obligation - is a single security backed by a pool of debt.
Closing OutFor futures market - taking the opposite contract for example having previously bought 100 tons of cocoa for June delivery, the buyer now sells 100 tons for the same delivery (or vice-versa)
CMEChicago Mercantile Exchange
CMOCollaterized Mortgage Obligation - A mortgage backed security where investors are divided into classes and there are rules for determining how principal repayments are channeled to the classes.
Collarsee Interest Rate Collar
Collateral??
Collaterised??
CombinationA position involving both calls and puts on the same underlying asset.
Commercial BankingThe classic banking business of taking deposits and lending money, either retail or wholesale
Commerical PaperAn unsecured IOU issued by large companies and banks.
Commission BrokersIndividuals who execute trades for other people and charge a commission for doing so.
Commodity SwapA swap where cash flows depend on the price of a commodity.
Complex Power Duals??
Compound OptionAn option on an option. The holder (buyer) has an option to purchase another option on a pre-set date at a pre-agreed premium.
Compounding FrequencyThis defines how an interest rate is measured.
Compounding SwapSwap where interest compounds instead of being paid.
Concert PartyA group acting together (secretly) in a takeover situation for example three people each buy 2.9% of shares to avoid no longer being able to hide behind nominee status.
ConfirmationContract confirming verbal agreement between two parties to a trade in the over-the-counter market.
ConsolidationReorganising share holdings so that, for example 10 shares at 10p are replaced by a one £1 nominal
Constant Maturity SwapA swap where a swap rate is exchanged for eother a fixed rate or a floating rate on each payment date.
Constant Maturity Treasury SwapA swap where the yield on a Treasury Bond is exchanged for either fixed rate or floating rate on each payment date.
Consumption AssetAn asset held for consumption rather than investment
ContangoA situation where the futures price is above the expected future spot price.
Continuous CompoundingA way of quoting interest rates. It is the limit as the assumed compounding interval is made smaller and smaller.
Contract for DifferenceA derivative product to trade the price differential over an indefinite time period.
Contract SizeThe unit of trading on a derivatives contract.
Control Variate TechniqueA technique that can sometimes be used for improving the accuracy of a numerical procedure.
Convenience YieldA measure of the benefits from ownership of an asset that are not obtained by the holder of a long futures contract on the asset.
Conversion FactorA factor used to determine the number of bonds that must be delivered in the bond futures market.
ConvertibleA convertible bond may be converted later into equity, some other bond or even a commodity
Convertible Rate FRNAn issue which carries the option to convert either from an initial floating rate note into a fixed rate bond or from a fixed rate bond into a floating rate note.
ConvexityA measure of the curvature in the relationship between bond prices and bond yields.
Convexity AdjustmentAn overworked term. It can refer to the adjustment necessary to convert a futures interest rate to a forward interest rate.
Corporate Bond??
Corporate FinanceThe department of an investment bank dealing with takeovers, mergers and strategic advice to companies
Cost of CarryThe storage costs plus the cost of financing as asset minus the income earned on the asset.
CounterPartyThe opposite side in a financial transaction.
CouponInterest payment made on a bond.
Coupon StrippingDetaching the coupons from a bond and selling the coupons and the principal as individual zero coupon bonds
CoverAn abbreviation of "short cover".
Covered CallA short position in a call option on an asset combined with a long position in the asset.
Covered WarrantA warrant issued by a party other than the originator or issuer of the underlying asset
Covered WritingWhere an option is sold against an existing position.
Credit DerivativeA derivative whose payoff depends on the creditworthiness of the one or more entities
Credit Enhancement??
Credit RatingsA measure of the creditworthiness of a bond issue.
Credit RiskThe risk that a loss will be experienced because of the default by the counterparty in a derivatives transaction.
Credit SpreadThe interest rate spread between 2 debt issues of similar duration, maturity etc.
Credit Spread OptionOption whose payoff depends on the spread between the yields earned on two assets.
Credit Valuation AdjustmentThis is the market value of the counterparty credit-risk.
CRESTThe new UK Electronic settlement registering system introduced in July 1996.
CTDCheapest To Deliver bond
Cum DividendMeans the buyer will get the recently announced dividend.
CumulativeApplied to a Preference Share - if dividend is missed it is still owed to the holder.
Currency RiskThe risk of losses resulting from movements in currency exchange rates.
Currency Swap??
Currency Warrants??
Current Yield??
CUSIP??
Custodian??
Cyclical StockThe share prices of these companies move dramatically (up and down) relative to the economy.
CylinderName used for a collar in currency markets.
Dated Date??
DAXAn index of 30 top German shares traded on the Frankfurt exchange.
Day CountA convention used for quoting interest rates.
Day TradeA position opened and closed on the same day.
Dealing SpreadThe difference between a trader's bid and offer price.
DebentureA long-term bond issues by a UK company and secured on fixed assets.
Deep Discount BondThis is a bond with issue price significanly below maturity price, due to lack of coupon or a coupon below the market rate.
Default??
Defensive StockThe share prices of these companies does not move dramatically (up and down) relative to the economy.
Deferred Payment OptionAn option where the price paid is deferred until the end of the option's life.
Deferred SwapAn agreement to enter into a swap at some time in the future.
Delivery??
Delta HedgingA hedging scheme that is designed to make the price of a portfolio of derivatives insensitive to small changes in the price of the underlying asset.
Delta Neutral PortfolioA portfolio with a delta of zero so that there is no sensitivity to small changes in the price of the underlying asset.
Depository ReceiptCertificates which represent ownership of a given number of company's shares which can be listed and traded separately from the underlying shares (eg ADRs and GDR)
DepreciationAn accounting term which allows for the run-down in values of a company's assets.
DerivativesAn instrument whose price depends on, or is derived from, the price of another asset.
DevaluationTerm usually applies to currencies, which means simply a one-off loss in value (fall in price) of the currency concerbed.
Diagonal SpreadA position in two calls where both the strike prices and times to maturity are different (this can also be created with put options).
Differential SwapA swap where a floating rate in one currency is exchanged for a floating rate in another currency and both rates are applied to the same principal.
DilutionThe reduction in earnings per share caused by the creation of new shares.
Dirty PriceBond prices including the accrued interest element.
DiscountThe margin by which the purchase price is cheaper than the redemption price
Discount Bondsee Zero-coupon bond
Discount BrokerA broker who offers a no-frills, dealing-only service for a cheap price.
Discount HouseTakes the liquid money of the banking system and uses it to discount bills of exchange but Treasury Bills, etc.
Discount InstrumentAn instrument such as a Treasury Bill that provides no coupon.
Discount Margin??
Discount RateThe annualised dollar return on a Treasury Bill or similar instrument expressed as percentage of the final face value.
DiscountingBuying / Selling a security at less than face value.
DisintermediationDirect market borrowing or lending by companies without going through a bank.
DividendA cash payment made to the owner of a stock (or equity)
Dividend Paying Stock??
Dividend YieldThe annual percentage return on a share price represented by the current dividend - usually gross.
Down-and-In OptionAn option that comes into existence when the price of the underlying asset falls to a certain level.
Down-and-Out OptionAn option that ceases to exist when the price of the underlying asset falls to a certain level.
Downside RiskThe risk of making a loss on a position or an investment.
DurationA measure of the average life of a bond.
Duration MatchingA procedure for matching the durations of assets and liabilitites in a finanical institution.
Dynamic HedgingA procedure for hedging an option position by periodically changing the position held in the underlying assets.
Early ExerciseExercising before the maturity date.
Earnings YieldEarnings per share (after tax) expressed as a percentage of share price
EBITDAEarnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation
ECGDExport Credit Guarantee Department - government agency which provides trade insurance for exporters.
ECUEuropean Currency Unit - a weighted basket of currencies to give an "average" value especially against the dollar.
EDREuro Depositary Receipt
Efficient Market TheoryTheory that asset prices reflect currently available information and fully discount expected future cash flows.
EFTPOSElectronic Funds Transfer at Point Of Sale - a scheme which allows customers to pay retailers with an electronic card. The funds are automatically debited from a client's account and credited to the retailer's.
Eligible BillBills of Exchange eligible for sale to a central bank when acting as "lender of last resort".
Embedded OptionAn option that is an inseparable part of another instrument
Empirical ResearchResearch based on historical market data.
EMSEuropean Monetary System - general agreement on monetary cooperation. Includes official use the Ecu.
EMUEuropean Monetary Union
Endowment MortgageMortgage linked to a life-assurance scheme.
EPSEarnings Per Share
EquityGeneral terms of shares.
Equity Collar??
Equity ConvertibleBond which can be converted into the shares of the issuing company.
Equity SwapA swap where the return on an equity portfolio is exchanged for either a fixed or a floating rate of interest.
ERMExchange Rate Mechanism
ETFExchange Traded Fund
EurexThe merged German-Swiss electronic derivatives exchange.
EURIBORRate at which banks in the eurozone borrow from one another.
EuroThe European single currency
EuroClearSecondary market clearing and settlement system
EuroCurrenciesAny currency held by banks, companies or individuals outside its country of origin.
EuroCurrencyA currency that is outside the formal control of the issueing country's monetary authorities.
EuroDollarA dollar held in a bank outside the US.
EuroDollar Futures ContractA futures contract written on a Eurodollar receipt.
EuroDollar Interest RateThe interest rate on a eurodollar deposit
EuroMarketThe offshore international financial market
EuroNext??
EuroNoteShort-term security denominated in a Eurocurrency.
European OptionAn option that can only be exercised at the end of its life.
EWMAExponentially Weighted Moving Average
Exchange OptionAn option to exchange one asset for another
Exchange RateThe price at which one currency can be exchanged for another.
Exchange TradedA transaction where a specific instrument is bought or sold on a regulated exchange
Ex-Dividendsee XD-Dividend
Ex-Dividend DateWhen a dividend is declared, an ex-dividend date is specified.
Executive Stock OptionA stock option issued by a company on its own stock and given to its executives as part of their renumeration.
Exotics??
Expectations TheoryThe theory that forward interest rates equal expected future spot interest rates.
Expected Value of a VariableThe average value of the variable obtained by weighting the alternative values by their probabilities.
Expiry DateThe end of the life of the contract.
Exponential WeightingsA weightings scheme where the weight given to an observation depends on how recent it is.
Exponentially Weighted Moving Average ModelA model where exponential weighting is used to provide forecasts for a variable from histrical data.
Extendable SwapA swap whose life can be extended at the option of one side to the contract.
FactoringBuying trade debts on a regular basis to assist cash flow - usually done by subsidiaries of banks.
FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board.
Federal ReserveThe US monetary authority which plays a role similar to that of the Bank of England.
FedWireElectronic payments system between Federal Reserve banks in the US
Fill-or-KillAn order on an exchange which is either executed in its entirety at the stipulated price or cancelled.
Finance HousesInstitutions which specialise in funding hire-purchase agreements
Financial IntermediaryA bank or other financial institution that facilitates the flow of funds between different entities in the economy.
First Coupon Date??
FIXElectronic Communication Protocol
Fixed Commissions??
Fixed Exchange RatesCurrencies with set values against each other which vary only in times of crisis when one or more currencies are revalued or devalued.
Flat VolatilityThe name given to a volatility used to price a cap when the same volatility is used for each caplet.
Flat YieldThe annual percentage return on a bond taking into account the buying price, for example if £100 nominal worth of an 8% bond is bought for $50, the yield is 16%. Also called the running and interest yield (see redemption yield)
Flex OptionAn option traded on an exchange with terms that are different from the standard options traded by the exchange.
Flip Flop FRNA Floating Rate Note that has a very long final maturity or even a perpetual issue with an option to convert after a fixed period into a Short Dated FRN.
Floating Exchange RatesCurrencies whose values against each other are set by market forces.
Floating RateA loan with the interest rate varied at agreed intervals, linked to a base rate for example LIBOR
Floating Rate NoteA medium to long term debt obligation with a variable interest rate which is adjusted periodically.
FloorAn agreement with a counterparty which sets an upper limit to interest rates for the cap buyer for a stated time period.
