Finance vocabulary - wordscoach.com

Finance vocabulary list with definitions

Finance vocabulary list with definitions

Finance: Finance is defined as the management of money and includes activities such as investing, borrowing, lending, budgeting, saving, and forecasting.

Finance vocabulary with definition and example


Asset
Meaning: Any resource owned by an individual or organization that is expected to provide future economic benefits.
Example: The company’s assets include real estate, equipment, and cash reserves.


Balance Sheet
Meaning: A financial statement that summarizes a company’s assets, liabilities, and shareholders’ equity at a specific point in time.
Example: The balance sheet shows the company’s financial position as of December 31.


Bankruptcy
Meaning: A legal process in which a person or business declares the inability to pay outstanding debts.
Example: The retailer filed for bankruptcy after accumulating significant debt.


Bond
Meaning: A fixed income instrument representing a loan made by an investor to a borrower, typically corporate or governmental.
Example: She invested in government bonds for a stable return.


Budget
Meaning: An estimate of income and expenditure for a set period.
Example: We need to create a budget to manage our household expenses better.


Capital
Meaning: Wealth in the form of money or assets, used to invest in a business.
Example: The company raised capital through a new share issue.


Cash Flow
Meaning: The total amount of money being transferred in and out of a business.
Example: Maintaining positive cash flow is essential for the company’s operations.


Collateral
Meaning: An asset that a borrower offers as a way for a lender to secure the loan.
Example: She used her car as collateral for the loan.


Credit
Meaning: The ability to borrow money or access goods or services with the understanding that you’ll pay later.
Example: He has a good credit score, allowing him to get a low-interest rate on his mortgage.


Debt
Meaning: An amount of money borrowed by one party from another.
Example: The company is struggling to manage its debt.


Dividend
Meaning: A portion of a company’s earnings distributed to shareholders.
Example: Shareholders received a quarterly dividend of $1.50 per share.


Equity
Meaning: The value of an owner’s interest in an asset, after deducting liabilities.
Example: The homeowner’s equity increased as they paid down the mortgage.


Expense
Meaning: The cost required for something; the money spent on something.
Example: Office supplies are a common business expense.


Financial Statement
Meaning: A formal record of the financial activities and position of a business, person, or other entity.
Example: The financial statement includes the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.


Fiscal Year
Meaning: A year as reckoned for taxing or accounting purposes.
Example: The company’s fiscal year ends in March.


Income
Meaning: Money received, especially on a regular basis, for work or through investments.
Example: His annual income is derived from his salary and investments.


Interest
Meaning: The cost of borrowing money, usually expressed as a percentage of the amount borrowed.
Example: The interest rate on her student loan is 5%.


Investment
Meaning: The action or process of investing money for profit or material result.
Example: Real estate investment can be very profitable over time.


Liability
Meaning: A company’s legal financial debts or obligations that arise during business operations.
Example: The company’s liabilities include loans and accounts payable.


Loan
Meaning: A sum of money that is expected to be paid back with interest.
Example: He took out a loan to buy a new car.


Market
Meaning: A medium that allows buyers and sellers of a specific good or service to interact in order to facilitate an exchange.
Example: The stock market was volatile last week.


Mortgage
Meaning: A loan used to purchase or maintain a home, land, or other types of real estate.
Example: They are paying off their mortgage over 30 years.


Net Worth
Meaning: The total assets minus total outside liabilities of an individual or a company.
Example: His net worth increased after his business became profitable.


Profit
Meaning: Financial gain, especially the difference between the amount earned and the amount spent.
Example: The company reported a profit of $2 million last quarter.


Revenue
Meaning: The income generated from normal business operations.
Example: The company’s revenue grew by 10% compared to last year.


Risk
Meaning: The possibility of loss or injury.
Example: Investing in stocks carries a higher risk than bonds.


Savings
Meaning: Money that has been saved, especially through a bank or official scheme.
Example: She transferred part of her salary into her savings account every month.


Share
Meaning: A unit of ownership interest in a corporation or financial asset.
Example: He bought 100 shares of the tech company.


Stock
Meaning: A type of security that signifies ownership in a corporation and represents a claim on part of the corporation’s assets and earnings.
Example: She invests in stocks to build her retirement fund.


Tax
Meaning: A compulsory financial charge imposed by a government to fund various public expenditures.
Example: The government increased the income tax rate.


Transaction
Meaning: An instance of buying or selling something; a business deal.
Example: The bank recorded the transaction in his account.


Treasury
Meaning: The funds or revenue of a state, institution, or society.
Example: The company’s treasury is managed by the CFO.


Valuation
Meaning: The process of determining the current worth of an asset or a company.
Example: The property valuation was higher than expected.


Yield
Meaning: The income return on an investment.
Example: The bond’s yield is 3% annually.


