An individual, non-professional investor who buys and sells securities or funds through brokers or investment accounts, typically in smaller amounts than institutional investors. Retail investment has grown significantly with access to financial information and trading tools.
A third party coordinating the sale of financial securities between sellers and buyers. Exchanges only accept orders from their members, so traders and investors use brokers as intermediaries; brokers are compensated through commissions, fees or payment from the exchange.
Read full definitionAn investment vehicle that pools investors’ money to invest in securities such as stocks, bonds, currencies, property or commodities. Funds may aim to deliver a regular income or capital growth.
Read full definitionThe cash a business has tied up in day-to-day operations, broadly its current assets minus current liabilities. Healthy working capital lets a company pay suppliers and staff while waiting on customer payments.
Read full definitionEconomies that are developing toward advanced-market status, often offering higher growth alongside greater currency, political and liquidity risk. Trading with them frequently calls for tailored FX and payment solutions.
Read full definitionA formal, legally mandated gathering where a company’s shareholders meet with the board of directors and executives once a year to discuss financial performance and strategic direction. Publicly listed companies must hold AGMs to comply with corporate governance laws, while rules for private companies vary by jurisdiction.
Read full definitionAn economic resource that individuals, companies and other organisations can own or control to generate profit or future benefit. In FX the term frequently refers to a currency or currency pair, and assets also underpin the pricing of derivative products such as CFDs and options.
Read full definitionA unit of measurement equal to 1/100th of 1%, or 0.01%, pronounced ‘bips’. Basis points are commonly used to describe small movements in interest rates, bond yields and exchange rates.
Read full definitionThe profit earned from selling an asset, such as stocks, bonds or real estate, for more than its purchase price. Capital gains are taxable and classified as short-term or long-term depending on the holding period.
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