Floor RateThe interest rate in an interest rate floor agreement.
Floor-Ceiling Agreementsee Interest Rate Collar
Floored Floaters??
FloorletOne component of a Floor
Foreign Currency OptionAn option on a foreign exchange rate.
ForfaitingRaising money by selling a company's invoices
Forward ContractA contract to buy or sell a commodity or security for future delivery at a price agreed today
Forward Exchange RateThe forward price of one unit of a foreign currency
Forward MarketMarket in which currencies are traded months or years ahead.
Forward PriceThe delivery price in a forward contract that causes the contract to be worth zero.
Forward RateA rate agreed now for a future purchase or sale of a currency.
Forward Rate AgreementAgreement that a certain interest rate will apply to a certain principal amount for a certain time period in the future.
Forward Start OptionAn option designed so that it will be at the money at some point in the future.
Forward Swapsee Deferred Swap
Forward-Forward AgreementArrangement to lend or borrow a set sum at a date in the future for a set period at a set rate.
FOXLondon Futures and Options Exchange (commodities)
Fraud??
Freddie MacFederal National Mortgage Association (FNMA)
FSAFinancial Services Authority
FTSE IndexFinancial Times ?? Index that tracks the share prices of 100 leading company.
FungibleExchangeable - for example, a contract of one futures exchange and another will be identical. Can be opened in one and closed in the other exchange (or vice versa). Also used for further issues of bonds on exactly the same terms (and accrued interest) as those issued earlier.
FuturesInstruments which give the buyer the right to purchase a commodity at a future date
Futures ContractSimilar to forward but not expected to go to delivery as the position will be closed out with the opposite contract.
Futures OptionAn option on a futures contract.
Futures PriceThe delivery price currently applicable to a futures contract
GammaThe rate of change of delta with respect to the underlying
Gamma Neutral PortfolioA portfolio with a gamma of zero
GearingCarrying out financial transactions on the basis of a deposit or borrowed money (US term is leverage).
Gearing RatioRatio of equity and long term debt.
Gilt Edged SecurityA bond issued by the UK government.
Gilt Warrants??
GiltsBonds issued by the UK government.
Global BondInternational bond placed at the same time in the euro and one or more domestic markets ???
Global Depository ReceiptA form in which foreign shares can be traded outside their domestic markets.
GlobalisationThe movement to integration of world markets regardless of national boundaries
GLOBEX??
Golden HelloPayment made to an employee of a rival firm to entice him or her to transfer.
GoodwillAn accounting term which describes the intangible assets of a company (e.g. brand names, skillful staff etc)
GreeksHedge parameters such as delta, gamma, vega, theta and rho
Gross Redemption YieldThe return which an investor will receive on a bond, allowing for both interest and capital growth as a percentage of the bonds price.
Hard Currencies??
Harrison and Kreps??
HedgeA trade designed to reduce risk
Hedge FundA fund which takes both long and short positions
Hedge RatioThe ratio of the size of a position in a hedging instrument to the size of the position being hedged.
HedgerA person who enters into hedging trades.
HedgingA technique for limiting risk.
High Yield Bonds??
Historic VolatilityA volatility estimated from historical data
Historical DividendThe total dividend the company paid for its last financial year
Historical SimulationA simulation based on historical data
Holiday CalendarCalendar defining which days are holidays for the purpose of determing payment dates in a swap.
Hybrid Products??
IMPAInternational Primary Markets Association (for Eurobond dealers)
Implied DistributionA distribution for a future asset price implied from option prices
Implied VolatilityVolatility implied from an option price using the Black-Scholes or a similar model
Implied Volatility Trees??
Index Amortizing Swapsee Indexed Principal Swap
Index ArbitrageAn arbitrage involving a position in the stocks comprising a stock index and a position in a futures contract on the stock index.
Index FuturesA futures contract on a stock index or other index.
Index OptionAn option contract on a stock index or other index
Indexed Principal SwapA swap where the principal declines over time.
Indiceslike the S&P 500, CAC 40, FTSE 100 etc
Ineligible Bank BillsBills of exchange accepted by a bank, but one not on the central bank's list
Inflationwhether a given rate of interest represents good value or not will depend on the rate of inflation
Initial MarginInitial deposit required by a Clearing House (as opposed to variation margin)
Initial Public OfferingAmerican term for Offer for Sale
Insider DealingThe buying and selling of securities by someone with inside information.
InsolventUnable to meet your financial obligations/debts.
InsuranceIf contrasted with assurance, this is the business other than life assurance
Insured Bonds??
InterBank MarketBank lending and borrowing to one another
Inter-Dealer BrokerAn offical broker in the government securities (gilts and treasury bills) market.
InterestA payment made in return for the use of money.
Interest OnlyA mortgage backed security where the holder receives only interest cash flows on the underlying mortgage pool.
Interest Rate Cap??
Interest Rate CollarA combination to an interest-rate cap and an interest rate floor
Interest Rate DerivativeA derivative whose payoffs are dependend on future interest rates.
Interest Rate FloorAn option that provides a payoff when an interest rate is below a certain level.
Interest Rate OptionAn option where the payoff is dependent on the level of interest rates
Interest Rate SwapAn exchange of a fixed rate of interest on a certain notional principa for a floating rate of interest on the same notional principal.
Interest YieldFlat Yield
International Monetary FundSupranatural organisation which plays an important role in troubled economies ??
InternationalisationGlobalisation
In-The-Money OptionEither - a call option where the asset price is greater than the strike price or - a put option where the asset price is less than the strike price.
Intrinsic ValueThe amount by which a call option exercise price is below the market price (or a put option exercise price is above).
Inverted MarketA market where the futures price decreases with maturity.
Investment AssetAn asset held by at least some individuals for investment purposes.
Investment Grade??
Investment TrustA company whose whole business is running a wide portfolio of shares. A "closed-ended" fund.
Iron ButterflyA short straddle combined with a long strangle on the same underlying and with the same time to expiry.
IrredeemablePerpetual
ISDAInternational Securities and Derivatives Association
Issue by ProspectusMethod of selling shares in a company.
Issuer??
Issuer Warrant??
IssuingOffering a security in the market in the first instance, primary market
Joint StockHaving shareholders
Kappasee Vega
Ladder OptionWhenever the underlying hits a "rung" or threshold price level the strike is reset and gains to that point cannot be lost.
LagThe time between making the actual trade and settling
Lamdasee Vega
LCELondon Commodity Exchange - cocoa, coffee, sugar, etc Merged with LIFFE in 1996
LDC??
Lead ManagerBank(s) taking a key role in a syndicated loan or issue of securities like eurobonds
LEAPSLong-term Equity Anticipation Securities - These are relatively long-term options on individual stocks or stock indices.
LeasingA kind of rental agreement whereby companies purchase land or equipment and pay for it by instalments.
Letter of CreditA method of financing a trade
LeverageAmerican term for gearing or making a small amount of money go a long way
LiabilityThe side of the bank's balance sheet dealing with borrowings - that is deposits, formal loans to others. Also share capital.
LIBIDLondon Interbank Bid Rate
LIBORLondon Interbank Offered Rate – most common maturity is 3 months
LIBOR CurveLIBOR zero-coupon interest rates as a function of maturity.
LIBOR-In-Arrears SwapSwap where the LIBOR rate observed on a date is paid on that date rather than one accrual period later.
Life AssuranceA form of saving whereby individuals invest a small monthly premium in return for a much larger sum later on.
Life InsuranceA scheme whereby individuals pay a premium to a company which guarantees to pay their dependents a lump sum in the veent of death.
LIFFELondon International Financial Futures Exchange.
LIMEANAverage of the LIBOR and LIBID rates
Limit MoveThe maximum price move permitted by the exchange in a single trading session.
Limit OrderAn order that can be executed only at a specified price or one more favourable to the investor.
LiquidityThis is how quickly would the lender get their money back. The longer the notice period the higher the interest rate
Liquidity Preference TheoryA theory leading to the conclusion that forward interest rates are above expected future spot interest rates.
Liquidity PremiumThe amount that forward interest rates exceed expected future spot interest rate.
Liquidity RatioUsually a percentage relationship between a banks liquid assets and its eligible liabilities.
Liquidity RiskThe risk that trading in an asset dries up and prices cannot be found or are subject to sharp fluctuations.
Liquidity TheoryThe principle that investors will demand a greater reward for investing their money for longer periods of time.
Lloyds of LondonThe insurance market
LMELondon Metal Exchange
Local Currency??
Local Market Products??
LocalsTraders dealing for themselves as speculators
London Clearing HouseThe main operating company of ICCH
LongTo be long in shares, bonds or foreign exchange is it own more than you have sold
Long Bond??
Long HedgeA hedge involving a long futures position
Long Only Fundrelative to an underlying index - constrained by index weights
Long PositionThe agreement to buy
Long Protection??
Lookback Option??
LOROAlternative form of Vostro
LYONLiquid Yield Option Note
Maintenance MarginWhen the balance in a traders margin account falls below the maintenance margin level the trader receives a margin call requiring the account to be topped up to the intial margin level.
Making a MarketBuying or selling a financial instrument no matter what the market conditions are.
Managing AgentRun and administer Lloyds syndicates on behalf of the names
Mandatory Liquid AssetThe charge for a sterling loan in the UK to cover non-interest bearing deposits at the Bank of England
MarginThe deposit required by clearing houses
Margin CallA request for extra margin when the balance in the margin account falls below the maintenance margin level.
Mark to MarketThe practice of revaluing an instrument to reflect the current values of the relevant market variables.
Market MakerThe dealers in stocks and shares as principals - that is taking the risk in their own name
Market ModelA model most commonly used by traders.
Market Neutral Portfolio??
Market Segmentation TheoryA theory that short interest rates are determined independently of long interest rates by the market.
Matador BondPeseta bonds issued in Spain by non residents
MaturityThis is when the lender expects to be paid
Maturity DateThe end of the life of the contract.
Mean ReversionThe tendency of a market variable (such as an interest rate) to revert back to some long-run average level.
Medium-Term NotesA flexible facility to issue notes of varying maturity, varying currency and either fixed or floating - all within one set of legal documentation
Merchant BanksUK Term for an Investment Bank
Minimum Lending RateThe rate at which the Bank of England will lend to discount houses. Only published as an "official" rate in emergencies, for example when the UK joined the ERM and September 1992 when there was an ERM crisis.
Modified DurationA modification to the standard duration measure so that it more accurately describes the relationship between proportional changes in a bond price and absolute changes in its yield. The modification takes account for the compounding frequency with which the yield is quoted.
Money BrokerIntermediary putting borrowers in touch with lenders for a small commission
Money MarketThe market for money instruments with a maturity of less than one year.
Money-at-CallMoney lent overnight It can be recalled in the morning.
Monte Carlo Simulation??
Mortgage Backed SecuritiesDebt security backed by a pool of mortgages.
Multiple Option FacilityA revolving facility from a syndicate of banks permitting the raising of finance with various options - bank loan, bankers acceptance or commercial paper.
Municipal BondsMunicipal bonds are issued by state, county, or city governments.
MutualA bank or insurance company not a public company but owned by its members
Mutual FundsGeneral name for pooled funds, such as investment trusts and unit trusts
Naked PositionA short position in a call option that is not combined with a long position in the underlying asset.
NASDAQNational Association of Securities Dealers
National DebtThe total outstanding debt of the central government especially bonds and national savings
New IssueThe placing of company shares on the stock exchange.
NIFNote Issuance Facility
NMSNormal Market Size - This is the classification concept replacing the three classes alpha, beta and gamma. It is based on a percentage of an average days trading. There are 12 bands and they are used to decide the minimum quote size, the maximum size for immediate publication of trades and the maximum size handled by the SAEF system (UK)
No Arbitrage AssumptionThe assumption that there are no arbitrage opportunities in market prices.
Noise TraderA trader who randonly buys and sells
Non-Callable Bond??