Audit
Meaning: An official inspection of an organization’s accounts, typically by an independent body.
Example: The company passed its annual financial audit.


Hedge
Meaning: An investment to reduce the risk of adverse price movements in an asset.
Example: Investors use hedging strategies to protect their portfolios.


Inflation
Meaning: A general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money.
Example: Inflation eroded the purchasing power of his savings.


Liquidity
Meaning: The availability of liquid assets to a market or company.
Example: The bank has sufficient liquidity to cover its obligations.


Portfolio
Meaning: A range of investments held by a person or organization.
Example: Her investment portfolio includes stocks, bonds, and real estate.


Recession
Meaning: A period of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced.
Example: The country is facing a severe recession due to the pandemic.


Account
Meaning: A record or statement of financial expenditure or receipts relating to a particular period or purpose.
Example: She opened a new savings account at the bank.


Accounting
Meaning: The process of recording financial transactions pertaining to a business.
Example: He works in the accounting department of a large firm.


Accrue
Meaning: To accumulate or receive (payments or benefits) over time.
Example: Interest will accrue on the account until it is paid off.


Accumulate
Meaning: To gather together or acquire an increasing number or quantity of.
Example: He accumulated a significant amount of debt over the years.


Acquisition
Meaning: An asset or object bought or obtained.
Example: The company announced the acquisition of a smaller rival.


Activity
Meaning: A situation in which many things are happening or being done.
Example: There was a lot of trading activity on the stock market today.


Adjustable
Meaning: Able to be changed or adjusted to meet different conditions or needs.
Example: They opted for an adjustable-rate mortgage.


Adjustment
Meaning: A small alteration or movement made to achieve a desired fit, appearance, or result.
Example: He made a few adjustments to his investment strategy.


Amex
Meaning: Abbreviation for American Stock Exchange.
Example: The company’s stock is listed on Amex.


Amortization
Meaning: The process of paying off a debt with a fixed repayment schedule in regular installments over time.
Example: The mortgage amortization schedule spans 30 years.


And
Meaning: Used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences.
Example: The company sells products and services.


Annual
Meaning: Occurring once every year.
Example: They hold an annual general meeting for shareholders.


Annuity
Meaning: A fixed sum of money paid to someone each year, typically for the rest of their life.
Example: She invested in an annuity to provide a steady income during retirement.


Appraisal
Meaning: An expert estimate of the value of something.
Example: They ordered an appraisal of the property before making an offer.


Arbitrage
Meaning: The simultaneous buying and selling of securities, currency, or commodities in different markets to take advantage of differing prices for the same asset.
Example: Traders use arbitrage to profit from price discrepancies.


Arrangement
Meaning: A plan or preparation for a future event.
Example: They made arrangements for the loan repayment.


Arrear
Meaning: Money that is owed and should have been paid earlier.
Example: The company is in arrears with its loan payments.


Authentic
Meaning: Genuine; real.
Example: The appraiser confirmed the painting is authentic.


Authorization
Meaning: The action or fact of authorizing or being authorized.
Example: He received authorization to approve the budget.


Automated
Meaning: Operated by largely automatic equipment.
Example: The company uses automated systems to process transactions.


Average
Meaning: A number expressing the central or typical value in a set of data.
Example: The average return on investment is 7%.


Averaging
Meaning: The process of calculating the average of multiple values.
Example: Dollar-cost averaging helps reduce investment risk.


Balance
Meaning: An even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady.
Example: She checks the balance of her bank account regularly.


Balloon
Meaning: To increase rapidly.
Example: The loan has a balloon payment due at the end of the term.


Bank
Meaning: A financial institution licensed to receive deposits and make loans.
Example: He works as a manager at a local bank.


Bankrupt
Meaning: Declared in law unable to pay outstanding debts.
Example: The company went bankrupt after failing to secure funding.


Barter
Meaning: Exchange goods or services for other goods or services without using money.
Example: They bartered goods in the market instead of using cash.


Bear
Meaning: A person who believes that stock prices will decline.
Example: The bear investors were proven right when the market fell.


Beneficiary
Meaning: A person who derives advantage from something, especially a trust, will, or life insurance policy.
Example: She is the beneficiary of her late husband’s life insurance policy.


Bid
Meaning: An offer made by an investor, trader, or dealer to buy a security.
Example: His bid for the shares was accepted.


Bill
Meaning: A statement of money owed for goods or services supplied.
Example: She received a bill for the medical services provided.


Blue
Meaning: High-quality or well-regarded in its class.
Example: Blue-chip stocks are considered safe investments.


Bracket
Meaning: A range of incomes with a corresponding tax rate.
Example: He falls into a higher tax bracket due to his increased income.


Broker
Meaning: An individual or firm that charges a fee or commission for executing buy and sell orders submitted by an investor.
Example: She works as a stockbroker in New York.