Nonsystematic RiskRisk that can be diversified away
Normal BackwardationA situation where the futures price is below the expected future spot price
Normal MarketA market where futures prices increase with maturity.
Notional??
Notional PrincipleThe principal used to calculate payments in an interest rate swap. The prinipal is "notional" because it is neither paid nor received.
NPVNet Present Value
Numerical ProcedureA method of valuing an option when no formula is available.
ObligorA person who has an obligation (by a legal binding) to pay off debt.
Off The RunOnce a new security (of any particular maturity) is issued the previously issued security with the same maturity becomes "off the run".
Offer for SaleA method of bringing a company to the market. may be a fixed price or by tender (same as IPO in the UK)
Offer Pricesee Ask Price
Offer RateThe dealers selling price
On The RunThe most recently issued security of any particular maturity.
OPECOrganisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries
Open Cry??
Open InterestThe total number of long posiitons outstanding in a futures contract (equals the total number of short positions).
Open OutcryFace to face trading
OptionThe right to buy or sell an asset.
Option ClassAll options of the same type (call or put) on a particular stock.
Option Dated Forward RateA forward rate (foreign exchange), but the date is more flexible.
Option SeriesAll options of a certain class with the same strike price and expiration date.
OptionsThe right but not the obligation to buy/sell equities, bonds, foreign exchange or interest rate contracts by a future date at a price agreed now. Traded options means the options themselves can be bought or sold.
Order BookSETS (Stock Exchange Trading System)
Order Book Officialsee Board Broker
Ordinary ShareThe most common also the riskest type of share
Original Issue Discount??
Out-Of-The-Money OptionEither - a call option where the asset price is less than the strike price or - a put option where the asset price is greater than the strike price.
OutrightThe sale or purchase of a currency for delivery on any date other than spot.
Over The CounterDealing outside a trading exchange, for example a currency option purchased from a bank.
OverfundingThe issue of government bonds or treasury bills not for immediate government borrowing needs but as an instrument of monetary control
OvernightTransaction for settlement tomorrow, taken out today.
PackageA derivative that is a portfolio of standard calls and puts, possibly combined with a position in forward contracts and the asset itself.
PARThe nominal value of a security, for example $1000 for US treasury bonds or £100 for UK government bonds
Par Frequency??
Par ValueThe principal amount of a bond
Par YieldThe coupon on a bond that makes its price equal the principal.
Parallel ShiftA movement in the yield curve where each point on the curve changes by the same amount.
Partially Unwound??
PassiveOften used to refer to long only investment
Path-Dependent OptionAn option whose payoff depends on the whole path followed by the underlying variable - not just its final value.
PayoffThe cash realised by the holder of an option or other derivtaive at the end of its life.
PB RatioPrice/Book ratio
PE RatioPrice/Earnings ratio - Ratio of share price to earnings after tax
Pension FundsThe groups that administer pensions schemes.
PerpetualA security without time limit for redemption
Perpetuity??
Physical??
PIBORParis Interbank Offered Rate
PIKPayment in Kind (pic payment)
PlacingA method of bringing a company to the market.
Plain VanillaA term used to describe a standard deal
Portfolio ImmunizationMaking a portfolio relatively insensitive to interest rates.
Portfolio InsuranceEntering into trades to ensure that the value of a portfolio will not fall below a certain level.
Position LimitThe maximum position a trader (a group of traders acting together) is allowed to hold.
PPPPurchasing Power Parity
Preference ShareDividend is paid as a fixed percentage.
PremiaThe plural of risk premium.
Premium Bond??
Prepayment FunctionA function estimating the prepayment of principal on a portfolio of mortgages in terms of other variables.
Pre-Refunded??
Primary MarketMarkets where securities are sold when first issued.
Prime Broker??
PrincipalThe par or face value of a debt instrument.
Principal OnlyA mortgage backed security where the holder receives only principal cash flows on the underlying mortgage.
Private BankingSpecialist banking services for high net worth individuals
PrivatisationConversion of a state run company to a public limited status.
Program TradingA procedure where trades are automatically generated by a computer and transmitted to the trading floor of an exchange.
Promissory NoteA signed promise to pay a sum of money
Prospective DividendThe dividend which has been forecast for its current yield
Protective PutA put option combined with a long position in the underlying.
PSBR??
Purchasing Power ParityThe belief that inflationary differentials between countires are the long-run determininants of currency movements.
Put Bonds??
Put Option??
Put-Call ParityThe relationship between the price of a European call option and the price of a European put option when they have the same strike price and the same maturity date.
Puttable BondA bond where the holder has the right to sell it back to the issuer at certain predetermined times for a predetermined price.
Puttable SwapA swap where one side has the right to terminate early.
QuantoA derivative where the payoff is defined by variables associated with one currency but is paid in another currency.
RAFTRevolving Acceptance Facility by Tender
Rainbow OptionAn option whose payoff is dependent on two or more underlying variables.
Range-Forward ContractThe combination of a long call and short put or the combination of a short call and long put.
Rating AgencySuch as Moodys, Standard & Poors and Fitch which rate the default risk on corporate and soverign debt.
Real Interest RateThe return on an investment once the effect of inflation is taken into account.
RebalancingThe process of adjusting a trading position periodically. Usually the purpose is to maintain delta neutral.
RedeemBuy back or pay off.
RedeemableApplied to a preference share or bond - may be redeemed by the issuer on terms stated at outset.
Redemption??
Redemption Date??
Redemption Yield??
Registered??
Repayment MortgageMortgage on which capital and interest are gradually repaid.
Repo??
Repo RateThe rate of interest in a repo transation.
Repurchase AgreementSelling securities and agreeing to buy then back at a slightly higher price.
Reset DateThe date in a swap or cap or floor when the floating rate for the next period is set.
Residual Risk??
Retained EarningsPast profits which the company has not distributed to shareholders.
Reversion LevelThe level that the value of a market variable (e.g. an interest rate) tends to revert.
Revolving CreditA commitment to lend on a recurring basis on pre-defined terms
RhoRate of change of the price of a derivative with the interest rate.
Rights IssueAn offer of shares for cash to existing shareholders in proportion to their existing holdings (e.g. 2 for 1). An issue to existing shareholders of a security giving them the right to buy new shares at a certain price.
RiskGovernment transactions are regarded as the safest and therefore have the lowest rates of interest
Risk Free RateThe rate of interest that can be earned without assuming any risk.
Risk Management??
Risk Neutral ValuationThe valuation of an option or other derivative assuming the world is risk neutral. Risk-neutral valuation gives the correct price for a derivtaive in all worlds, not just in the risk-neutral world.
Risk Neutral WorldA world where investors are assumed to require no extra return on average for bearing risks.
Risk PremiumThe expected rate of return above the risk free interest rate.
Risk Weighted AssetsRWA is the aggregate measure of different risk factors affecting the evaluation of financial products.
Roll Backsee Backwards induction
Rolling OverRenewal of a bank loan with alteration of interest rate as per the agreed formula, for example LIBOR + 1%
Rolling SettlementFor example '5 working days' that is the deal on Tuesday, settle next Tuesday, deal Wednesday, settle next Wednesday, instead of all deals within a given 'account' being settled on a given day
RolloverIn exchange traded derivatives, rolling a position from one expiry or delivery month to the next.
RORACReturn On Risk Adjusted Capital
RUFRevolving Underwriting Facility
Running YieldFlat Yield
SAEFStock Exchange Automated Execution Facility
Sale By Tender??
Samurai BondsA yen bond issued in Japan by non residents
Savings RatioThe proportion of income which is saved
ScalperA trader who holds positions for a very short period of time.
Scenario AnalysisAn analysis of the effects of possible alternative future movements in market variables on the value of a portfolio.
Scholes-MertonThe Nobel prize winning revision of the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
Scrip Issuesame as bonus issue
SEAQStock Exchange Automated Quotation System for International Securities
SEATS??
Secondary MarketsThe buying and selling of a security after its primary issue
Secured Bond??
Securities and Exchange CommissionUS body controlling regulation of the market (Securities and Exchange Commission)
SecuritisationThe borrowing of money through issue of securities on international markets instead of through a bank loan. Also converting an existing loan into securities, for example mortgage bonds
SeriesAll options of the same class, exercise price and expiry date
SETSStock Exchange Trading System -
Settlement DateWhen the money for a given trade is due to be paid (and the securities handed over)
Settlement Day??
Settlement PriceThe average of the prices that a contract trades for immediately before the bell signalling the close of trading for that day. It is used in mark-to-market calculations.
SharesShares are shareholdings in companies with reward by way of dividends and capital gains (called equities)
ShortThe term going short is when you intentionally sell something you don't own.
Short CoverBuying a security that you were previously short
Short HedgeA hedge where a short futures poisition is taken.
Short PositionThe agreement to sell. A position involving the sale of an asset.
Short RateThe interest rate applying for a very short period of time.
Short SellingSelling shares that have been borrowed from another investor
Short Squeeze??
Shout OptionAn option where the holder has the right to lock in a minimum value for the payoff at one time during its life.
Sight BillA bill of exchange payable on acceptance
Sinking FundPayments made by the borrower on a regular basis to a special account to set aside the necessary funds for redemption of its long-term debt.
Soft Currencies??
SolventYou are capable ot meeting your financial obligations
Special Purpose Vehicle??
SpecialistAn individual responsible to managing limit orders on some exchanges.
SplitExisting shares are reorganised "split" into more shares for example 2 shares @ 25p are exchanged for 1 share @ 50p
SpotToday's rate for settlement in 2 days
Spot PriceThe price for immediate delivery.
Spot VolatilitiesThe volatilities used to price a cap when a different volatility is used for each caplet.
SpreadDifference between a bid and an offer rate. More generally between one rate and another
Spread TradeTreasury bond vs Corporate bond
Spread TransactionA position in two or more options of the same type.
StagOne who applies for a new issue in the hope of selling for a premium - no real interest in the share
Static HedgeA hedge that does not have to be changed once it has been initialised
Step-Up SwapA swap where the principal increases over time in a predetermined way.
Stochastic VariableA variable whose future value is uncertain
StockStock or Equity ??
Stock BorrowingWhen a dealer has a short position, an alternative to buying the stock is to 'borrow' it from another dealer.
Stock DividendA dividend paid in the form of additional shares.
Stock IndexAn index monitoring the value of a portfolio of stocks.
Stock Index FutureFutures on a stock index.
Stock Index OptionAn option on a stock index.
Stock Lendingstock borrowing
Stock OptionOption on a stock
Stock SplitThe conversion of each existing share into more than one new share
StocksFixed interest securities, for example bonds, debentures, preference shares
Stop-Loss OrderAn order to a broker to close out a position and take the profits to date whenever a given price level is reached
Storage CostsThe costs of storing a commodity.
StraddleA traded option strategy, simultaneous purchase/sale of both call and put options for the same share, exercise price and expiry date. A long position in a call and a put with the same strike price.
StrangleA long position in a call and a put with different strike prices.
StrapA long position in twp call options and one put option with the same strike price.
Stress TestingTesting of the impact of extreme market moves on the value of a portfolio.
Strike PriceThe price at which you can buy or sell the security (usually stocks).
StripA long position in one call option and two put options with the same strike price.
Stripped BondsCoupon stripping
StripsStripped government bonds in the US - Separate trading of Registered Interest and Principal Securities
Structured Products??
Subordinate DebtA bond that, in the event of liquidation, can claim only after other senior debts has been met
SubpoenasA subpoena is a writ by a government agency (typically a court) that has the authority to order a person or company to testify or face punishment.
SuperdotAutomated execution system on the New York Stock Exchange
SwapAn agreement to exchange cash flows in the future according to a prearranged formula.
Swap RateThe fixed rate of an interest rate swap that causes the swap to have a value of zero.
SwapsExchange of debt obligations between two parties either exchange of currencies either fixed/floating or floating/fixed and sometimes both.
SwapsWireCreated with the intention of providing a new way to achieve confirmation of OTC interest rate swaps.
SwaptionAn option to have a swap at a future point in time. An option to enter into an interest rate swap where a specified fixed rate is exchanges for floating.
SWIFTSociety for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications. Banks messaging system
Swing OptionEnergy option in which the rate of consumption must be between a minimum and maximum level. There is usually a limit on the number of times the option holder can change the rate at which the energy is consumed.
Syndicatemanagers, underwriters and selling agents of a bond or bank loan
Synthetic Bond??
Synthetic CDO??
Synthetic OptionAn option created by trading the underlying asset.
Systematic RiskRisk that cannot be diversified away.
Take-And-Pay Optionsee Swing Option
TALISMANTransfer Accounting Ledgement for Investors Stock Management for Principals - the SE Computerised Settlement System (UK). Being replaced by CREST
Tap StockIn general in bond markets further issue of a previously issued bond.
TenderA bank loan or new security is offered to dealers who must complete for the business. If settled on a striking price basis, all pay the same price. If offered on a bid price basis, all pay the price they bid
TenorUsed to define an amount of time.
Term SheetThe relationship between interest rates and their maturities.
Term Structure of Interest RatesThe relationship between interest rates and their maturities.
Terminal ValueThe value at maturity
ThetaRate of change of the price of an option (or other derivative) with time
TicksSmallest price movement of a contract, for example 0.01 or 1/32
Tier One Capital??
Tier One Equity??
Tier Two Capital??
Time Decaysee Theta
Time ValueThat part of an option premium which is not the intrinsic value.
TombstoneFormal notice in the press of a syndicated loan, bond issue, commercial paper programme
TOPICTeletext Output of Price Information by Computer - the standardised display of SEAQ information (UK)
Total Return SwapA swap of the return on one portfolio of assets for the return on another portfolio of assets.
Touch PricesThe lowest bid price and lowest offer price for a particular stock or share
Trade BillA bill of exchange not endorsed by a bank and not eligible for rediscount at the central bank
Trade Capture??
Trade DateThe date a trade is agreed as opposed to settled
Trade Flow??
Trade Life Cycle??
Traded OptionAn option to buy or sell a share/currency/index etc contract later at a price agreed today.
TradePointA UK share trading system using computerised order matching. (introduced Sept 1996)
TrancheFurther (large) issue of an existing bond to meet the needs of the market
TranchetteFurther (small) issue of an existing bond to meet the needs of the market
Transaction CostsThe cost of carrying out a trade (commissions plus the difference between the price obtained and the midpoint of the bid-offer spread).
Treasury BillA short-term non coupon bearing instrument issued by the government to finance its debt. This is how governments can raise money.
Treasury BondA long-term coupon bearing instrument issued by the government to finance its debt.
Treasury Bond FutureA futures contract on Treasury Bonds
Treasury Notesee Treasury Bond (Treasury Notes have maturities of less than 10 years)
Treasury Note Futurea futures contract on Treasury Notes
TreeThe representation of the evolution of the value of a market variable for the purpose of valuing an option or other derivatiave.
Trinomial Tree??
UndatedPerpetual
Under Determined??
Underlying VariableA variable that the price of an option or other derivatiave depends on
Unit Trusta portfolio of holdings in various companies, divided into units which are bought and sold directly. An 'open ended' fund for example.
Unsecured Bond??
Unsettled CashThis is the cash amount before the trade has actually been settled.
Unsystematic Risksee Nonsystematic Risk
UnwindTo reverse a transactions by using an offsetting transaction
Up and In OptionAn option that comes into existence when the price of the underlying asset increases to a certain level.
Up and Out OptionAn option that ceases to exist when the price of the underlying asset increases to a certain level.
USMUnlisted Securities Market
Value at RiskA loss that will not be exceeds at some specified confidence.
VanillaA term used to describe a standard deal
Vanilla SwapFloating for Fixed
Variance RateThe square of volatility
Variance-Covariance MatrixA matrix showing variances of and covariances between a number of different market variables.
Variation MarginAn extra margin required to bring the balance in a margin account up to the initial margin when there is a margin call. Further amounts of deposit (debit or credit) calculated by a Clearing House
VegaRate of change in the price of an option (or other derivative) with volatility.
Vega Neutral PortfoiloA portfolio with a vega of zero.
Venture Capitalcapital provided for high risks which would not normally attract conventional finance
Vix IndexA measure of the implied volatility of the S&P index options.
VolatilityA measure of the uncertainty of the return realised on an asset.
Volatility MatrixA table showing the variation of implied volatilities with strike price and time to maturity.
Volatility SkewA term used to describe the volatility smile when it is nonsymmetrical
Volatility SmileThe variation of implied volatility with strike prices.
Volatility SwapSwap where the realised volatility during an accrual period is exchanged for a fixed volatility. Both percentage volatilities are applied to a notional principal.
Volatility Term StructureThe variation of implied volatility with time to maturity.
VRNVariable rate note. A floating rate note where the margin above LIBOR is not fixed but reset at intervals
WACWeighted Average Cost
WarrantA certificate attached to a bond or security giving the holder the right to buy equity/bonds later at a set price. May be issued on its own without attachments, for example gilts warrants, currency warrants, CAC 40 warrants
Weighted Average CostThe average cost you have bought an asset at.
White KnightIn a takeover situation a more acceptable bidder may be sought
White SquireWhite Squire
Wholesale MoneyThe borrowing and lending of large sums of money - usually between banks, large companies and the institutions
Wild Card PlayThe right to deliver on a futures contract at the closing price for a period of time after the close of trading.
Writing an OptionSelling an option. A margin is paid to the Clearing House.
XD DividendStands for Ex-dividend and means that the buyer does not acquire the right to the recently announced dividend.
XREx-Rights. In the rights issue is a share is marked as XR this means that the purchaser is not entitled to the rights as the cut-off point has passed.
Yankee BondA dollar bond issued in the US by non residents
YardForeign exchange term for 1000 million
YieldFlat Yield
Yield CurveA graph showing the relationship between short-term and long-term yields for a given security or type of borrowing. Upward slope = positive yield, downward slope = negative yield curve.
Yield Curve Modelling??
Yield to MaturityThe annualised rate of return if a bond is held to maturity.
Zero Coupon BondA bond issued without interest payments but at a deep discount.
Zero Coupon Interest RateThe interest rate that would be earned on a bond that provides no coupons.
Zero Coupon Yield CurveA plot of the zero-coupon interest rate against time to maturity
Zero Rate??
Abandon Option
An option holder chooses not to exercise their option
Absolute Risk
The volatility of total returns
Acceptance
Short-term debt instruments, drawn on a bank for future payment
Acceptance House
Guarantees payment of trade bills used to finance trade deals and goods in shipment
Accepting
Signing a Bill of Exchange signifying an agreement to pay. Subsequent or alternative signature by a bank virtually guarantees payment.
Account
??
Accreted Value
??
Accreting Swap
A swap in which the principal increases in each time period.
Accrual Swap
An interest rate swap where interest on one side accrues only when a certain condition is met.
Accrued Interest
Interest that has been earned but not yet paid
Actuary
A statistician who calculates risk
Administrator
An Administrator is responsible for ensuring the efficient day-to-day operation of a fund including the accounting.
Alpha
A measure of performance on a risk adjusted basis.
Alternative Investment Market
A market dedicated to smaller companies.
Alternative Minimum Tax
??
American Depository Receipt
The form in which foreign shares can be traded in the US without a formal listing.
American Option
An option that can be exercises at any time during its life.
Amortisation
Repayment of the principal on a loan or bond installments over a period of time.
Amortising
??
Amortising Swap
A swap where the notional principal decreases in a predetermined way as time passes.
Annual Percentage Rate
Used to describe the true cost of the money borrowed on mortgages, loans and credit cards.
Annual Yield
??
Annuity
Something that pays regular cash flows at fixed periods over a given period of time.
APACS
Controlling cheque clearing, BACS and CHAPS in the UK
Arbitrage
Taking advantage of an anomaly in prices or rates in different markets.
Arbitrageur
A person who engages in arbitrage opportunities.
Article 65
Article for the Japanese Financial Code - prevents commercial banks from engaging in some investment banking
Asian Option
An option with a payoff dependent on the average price of an underlying asset during a specified period.
Ask Price
The price that a dealer is offering to sell a security.
Ask Rate
Offer Rate
Asset Backed Securities
??
Asset Pricing
??
Asset-Or-Nothing Call Option
An option that provides a payoff equal to the asset price if the asset price is above the strike price and zero otherwise.
Asset-Or-Nothing Put Option
An option that provides a payoff equal to the asset price if the asset price is below the strike price and zero otherwise.
Assets
The side of the balance sheet dealing with lending
Assurance
The business of life insurance and pensions
As-You-Like-It Option
Chooser Option
At-Best Order
An order to a broker to buy and or sell a contract at the best price available.
At-The-Money Option
An option in which the strike price equals the price of the underlying asset.
Auction Market Preferred Stock
??
Audit
Inspection of a companys books by independent accountants
Automated Clearing House
??
Automated Pit Trading
A computerised trading system used at the LIFFE in addition to open cry
Automatic Exercise
When the clearing house automatically exercises in-the-money options at expiry.
Average-Price Call Option
An option giving a payoff equal to the greater of zero and the amount by which the average price of the asset exceeds the strike price.
Average-Price Put Option
An option giving a payoff equal to the greater of zero and the amount by which the strike price axceeds the average price of the asset.
Average-Strike Option
An option that provides a payoff dependent on the difference between the final asset price and the average asset price.
Back Office
Accounting and Settlements
Back-Testing
Testing a value-at-risk or other model using historic data.
Backwardation
When the spot or near term price of a commodity is higher than the forward rate.
Backwards Induction
A procedure for working from the end of a tree to its neginning in order to value an option.
Bank Bill
A Bill of Exchange accepted by a bank on the central bank's "eligible" list. The central bank itself would rediscount a bill of this type. Also called an Eligible Bill
Bankers Acceptance
Bills of exchange acceppted by large banks
Bankers Automated Clearing Services
??
Barrier Option
An option whose payoff depends on whether the path of the underlying asset has reached a barrier (i.e. a certain predetermined level).
Base Currency
??
Base Rate
??
Basis
The difference between the spot price and the futures price of the commodity.
Basis Point
One hundredth of a percent (0.01%)
Basis Risk
When relationships between products used to hedge each other change or break down
Basis Swap
Swap where cash flows determined by one floating reference rate are exchanged for cash flows determined by another floating reference rate.
Basket Option
An option that provides a payoff dependent on the value of a portfolio of assets.
Bear
A pessimist - selling securities in the belief of a falling stock and bond market, hence a "Bear" market
Bear Market
A falling market
Bear Spread
A short position in a put option with a strike price X1 combined with a long position in a put option with strike price X2 where X2 > X1. (A bear spread can also be created with call options).
Bearer Bond
A bond payable to whoever is in possession - that is no central register
Bed and Breakfast
Selling shares one day and buying them back the next - at the end of the tax year to maximise Capital Gains Tax allowance or claim losses against profits
Bermudan Option
An option that can be exercides on specified dates during its life.
Beta
A measure of systematic risk of an asset.
Bid Price
The price that a dealer is prepared to pay for an asset.
Bid Rate
Rate of interest offered for deposits in banking. Generally the dealer's buying price for equities, bonds, foreign exchange etc
Bid-Ask Spread
The amount by which the ask price exceeds the bid.
Bid-Offer Spread
same as Bid-Ask Spread
Big Bang
Deregulation of the UK Stock Market 27 October 1986. New regulation and an automated price quotation system. The day when minimum commissions were abolished
Bill
A short-term (3 months or so) instrument which pays interest to the holder and can be traded. Some bills do not pay interest but are issued at a discount to their face value.
Bill of Exchange
A signed promise to pay by a receiver of goods or services and kept by the supplier.
Binary Option
Option with discontinuous payoff; for example a cash-or-nothing option or an asset-or-nothing option.
Binomial Model
A model where the price of an asset is monitored over successive short periods of time. In each short period of time it is assumed that only two price movements are possible.
Binomial Tree
A tree that represents how an asset price can evolve under the binomial model.
Blacks Approximation
An approximate procedure developed by Fischer Black for valuing a call option on a dividend paying stock.
Blacks Model
An extension of the Black Scholes model for valuing European Options on futures contracts.
Black-Scholes Model
The original European Stock Option pricing model written by Black and Schole in 1972
Blue Chip
Large established companies. The most highly regarded shares.
Board Washing
The individual who handles limit orders in some exchanges. The board broker makes information on outstanding limit orders available to other traders.
BOBL
Short name for the short-term German government bond contract on the DTB
Bond
An instrument that pays a fixed amount of interest to the holder.
Bond Factor
??
Bond Ladder
??
Bond Option
An option where a bond is the underlying asset.
Bond Provisions
??
Bond Stripping
??
Bonos
Spanish Government Bonds
Bonus Issue
A free issue of shares to existing shareholders
Bonus Value
??
Book Entry
??
Book Value
The value of an asset as entered in a company's balance sheet
Bootstrap Method
A procedure for calculating the zero-coupon yield curver from market data.
Boston Option
see Deferred payment option
Break Forward
see Deferred payment option
Broker
An individual (or firm) that acts as an intermediary putting buyers and sellers together for a brokerage fee.
Building Society
Institutions whose primary function is to accept the savings of small investors and channel them to house buyers in return for the security of a mortgage on the property.
Bull
An optimist, buying securities in the belief of a rising (stock and bond) market, hence a bull market
Bull Market
A rising market
Bull Spread
Buying a call option (a long position in a call) with a strike X1 combined with selling a call (short position in a call) with a strike price X2 where X2>X1 (a bull spread can also be created using put options).
Bullet Repayment
The whole of a bond or bank loan is repaid at maturity (instead of staged payments in the last few years)
Bundesbank
The German Central Bank
Cable
Shorthand for dollar/sterling rate
Call Date
??
Call Money
Money lent by banks to other banks or discount houses which can be recalled at noon each day
Call Protection
??
Call Risk
??
Call Schedule
??
Callable Credit Products
??
Cancelable Swap
Swaps that can be cancelled by one side of prespecified dates.
Cap
An agreement with a counterparty which sets an upper limit to interest rates for the cap buyer for a stated time period.
Cap Rate
The rate determining payoffs in an interest rate cap
Capital Adequacy
The need to maintain adequate capital to cover counterparty risk and position risk
Capital Asset Pricing Model
A model relating the expected return on an asset to its beta.
Capital Gains Tax
A tax on the profit when you sell (or 'dispose of') something (an 'asset') that's increased in value.
Capital Growth Bond
Issue price at par (100%) with redemption at a multiple of that amount.
Capital Markets
The market for medium and long term securities
Capital Ratio
The ratio of a banks primary capital to a weighted value of assets
Capitalisation
Market capitalisation of a company is the number of shares multiplied by the current price
Capitalisation Issue
An issue where funds from a company's reserves are converted into shares and offered free of charge to shareholders.
Caplet
One component on an interest rate cap
Cash Flow Mapping
A procedure for representing an instrument as a portfolio of zero-coupon bonds for the purpose of calculating value at risk.
Cash Ratio
The proportion of a bank's liabilities which it considers prudent to keep in the form of cash.
Cash Settlement
Where the product is settled at expiry, based on the differential between the fixed/guaranteed price and the underlying instrument. Procedure for settling a futures contract in cash rather than by delivering the underlying asset.
Cash-Or-Nothing Call Option
An option that provides a fixed predetermined payoff if the final asset price is above the strike price and zero otherwise.
Cash-Or-Nothing Put Option
An option that provides a fixed predetermined payoff if the final asset price is below the strike price and zero otherwise.
CDO
A security based on a mix of debt and credit risk. Different laters often referred to as tranches (or slices) each having different risk and maturities.
Central Counterparty Model
Set up by the Stock Exchange to remove credit risk when buying and selling.
Certificate of Deposit
A tradeable deposit issued by banks and building societies.
Certificates of Participation
A type of municipal bond that are often used to finance capital improvement projects or equipment.
CHAPS
Clearing House Automated Payments System - for electronic clearing of payments the same day (UK)
Cheapest-To-Deliver Bond
The bond that is cheapest to deliver in the Chicago Board of Trade bond futures contract.
Chinese Wall
A theoretical barrier between different sections of a firm to avoid fraud (i.e. conflicts of interest or insider dealing). One part of the firm may not pass sensitive information to another if it is against a client's interest.
CHIPS
Clearing House Interbank Payments - electronic bank clearing in New York
Chooser Option
An option where the holder has the right to choose whether it is call or a put at some point during its life.
CIRCUS
Combined Interest Rate and Currency Swap
Clean Price
Price of a bond not including the accrued interest element. This is the quoted price. The cash price paid for the bond (or dirty price) is calculated by adding the accrued interest to the clean price.
Clearing Bank
Banks which are part of the clearing system which significantly reduces the number of interbank payments.
Clearing House
A firm that guarantees the performance of the parties in an exchange-traded derivatives transaction. Central Body guaranteeing contracts in a traded options/futures market. Also known as clearing corporation.
Clearing Margin
A margin posted by a member of a clearing house.
CLO
Collateralized Loan Obligation - is a single security backed by a pool of debt.
Closing Out
For futures market - taking the opposite contract for example having previously bought 100 tons of cocoa for June delivery, the buyer now sells 100 tons for the same delivery (or vice-versa)
CME
Chicago Mercantile Exchange
CMO
Collaterized Mortgage Obligation - A mortgage backed security where investors are divided into classes and there are rules for determining how principal repayments are channeled to the classes.
Collar
see Interest Rate Collar
Collateral
??
Collaterised
??
Combination
A position involving both calls and puts on the same underlying asset.
Commercial Banking
The classic banking business of taking deposits and lending money, either retail or wholesale
Commerical Paper
An unsecured IOU issued by large companies and banks.
Commission Brokers
Individuals who execute trades for other people and charge a commission for doing so.
Commodity Swap
A swap where cash flows depend on the price of a commodity.
Complex Power Duals
??
Compound Option
An option on an option. The holder (buyer) has an option to purchase another option on a pre-set date at a pre-agreed premium.
Compounding Frequency
This defines how an interest rate is measured.
Compounding Swap
Swap where interest compounds instead of being paid.
Concert Party
A group acting together (secretly) in a takeover situation for example three people each buy 2.9% of shares to avoid no longer being able to hide behind nominee status.
Confirmation
Contract confirming verbal agreement between two parties to a trade in the over-the-counter market.
Consolidation
Reorganising share holdings so that, for example 10 shares at 10p are replaced by a one £1 nominal
Constant Maturity Swap
A swap where a swap rate is exchanged for eother a fixed rate or a floating rate on each payment date.
Constant Maturity Treasury Swap
A swap where the yield on a Treasury Bond is exchanged for either fixed rate or floating rate on each payment date.
Consumption Asset
An asset held for consumption rather than investment
Contango
A situation where the futures price is above the expected future spot price.
Continuous Compounding
A way of quoting interest rates. It is the limit as the assumed compounding interval is made smaller and smaller.
Contract for Difference
A derivative product to trade the price differential over an indefinite time period.
Contract Size
The unit of trading on a derivatives contract.
Control Variate Technique
A technique that can sometimes be used for improving the accuracy of a numerical procedure.
Convenience Yield
A measure of the benefits from ownership of an asset that are not obtained by the holder of a long futures contract on the asset.
Conversion Factor
A factor used to determine the number of bonds that must be delivered in the bond futures market.
Convertible
A convertible bond may be converted later into equity, some other bond or even a commodity
Convertible Rate FRN
An issue which carries the option to convert either from an initial floating rate note into a fixed rate bond or from a fixed rate bond into a floating rate note.
Convexity
A measure of the curvature in the relationship between bond prices and bond yields.
Convexity Adjustment
An overworked term. It can refer to the adjustment necessary to convert a futures interest rate to a forward interest rate.
Corporate Bond
??
Corporate Finance
The department of an investment bank dealing with takeovers, mergers and strategic advice to companies
Cost of Carry
The storage costs plus the cost of financing as asset minus the income earned on the asset.
CounterParty
The opposite side in a financial transaction.
Coupon
Interest payment made on a bond.
Coupon Stripping
Detaching the coupons from a bond and selling the coupons and the principal as individual zero coupon bonds
Cover
An abbreviation of "short cover".
Covered Call
A short position in a call option on an asset combined with a long position in the asset.
Covered Warrant
A warrant issued by a party other than the originator or issuer of the underlying asset
Covered Writing
Where an option is sold against an existing position.
Credit Derivative
A derivative whose payoff depends on the creditworthiness of the one or more entities
Credit Enhancement
??
Credit Ratings
A measure of the creditworthiness of a bond issue.
Credit Risk
The risk that a loss will be experienced because of the default by the counterparty in a derivatives transaction.
Credit Spread
The interest rate spread between 2 debt issues of similar duration, maturity etc.
Credit Spread Option
Option whose payoff depends on the spread between the yields earned on two assets.
Credit Valuation Adjustment
This is the market value of the counterparty credit-risk.
CREST
The new UK Electronic settlement registering system introduced in July 1996.
CTD
Cheapest To Deliver bond
Cum Dividend
Means the buyer will get the recently announced dividend.
Cumulative
Applied to a Preference Share - if dividend is missed it is still owed to the holder.
Currency Risk
The risk of losses resulting from movements in currency exchange rates.
Currency Swap
??
Currency Warrants
??
Current Yield
??
CUSIP
??
Custodian
??
Cyclical Stock
The share prices of these companies move dramatically (up and down) relative to the economy.
Cylinder
Name used for a collar in currency markets.
Dated Date
??
DAX
An index of 30 top German shares traded on the Frankfurt exchange.
Day Count
A convention used for quoting interest rates.
Day Trade
A position opened and closed on the same day.
Dealing Spread
The difference between a trader's bid and offer price.
Debenture
A long-term bond issues by a UK company and secured on fixed assets.
Deep Discount Bond
This is a bond with issue price significanly below maturity price, due to lack of coupon or a coupon below the market rate.
Default
??
Defensive Stock
The share prices of these companies does not move dramatically (up and down) relative to the economy.
Deferred Payment Option
An option where the price paid is deferred until the end of the option's life.
Deferred Swap
An agreement to enter into a swap at some time in the future.
Delivery
??
Delta Hedging
A hedging scheme that is designed to make the price of a portfolio of derivatives insensitive to small changes in the price of the underlying asset.
Delta Neutral Portfolio
A portfolio with a delta of zero so that there is no sensitivity to small changes in the price of the underlying asset.
Depository Receipt
Certificates which represent ownership of a given number of company's shares which can be listed and traded separately from the underlying shares (eg ADRs and GDR)
Depreciation
An accounting term which allows for the run-down in values of a company's assets.
Derivatives
An instrument whose price depends on, or is derived from, the price of another asset.
Devaluation
Term usually applies to currencies, which means simply a one-off loss in value (fall in price) of the currency concerbed.
Diagonal Spread
A position in two calls where both the strike prices and times to maturity are different (this can also be created with put options).
Differential Swap
A swap where a floating rate in one currency is exchanged for a floating rate in another currency and both rates are applied to the same principal.
Dilution
The reduction in earnings per share caused by the creation of new shares.
Dirty Price
Bond prices including the accrued interest element.
Discount
The margin by which the purchase price is cheaper than the redemption price
Discount Bond
see Zero-coupon bond
Discount Broker
A broker who offers a no-frills, dealing-only service for a cheap price.
Discount House
Takes the liquid money of the banking system and uses it to discount bills of exchange but Treasury Bills, etc.
Discount Instrument
An instrument such as a Treasury Bill that provides no coupon.
Discount Margin
??
Discount Rate
The annualised dollar return on a Treasury Bill or similar instrument expressed as percentage of the final face value.
Discounting
Buying / Selling a security at less than face value.
Disintermediation
Direct market borrowing or lending by companies without going through a bank.
Dividend
A cash payment made to the owner of a stock (or equity)
Dividend Paying Stock
??
Dividend Yield
The annual percentage return on a share price represented by the current dividend - usually gross.
Down-and-In Option
An option that comes into existence when the price of the underlying asset falls to a certain level.
Down-and-Out Option
An option that ceases to exist when the price of the underlying asset falls to a certain level.
Downside Risk
The risk of making a loss on a position or an investment.
Duration
A measure of the average life of a bond.
Duration Matching
A procedure for matching the durations of assets and liabilitites in a finanical institution.
Dynamic Hedging
A procedure for hedging an option position by periodically changing the position held in the underlying assets.
Early Exercise
Exercising before the maturity date.
Earnings Yield
Earnings per share (after tax) expressed as a percentage of share price
EBITDA
Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation
ECGD
Export Credit Guarantee Department - government agency which provides trade insurance for exporters.
ECU
European Currency Unit - a weighted basket of currencies to give an "average" value especially against the dollar.
EDR
Euro Depositary Receipt
Efficient Market Theory
Theory that asset prices reflect currently available information and fully discount expected future cash flows.
EFTPOS
Electronic Funds Transfer at Point Of Sale - a scheme which allows customers to pay retailers with an electronic card. The funds are automatically debited from a client's account and credited to the retailer's.
Eligible Bill
Bills of Exchange eligible for sale to a central bank when acting as "lender of last resort".
Embedded Option
An option that is an inseparable part of another instrument
Empirical Research
Research based on historical market data.
EMS
European Monetary System - general agreement on monetary cooperation. Includes official use the Ecu.
EMU
European Monetary Union
Endowment Mortgage
Mortgage linked to a life-assurance scheme.
EPS
Earnings Per Share
Equity
General terms of shares.
Equity Collar
??
Equity Convertible
Bond which can be converted into the shares of the issuing company.
Equity Swap
A swap where the return on an equity portfolio is exchanged for either a fixed or a floating rate of interest.
ERM
Exchange Rate Mechanism
ETF
Exchange Traded Fund
Eurex
The merged German-Swiss electronic derivatives exchange.
EURIBOR
Rate at which banks in the eurozone borrow from one another.
Euro
The European single currency
EuroClear
Secondary market clearing and settlement system
EuroCurrencies
Any currency held by banks, companies or individuals outside its country of origin.
EuroCurrency
A currency that is outside the formal control of the issueing country's monetary authorities.
EuroDollar
A dollar held in a bank outside the US.
EuroDollar Futures Contract
A futures contract written on a Eurodollar receipt.
EuroDollar Interest Rate
The interest rate on a eurodollar deposit
EuroMarket
The offshore international financial market
EuroNext
??
EuroNote
Short-term security denominated in a Eurocurrency.
European Option
An option that can only be exercised at the end of its life.
EWMA
Exponentially Weighted Moving Average
Exchange Option
An option to exchange one asset for another
Exchange Rate
The price at which one currency can be exchanged for another.
Exchange Traded
A transaction where a specific instrument is bought or sold on a regulated exchange
Ex-Dividend
see XD-Dividend
Ex-Dividend Date
When a dividend is declared, an ex-dividend date is specified.
Executive Stock Option
A stock option issued by a company on its own stock and given to its executives as part of their renumeration.
Exotics
??
Expectations Theory
The theory that forward interest rates equal expected future spot interest rates.
Expected Value of a Variable
The average value of the variable obtained by weighting the alternative values by their probabilities.
Expiry Date
The end of the life of the contract.
Exponential Weightings
A weightings scheme where the weight given to an observation depends on how recent it is.
Exponentially Weighted Moving Average Model
A model where exponential weighting is used to provide forecasts for a variable from histrical data.
Extendable Swap
A swap whose life can be extended at the option of one side to the contract.
Factoring
Buying trade debts on a regular basis to assist cash flow - usually done by subsidiaries of banks.
FASB
Financial Accounting Standards Board.
Federal Reserve
The US monetary authority which plays a role similar to that of the Bank of England.
FedWire
Electronic payments system between Federal Reserve banks in the US
Fill-or-Kill
An order on an exchange which is either executed in its entirety at the stipulated price or cancelled.
Finance Houses
Institutions which specialise in funding hire-purchase agreements
Financial Intermediary
A bank or other financial institution that facilitates the flow of funds between different entities in the economy.
First Coupon Date
??
FIX
Electronic Communication Protocol
Fixed Commissions
??
Fixed Exchange Rates
Currencies with set values against each other which vary only in times of crisis when one or more currencies are revalued or devalued.
Flat Volatility
The name given to a volatility used to price a cap when the same volatility is used for each caplet.
Flat Yield
The annual percentage return on a bond taking into account the buying price, for example if £100 nominal worth of an 8% bond is bought for $50, the yield is 16%. Also called the running and interest yield (see redemption yield)
Flex Option
An option traded on an exchange with terms that are different from the standard options traded by the exchange.
Flip Flop FRN
A Floating Rate Note that has a very long final maturity or even a perpetual issue with an option to convert after a fixed period into a Short Dated FRN.
Floating Exchange Rates
Currencies whose values against each other are set by market forces.
Floating Rate
A loan with the interest rate varied at agreed intervals, linked to a base rate for example LIBOR
Floating Rate Note
A medium to long term debt obligation with a variable interest rate which is adjusted periodically.
Floor
An agreement with a counterparty which sets an upper limit to interest rates for the cap buyer for a stated time period.
Floor Rate
The interest rate in an interest rate floor agreement.
Floor-Ceiling Agreement
see Interest Rate Collar
Floored Floaters
??
Floorlet
One component of a Floor
Foreign Currency Option
An option on a foreign exchange rate.
Forfaiting
Raising money by selling a company's invoices
Forward Contract
A contract to buy or sell a commodity or security for future delivery at a price agreed today
Forward Exchange Rate
The forward price of one unit of a foreign currency
Forward Market
Market in which currencies are traded months or years ahead.
Forward Price
The delivery price in a forward contract that causes the contract to be worth zero.
Forward Rate
A rate agreed now for a future purchase or sale of a currency.
Forward Rate Agreement
Agreement that a certain interest rate will apply to a certain principal amount for a certain time period in the future.
Forward Start Option
An option designed so that it will be at the money at some point in the future.
Forward Swap
see Deferred Swap
Forward-Forward Agreement
Arrangement to lend or borrow a set sum at a date in the future for a set period at a set rate.
FOX
London Futures and Options Exchange (commodities)
Fraud
??
Freddie Mac
Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA)
FSA
Financial Services Authority
FTSE Index
Financial Times ?? Index that tracks the share prices of 100 leading company.
Fungible
Exchangeable - for example, a contract of one futures exchange and another will be identical. Can be opened in one and closed in the other exchange (or vice versa). Also used for further issues of bonds on exactly the same terms (and accrued interest) as those issued earlier.
Futures
Instruments which give the buyer the right to purchase a commodity at a future date
Futures Contract
Similar to forward but not expected to go to delivery as the position will be closed out with the opposite contract.
Futures Option
An option on a futures contract.
Futures Price
The delivery price currently applicable to a futures contract
Gamma
The rate of change of delta with respect to the underlying
Gamma Neutral Portfolio
A portfolio with a gamma of zero
Gearing
Carrying out financial transactions on the basis of a deposit or borrowed money (US term is leverage).
Gearing Ratio
Ratio of equity and long term debt.
Gilt Edged Security
A bond issued by the UK government.
Gilt Warrants
??
Gilts
Bonds issued by the UK government.
Global Bond
International bond placed at the same time in the euro and one or more domestic markets ???
Global Depository Receipt
A form in which foreign shares can be traded outside their domestic markets.
Globalisation
The movement to integration of world markets regardless of national boundaries
GLOBEX
??
Golden Hello
Payment made to an employee of a rival firm to entice him or her to transfer.
Goodwill
An accounting term which describes the intangible assets of a company (e.g. brand names, skillful staff etc)
Greeks
Hedge parameters such as delta, gamma, vega, theta and rho
Gross Redemption Yield
The return which an investor will receive on a bond, allowing for both interest and capital growth as a percentage of the bonds price.
Hard Currencies
??
Harrison and Kreps
??
Hedge
A trade designed to reduce risk
Hedge Fund
A fund which takes both long and short positions
Hedge Ratio
The ratio of the size of a position in a hedging instrument to the size of the position being hedged.
Hedger
A person who enters into hedging trades.
Hedging
A technique for limiting risk.
High Yield Bonds
??
Historic Volatility
A volatility estimated from historical data
Historical Dividend
The total dividend the company paid for its last financial year
Historical Simulation
A simulation based on historical data
Holiday Calendar
Calendar defining which days are holidays for the purpose of determing payment dates in a swap.
Hybrid Products
??
IMPA
International Primary Markets Association (for Eurobond dealers)
Implied Distribution
A distribution for a future asset price implied from option prices
Implied Volatility
Volatility implied from an option price using the Black-Scholes or a similar model
Implied Volatility Trees
??
Index Amortizing Swap
see Indexed Principal Swap
Index Arbitrage
An arbitrage involving a position in the stocks comprising a stock index and a position in a futures contract on the stock index.
Index Futures
A futures contract on a stock index or other index.
Index Option
An option contract on a stock index or other index
Indexed Principal Swap
A swap where the principal declines over time.
Indices
like the S&P 500, CAC 40, FTSE 100 etc
Ineligible Bank Bills
Bills of exchange accepted by a bank, but one not on the central bank's list
Inflation
whether a given rate of interest represents good value or not will depend on the rate of inflation
Initial Margin
Initial deposit required by a Clearing House (as opposed to variation margin)
Initial Public Offering
American term for Offer for Sale
Insider Dealing
The buying and selling of securities by someone with inside information.
Insolvent
Unable to meet your financial obligations/debts.
Insurance
If contrasted with assurance, this is the business other than life assurance
Insured Bonds
??
InterBank Market
Bank lending and borrowing to one another
Inter-Dealer Broker
An offical broker in the government securities (gilts and treasury bills) market.
Interest
A payment made in return for the use of money.
Interest Only
A mortgage backed security where the holder receives only interest cash flows on the underlying mortgage pool.
Interest Rate Cap
??
Interest Rate Collar
A combination to an interest-rate cap and an interest rate floor
Interest Rate Derivative
A derivative whose payoffs are dependend on future interest rates.
Interest Rate Floor
An option that provides a payoff when an interest rate is below a certain level.
Interest Rate Option
An option where the payoff is dependent on the level of interest rates
Interest Rate Swap
An exchange of a fixed rate of interest on a certain notional principa for a floating rate of interest on the same notional principal.
Interest Yield
Flat Yield
International Monetary Fund
Supranatural organisation which plays an important role in troubled economies ??
Internationalisation
Globalisation
In-The-Money Option
Either - a call option where the asset price is greater than the strike price or - a put option where the asset price is less than the strike price.
Intrinsic Value
The amount by which a call option exercise price is below the market price (or a put option exercise price is above).
Inverted Market
A market where the futures price decreases with maturity.
Investment Asset
An asset held by at least some individuals for investment purposes.
Investment Grade
??
Investment Trust
A company whose whole business is running a wide portfolio of shares. A "closed-ended" fund.
Iron Butterfly
A short straddle combined with a long strangle on the same underlying and with the same time to expiry.
Irredeemable
Perpetual
ISDA
International Securities and Derivatives Association
Issue by Prospectus
Method of selling shares in a company.
Issuer
??
Issuer Warrant
??
Issuing
Offering a security in the market in the first instance, primary market
Joint Stock
Having shareholders
Kappa
see Vega
Ladder Option
Whenever the underlying hits a "rung" or threshold price level the strike is reset and gains to that point cannot be lost.
Lag
The time between making the actual trade and settling
Lamda
see Vega
LCE
London Commodity Exchange - cocoa, coffee, sugar, etc Merged with LIFFE in 1996
LDC
??
Lead Manager
Bank(s) taking a key role in a syndicated loan or issue of securities like eurobonds
LEAPS
Long-term Equity Anticipation Securities - These are relatively long-term options on individual stocks or stock indices.
Leasing
A kind of rental agreement whereby companies purchase land or equipment and pay for it by instalments.
Letter of Credit
A method of financing a trade
Leverage
American term for gearing or making a small amount of money go a long way
Liability
The side of the bank's balance sheet dealing with borrowings - that is deposits, formal loans to others. Also share capital.
LIBID
London Interbank Bid Rate
LIBOR
London Interbank Offered Rate – most common maturity is 3 months
LIBOR Curve
LIBOR zero-coupon interest rates as a function of maturity.
LIBOR-In-Arrears Swap
Swap where the LIBOR rate observed on a date is paid on that date rather than one accrual period later.
Life Assurance
A form of saving whereby individuals invest a small monthly premium in return for a much larger sum later on.
Life Insurance
A scheme whereby individuals pay a premium to a company which guarantees to pay their dependents a lump sum in the veent of death.
LIFFE
London International Financial Futures Exchange.
LIMEAN
Average of the LIBOR and LIBID rates
Limit Move
The maximum price move permitted by the exchange in a single trading session.
Limit Order
An order that can be executed only at a specified price or one more favourable to the investor.
Liquidity
This is how quickly would the lender get their money back. The longer the notice period the higher the interest rate
Liquidity Preference Theory
A theory leading to the conclusion that forward interest rates are above expected future spot interest rates.
Liquidity Premium
The amount that forward interest rates exceed expected future spot interest rate.
Liquidity Ratio
Usually a percentage relationship between a banks liquid assets and its eligible liabilities.
Liquidity Risk
The risk that trading in an asset dries up and prices cannot be found or are subject to sharp fluctuations.
Liquidity Theory
The principle that investors will demand a greater reward for investing their money for longer periods of time.
Lloyds of London
The insurance market
LME
London Metal Exchange
Local Currency
??
Local Market Products
??
Locals
Traders dealing for themselves as speculators
London Clearing House
The main operating company of ICCH
Long
To be long in shares, bonds or foreign exchange is it own more than you have sold
Long Bond
??
Long Hedge
A hedge involving a long futures position
Long Only Fund
relative to an underlying index - constrained by index weights
Long Position
The agreement to buy
Long Protection
??
Lookback Option
??
LORO
Alternative form of Vostro
LYON
Liquid Yield Option Note
Maintenance Margin
When the balance in a traders margin account falls below the maintenance margin level the trader receives a margin call requiring the account to be topped up to the intial margin level.
Making a Market
Buying or selling a financial instrument no matter what the market conditions are.
Managing Agent
Run and administer Lloyds syndicates on behalf of the names
Mandatory Liquid Asset
The charge for a sterling loan in the UK to cover non-interest bearing deposits at the Bank of England
Margin
The deposit required by clearing houses
Margin Call
A request for extra margin when the balance in the margin account falls below the maintenance margin level.
Mark to Market
The practice of revaluing an instrument to reflect the current values of the relevant market variables.
Market Maker
The dealers in stocks and shares as principals - that is taking the risk in their own name
Market Model
A model most commonly used by traders.
Market Neutral Portfolio
??
Market Segmentation Theory
A theory that short interest rates are determined independently of long interest rates by the market.
Matador Bond
Peseta bonds issued in Spain by non residents
Maturity
This is when the lender expects to be paid
Maturity Date
The end of the life of the contract.
Mean Reversion
The tendency of a market variable (such as an interest rate) to revert back to some long-run average level.
Medium-Term Notes
A flexible facility to issue notes of varying maturity, varying currency and either fixed or floating - all within one set of legal documentation
Merchant Banks
UK Term for an Investment Bank
Minimum Lending Rate
The rate at which the Bank of England will lend to discount houses. Only published as an "official" rate in emergencies, for example when the UK joined the ERM and September 1992 when there was an ERM crisis.
Modified Duration
A modification to the standard duration measure so that it more accurately describes the relationship between proportional changes in a bond price and absolute changes in its yield. The modification takes account for the compounding frequency with which the yield is quoted.
Money Broker
Intermediary putting borrowers in touch with lenders for a small commission
Money Market
The market for money instruments with a maturity of less than one year.
Money-at-Call
Money lent overnight It can be recalled in the morning.
Monte Carlo Simulation
??
Mortgage Backed Securities
Debt security backed by a pool of mortgages.
Multiple Option Facility
A revolving facility from a syndicate of banks permitting the raising of finance with various options - bank loan, bankers acceptance or commercial paper.
Municipal Bonds
Municipal bonds are issued by state, county, or city governments.
Mutual
A bank or insurance company not a public company but owned by its members
Mutual Funds
General name for pooled funds, such as investment trusts and unit trusts
Naked Position
A short position in a call option that is not combined with a long position in the underlying asset.
NASDAQ
National Association of Securities Dealers
National Debt
The total outstanding debt of the central government especially bonds and national savings
New Issue
The placing of company shares on the stock exchange.
NIF
Note Issuance Facility
NMS
Normal Market Size - This is the classification concept replacing the three classes alpha, beta and gamma. It is based on a percentage of an average days trading. There are 12 bands and they are used to decide the minimum quote size, the maximum size for immediate publication of trades and the maximum size handled by the SAEF system (UK)
No Arbitrage Assumption
The assumption that there are no arbitrage opportunities in market prices.
Noise Trader
A trader who randonly buys and sells
Non-Callable Bond
??
Nonsystematic Risk
Risk that can be diversified away
Normal Backwardation
A situation where the futures price is below the expected future spot price
Normal Market
A market where futures prices increase with maturity.
Notional
??
Notional Principle
The principal used to calculate payments in an interest rate swap. The prinipal is "notional" because it is neither paid nor received.
NPV
Net Present Value
Numerical Procedure
A method of valuing an option when no formula is available.
Obligor
A person who has an obligation (by a legal binding) to pay off debt.
Off The Run
Once a new security (of any particular maturity) is issued the previously issued security with the same maturity becomes "off the run".
Offer for Sale
A method of bringing a company to the market. may be a fixed price or by tender (same as IPO in the UK)
Offer Price
see Ask Price
Offer Rate
The dealers selling price
On The Run
The most recently issued security of any particular maturity.
OPEC
Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries
Open Cry
??
Open Interest
The total number of long posiitons outstanding in a futures contract (equals the total number of short positions).
Open Outcry
Face to face trading
Option
The right to buy or sell an asset.
Option Class
All options of the same type (call or put) on a particular stock.
Option Dated Forward Rate
A forward rate (foreign exchange), but the date is more flexible.
Option Series
All options of a certain class with the same strike price and expiration date.
Options
The right but not the obligation to buy/sell equities, bonds, foreign exchange or interest rate contracts by a future date at a price agreed now. Traded options means the options themselves can be bought or sold.
Order Book
SETS (Stock Exchange Trading System)
Order Book Official
see Board Broker
Ordinary Share
The most common also the riskest type of share
Original Issue Discount
??
Out-Of-The-Money Option
Either - a call option where the asset price is less than the strike price or - a put option where the asset price is greater than the strike price.
Outright
The sale or purchase of a currency for delivery on any date other than spot.
Over The Counter
Dealing outside a trading exchange, for example a currency option purchased from a bank.
Overfunding
The issue of government bonds or treasury bills not for immediate government borrowing needs but as an instrument of monetary control
Overnight
Transaction for settlement tomorrow, taken out today.
Package
A derivative that is a portfolio of standard calls and puts, possibly combined with a position in forward contracts and the asset itself.
PAR
The nominal value of a security, for example $1000 for US treasury bonds or £100 for UK government bonds
Par Frequency
??
Par Value
The principal amount of a bond
Par Yield
The coupon on a bond that makes its price equal the principal.
Parallel Shift
A movement in the yield curve where each point on the curve changes by the same amount.
Partially Unwound
??
Passive
Often used to refer to long only investment
Path-Dependent Option
An option whose payoff depends on the whole path followed by the underlying variable - not just its final value.
Payoff
The cash realised by the holder of an option or other derivtaive at the end of its life.
PB Ratio
Price/Book ratio
PE Ratio
Price/Earnings ratio - Ratio of share price to earnings after tax
Pension Funds
The groups that administer pensions schemes.
Perpetual
A security without time limit for redemption
Perpetuity
??
Physical
??
PIBOR
Paris Interbank Offered Rate
PIK
Payment in Kind (pic payment)
Placing
A method of bringing a company to the market.
Plain Vanilla
A term used to describe a standard deal
Portfolio Immunization
Making a portfolio relatively insensitive to interest rates.
Portfolio Insurance
Entering into trades to ensure that the value of a portfolio will not fall below a certain level.
Position Limit
The maximum position a trader (a group of traders acting together) is allowed to hold.
PPP
Purchasing Power Parity
Preference Share
Dividend is paid as a fixed percentage.
Premia
The plural of risk premium.
Premium Bond
??
Prepayment Function
A function estimating the prepayment of principal on a portfolio of mortgages in terms of other variables.
Pre-Refunded
??
Primary Market
Markets where securities are sold when first issued.
Prime Broker
??
Principal
The par or face value of a debt instrument.
Principal Only
A mortgage backed security where the holder receives only principal cash flows on the underlying mortgage.
Private Banking
Specialist banking services for high net worth individuals
Privatisation
Conversion of a state run company to a public limited status.
Program Trading
A procedure where trades are automatically generated by a computer and transmitted to the trading floor of an exchange.
Promissory Note
A signed promise to pay a sum of money
Prospective Dividend
The dividend which has been forecast for its current yield
Protective Put
A put option combined with a long position in the underlying.
PSBR
??
Purchasing Power Parity
The belief that inflationary differentials between countires are the long-run determininants of currency movements.
Put Bonds
??
Put Option
??
Put-Call Parity
The relationship between the price of a European call option and the price of a European put option when they have the same strike price and the same maturity date.
Puttable Bond
A bond where the holder has the right to sell it back to the issuer at certain predetermined times for a predetermined price.
Puttable Swap
A swap where one side has the right to terminate early.
Quanto
A derivative where the payoff is defined by variables associated with one currency but is paid in another currency.
RAFT
Revolving Acceptance Facility by Tender
Rainbow Option
An option whose payoff is dependent on two or more underlying variables.
Range-Forward Contract
The combination of a long call and short put or the combination of a short call and long put.
Rating Agency
Such as Moodys, Standard & Poors and Fitch which rate the default risk on corporate and soverign debt.
Real Interest Rate
The return on an investment once the effect of inflation is taken into account.
Rebalancing
The process of adjusting a trading position periodically. Usually the purpose is to maintain delta neutral.
Redeem
Buy back or pay off.
Redeemable
Applied to a preference share or bond - may be redeemed by the issuer on terms stated at outset.
Redemption
??
Redemption Date
??
Redemption Yield
??
Registered
??
Repayment Mortgage
Mortgage on which capital and interest are gradually repaid.
Repo
??
Repo Rate
The rate of interest in a repo transation.
Repurchase Agreement
Selling securities and agreeing to buy then back at a slightly higher price.
Reset Date
The date in a swap or cap or floor when the floating rate for the next period is set.
Residual Risk
??
Retained Earnings
Past profits which the company has not distributed to shareholders.
Reversion Level
The level that the value of a market variable (e.g. an interest rate) tends to revert.
Revolving Credit
A commitment to lend on a recurring basis on pre-defined terms
Rho
Rate of change of the price of a derivative with the interest rate.
Rights Issue
An offer of shares for cash to existing shareholders in proportion to their existing holdings (e.g. 2 for 1). An issue to existing shareholders of a security giving them the right to buy new shares at a certain price.
Risk
Government transactions are regarded as the safest and therefore have the lowest rates of interest
Risk Free Rate
The rate of interest that can be earned without assuming any risk.
Risk Management
??
Risk Neutral Valuation
The valuation of an option or other derivative assuming the world is risk neutral. Risk-neutral valuation gives the correct price for a derivtaive in all worlds, not just in the risk-neutral world.
Risk Neutral World
A world where investors are assumed to require no extra return on average for bearing risks.
Risk Premium
The expected rate of return above the risk free interest rate.
Risk Weighted Assets
RWA is the aggregate measure of different risk factors affecting the evaluation of financial products.
Roll Back
see Backwards induction
Rolling Over
Renewal of a bank loan with alteration of interest rate as per the agreed formula, for example LIBOR + 1%
Rolling Settlement
For example '5 working days' that is the deal on Tuesday, settle next Tuesday, deal Wednesday, settle next Wednesday, instead of all deals within a given 'account' being settled on a given day
Rollover
In exchange traded derivatives, rolling a position from one expiry or delivery month to the next.
RORAC
Return On Risk Adjusted Capital
RUF
Revolving Underwriting Facility
Running Yield
Flat Yield
SAEF
Stock Exchange Automated Execution Facility
Sale By Tender
??
Samurai Bonds
A yen bond issued in Japan by non residents
Savings Ratio
The proportion of income which is saved
Scalper
A trader who holds positions for a very short period of time.
Scenario Analysis
An analysis of the effects of possible alternative future movements in market variables on the value of a portfolio.
Scholes-Merton
The Nobel prize winning revision of the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
Scrip Issue
same as bonus issue
SEAQ
Stock Exchange Automated Quotation System for International Securities
SEATS
??
Secondary Markets
The buying and selling of a security after its primary issue
Secured Bond
??
Securities and Exchange Commission
US body controlling regulation of the market (Securities and Exchange Commission)
Securitisation
The borrowing of money through issue of securities on international markets instead of through a bank loan. Also converting an existing loan into securities, for example mortgage bonds
Series
All options of the same class, exercise price and expiry date
SETS
Stock Exchange Trading System -
Settlement Date
When the money for a given trade is due to be paid (and the securities handed over)
Settlement Day
??
Settlement Price
The average of the prices that a contract trades for immediately before the bell signalling the close of trading for that day. It is used in mark-to-market calculations.
Shares
Shares are shareholdings in companies with reward by way of dividends and capital gains (called equities)
Short
The term going short is when you intentionally sell something you don't own.
Short Cover
Buying a security that you were previously short
Short Hedge
A hedge where a short futures poisition is taken.
Short Position
The agreement to sell. A position involving the sale of an asset.
Short Rate
The interest rate applying for a very short period of time.
Short Selling
Selling shares that have been borrowed from another investor
Short Squeeze
??
Shout Option
An option where the holder has the right to lock in a minimum value for the payoff at one time during its life.
Sight Bill
A bill of exchange payable on acceptance
Sinking Fund
Payments made by the borrower on a regular basis to a special account to set aside the necessary funds for redemption of its long-term debt.
Soft Currencies
??
Solvent
You are capable ot meeting your financial obligations
Special Purpose Vehicle
??
Specialist
An individual responsible to managing limit orders on some exchanges.
Split
Existing shares are reorganised "split" into more shares for example 2 shares @ 25p are exchanged for 1 share @ 50p
Spot
Today's rate for settlement in 2 days
Spot Price
The price for immediate delivery.
Spot Volatilities
The volatilities used to price a cap when a different volatility is used for each caplet.
Spread
Difference between a bid and an offer rate. More generally between one rate and another
Spread Trade
Treasury bond vs Corporate bond
Spread Transaction
A position in two or more options of the same type.
Stag
One who applies for a new issue in the hope of selling for a premium - no real interest in the share
Static Hedge
A hedge that does not have to be changed once it has been initialised
Step-Up Swap
A swap where the principal increases over time in a predetermined way.
Stochastic Variable
A variable whose future value is uncertain
Stock
Stock or Equity ??
Stock Borrowing
When a dealer has a short position, an alternative to buying the stock is to 'borrow' it from another dealer.
Stock Dividend
A dividend paid in the form of additional shares.
Stock Index
An index monitoring the value of a portfolio of stocks.
Stock Index Future
Futures on a stock index.
Stock Index Option
An option on a stock index.
Stock Lending
stock borrowing
Stock Option
Option on a stock
Stock Split
The conversion of each existing share into more than one new share
Stocks
Fixed interest securities, for example bonds, debentures, preference shares
Stop-Loss Order
An order to a broker to close out a position and take the profits to date whenever a given price level is reached
Storage Costs
The costs of storing a commodity.
Straddle
A traded option strategy, simultaneous purchase/sale of both call and put options for the same share, exercise price and expiry date. A long position in a call and a put with the same strike price.
Strangle
A long position in a call and a put with different strike prices.
Strap
A long position in twp call options and one put option with the same strike price.
Stress Testing
Testing of the impact of extreme market moves on the value of a portfolio.
Strike Price
The price at which you can buy or sell the security (usually stocks).
Strip
A long position in one call option and two put options with the same strike price.
Stripped Bonds
Coupon stripping
Strips
Stripped government bonds in the US - Separate trading of Registered Interest and Principal Securities
Structured Products
??
Subordinate Debt
A bond that, in the event of liquidation, can claim only after other senior debts has been met
Subpoenas
A subpoena is a writ by a government agency (typically a court) that has the authority to order a person or company to testify or face punishment.
Superdot
Automated execution system on the New York Stock Exchange
Swap
An agreement to exchange cash flows in the future according to a prearranged formula.
Swap Rate
The fixed rate of an interest rate swap that causes the swap to have a value of zero.
Swaps
Exchange of debt obligations between two parties either exchange of currencies either fixed/floating or floating/fixed and sometimes both.
SwapsWire
Created with the intention of providing a new way to achieve confirmation of OTC interest rate swaps.
Swaption
An option to have a swap at a future point in time. An option to enter into an interest rate swap where a specified fixed rate is exchanges for floating.
SWIFT
Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications. Banks messaging system
Swing Option
Energy option in which the rate of consumption must be between a minimum and maximum level. There is usually a limit on the number of times the option holder can change the rate at which the energy is consumed.
Syndicate
managers, underwriters and selling agents of a bond or bank loan
Synthetic Bond
??
Synthetic CDO
??
Synthetic Option
An option created by trading the underlying asset.
Systematic Risk
Risk that cannot be diversified away.
Take-And-Pay Option
see Swing Option
TALISMAN
Transfer Accounting Ledgement for Investors Stock Management for Principals - the SE Computerised Settlement System (UK). Being replaced by CREST
Tap Stock
In general in bond markets further issue of a previously issued bond.
Tender
A bank loan or new security is offered to dealers who must complete for the business. If settled on a striking price basis, all pay the same price. If offered on a bid price basis, all pay the price they bid
Tenor
Used to define an amount of time.
Term Sheet
The relationship between interest rates and their maturities.
Term Structure of Interest Rates
The relationship between interest rates and their maturities.
Terminal Value
The value at maturity
Theta
Rate of change of the price of an option (or other derivative) with time
Ticks
Smallest price movement of a contract, for example 0.01 or 1/32
Tier One Capital
??
Tier One Equity
??
Tier Two Capital
??
Time Decay
see Theta
Time Value
That part of an option premium which is not the intrinsic value.
Tombstone
Formal notice in the press of a syndicated loan, bond issue, commercial paper programme
TOPIC
Teletext Output of Price Information by Computer - the standardised display of SEAQ information (UK)
Total Return Swap
A swap of the return on one portfolio of assets for the return on another portfolio of assets.
Touch Prices
The lowest bid price and lowest offer price for a particular stock or share
Trade Bill
A bill of exchange not endorsed by a bank and not eligible for rediscount at the central bank
Trade Capture
??
Trade Date
The date a trade is agreed as opposed to settled
Trade Flow
??
Trade Life Cycle
??
Traded Option
An option to buy or sell a share/currency/index etc contract later at a price agreed today.
TradePoint
A UK share trading system using computerised order matching. (introduced Sept 1996)
Tranche
Further (large) issue of an existing bond to meet the needs of the market
Tranchette
Further (small) issue of an existing bond to meet the needs of the market
Transaction Costs
The cost of carrying out a trade (commissions plus the difference between the price obtained and the midpoint of the bid-offer spread).
Treasury Bill
A short-term non coupon bearing instrument issued by the government to finance its debt. This is how governments can raise money.
Treasury Bond
A long-term coupon bearing instrument issued by the government to finance its debt.
Treasury Bond Future
A futures contract on Treasury Bonds
Treasury Note
see Treasury Bond (Treasury Notes have maturities of less than 10 years)
Treasury Note Future
a futures contract on Treasury Notes
Tree
The representation of the evolution of the value of a market variable for the purpose of valuing an option or other derivatiave.
Trinomial Tree
??
Undated
Perpetual
Under Determined
??
Underlying Variable
A variable that the price of an option or other derivatiave depends on
Unit Trust
a portfolio of holdings in various companies, divided into units which are bought and sold directly. An 'open ended' fund for example.
Unsecured Bond
??
Unsettled Cash
This is the cash amount before the trade has actually been settled.
Unsystematic Risk
see Nonsystematic Risk
Unwind
To reverse a transactions by using an offsetting transaction
Up and In Option
An option that comes into existence when the price of the underlying asset increases to a certain level.
Up and Out Option
An option that ceases to exist when the price of the underlying asset increases to a certain level.
USM
Unlisted Securities Market
Value at Risk
A loss that will not be exceeds at some specified confidence.
Vanilla
A term used to describe a standard deal
Vanilla Swap
Floating for Fixed
Variance Rate
The square of volatility
Variance-Covariance Matrix
A matrix showing variances of and covariances between a number of different market variables.
Variation Margin
An extra margin required to bring the balance in a margin account up to the initial margin when there is a margin call. Further amounts of deposit (debit or credit) calculated by a Clearing House
Vega
Rate of change in the price of an option (or other derivative) with volatility.
Vega Neutral Portfoilo
A portfolio with a vega of zero.
Venture Capital
capital provided for high risks which would not normally attract conventional finance
Vix Index
A measure of the implied volatility of the S&P index options.
Volatility
A measure of the uncertainty of the return realised on an asset.
Volatility Matrix
A table showing the variation of implied volatilities with strike price and time to maturity.
Volatility Skew
A term used to describe the volatility smile when it is nonsymmetrical
Volatility Smile
The variation of implied volatility with strike prices.
Volatility Swap
Swap where the realised volatility during an accrual period is exchanged for a fixed volatility. Both percentage volatilities are applied to a notional principal.
Volatility Term Structure
The variation of implied volatility with time to maturity.
VRN
Variable rate note. A floating rate note where the margin above LIBOR is not fixed but reset at intervals
WAC
Weighted Average Cost
Warrant
A certificate attached to a bond or security giving the holder the right to buy equity/bonds later at a set price. May be issued on its own without attachments, for example gilts warrants, currency warrants, CAC 40 warrants
Weighted Average Cost
The average cost you have bought an asset at.
White Knight
In a takeover situation a more acceptable bidder may be sought
White Squire
White Squire
Wholesale Money
The borrowing and lending of large sums of money - usually between banks, large companies and the institutions
Wild Card Play
The right to deliver on a futures contract at the closing price for a period of time after the close of trading.
Writing an Option
Selling an option. A margin is paid to the Clearing House.
XD Dividend
Stands for Ex-dividend and means that the buyer does not acquire the right to the recently announced dividend.
XR
Ex-Rights. In the rights issue is a share is marked as XR this means that the purchaser is not entitled to the rights as the cut-off point has passed.
Yankee Bond
A dollar bond issued in the US by non residents
Yard
Foreign exchange term for 1000 million
Yield
Flat Yield
Yield Curve
A graph showing the relationship between short-term and long-term yields for a given security or type of borrowing. Upward slope = positive yield, downward slope = negative yield curve.
Yield Curve Modelling
??
Yield to Maturity
The annualised rate of return if a bond is held to maturity.
Zero Coupon Bond
A bond issued without interest payments but at a deep discount.
Zero Coupon Interest Rate
The interest rate that would be earned on a bond that provides no coupons.
Zero Coupon Yield Curve
A plot of the zero-coupon interest rate against time to maturity
Zero Rate
??

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