Brokerage
Meaning: The business or service of acting as a broker.
Example: He opened a brokerage account to start investing.


Bull
Meaning: A person who believes that stock prices will rise.
Example: The bulls were optimistic about the market’s future.


Buy
Meaning: To acquire in exchange for payment.
Example: He decided to buy more shares of the company.


Buying
Meaning: The act of purchasing something.
Example: There was a lot of buying activity in the market today.


Calculation
Meaning: The process of using mathematics to find an answer.
Example: He made a quick calculation of his monthly expenses.


Call
Meaning: An option contract giving the owner the right, but not the obligation, to buy a specified amount of an underlying security at a specified price within a specified time.
Example: He bought a call option on the stock, betting it would rise.


Cartel
Meaning: An association of manufacturers or suppliers with the purpose of maintaining prices at a high level and restricting competition.
Example: The oil cartel agreed to cut production to boost prices.


Cashier
Meaning: A person handling payments and receipts in a store, bank, or other business.
Example: The cashier at the grocery store was very efficient.


Certificate
Meaning: An official document attesting a certain fact, in particular.
Example: She received a certificate of deposit from the bank.


Certified
Meaning: Officially recognized as possessing certain qualifications or meeting certain standards.
Example: He is a certified public accountant.


Chart
Meaning: A sheet of information in the form of a table, graph, or diagram.
Example: The stock’s price movements were plotted on a chart.


Chip
Meaning: A small piece of something removed in the course of chopping, cutting, or breaking a hard material.
Example: Blue-chip stocks are considered stable and secure investments.


Churn
Meaning: The rate at which customers stop doing business with an entity.
Example: The company has a high customer churn rate.


Circulation
Meaning: The movement of money within an economy.
Example: The government took steps to increase the circulation of currency.


Clearing
Meaning: The process of settling transactions between buyers and sellers of financial instruments.
Example: The clearing of transactions ensures that trades are completed smoothly.


Collect
Meaning: To bring or gather together.
Example: The company collects payments from its customers monthly.


Commission
Meaning: A fee paid to an agent or employee for transacting a piece of business or performing a service.
Example: The broker earned a commission on the sale of the stocks.


Commodity
Meaning: A raw material or primary agricultural product that can be bought and sold.
Example: Oil is a widely traded commodity.


Common
Meaning: Occurring, found, or done often; prevalent.
Example: Common stocks represent ownership in a company.


Compensation
Meaning: Something, typically money, awarded to someone as a recompense for loss, injury, or suffering.
Example: He received compensation for the damages to his property.


Competitor
Meaning: A person, team, or company that competes against others.
Example: The company is facing stiff competition from its competitors.


Compound
Meaning: Made up or consisting of several parts or elements.
Example: Compound interest can significantly increase your savings over time.


Conglomerate
Meaning: A corporation that is made up of a number of different, seemingly unrelated businesses.
Example: The multinational conglomerate has operations in various industries.


Consolidation
Meaning: The action or process of making something stronger or more solid.
Example: The company announced the consolidation of its various subsidiaries.


Consortium
Meaning: An association of several companies for a common purpose.
Example: The consortium of banks provided a large loan to the corporation.


Consumer
Meaning: A person who purchases goods and services for personal use.
Example: The consumer market drives the economy through spending on goods and services.


Convertible
Meaning: A type of security that can be converted into another form, such as convertible bonds into stocks.
Example: He invested in convertible bonds that can be exchanged for company shares.


Correction
Meaning: A decline in the market or stock price after a period of rising prices, often seen as a healthy adjustment.
Example: The stock market experienced a correction after reaching an all-time high.


Cost
Meaning: The amount that needs to be paid or spent to buy or obtain something.
Example: The cost of living in the city has risen significantly.


Counter
Meaning: A level or structure on which transactions occur; also, in finance, it refers to measures or actions taken to balance or mitigate risks.
Example: The company took counter measures to hedge against currency fluctuations.


Countersign
Meaning: To sign a document that has already been signed by another person, as a form of verification.
Example: The manager was required to countersign the check to authorize the payment.


Currency
Meaning: A system of money in general use in a particular country.
Example: The exchange rate between the US dollar and the euro fluctuates daily.


Custodian
Meaning: A financial institution that holds and safeguards securities for an investor.
Example: The bank acted as a custodian for the investor’s assets.


Deal
Meaning: An agreement entered into by two or more parties for their mutual benefit.
Example: They closed a major deal to acquire a new technology company.


Debenture
Meaning: A type of debt instrument that is not secured by physical assets or collateral.
Example: The company issued debentures to raise capital for expansion.


Debit
Meaning: An entry recording an amount owed, listed on the left-hand side or column of an account.
Example: She debited $500 from her bank account to pay the rent.


Deductible
Meaning: The amount paid out of pocket by the policyholder before an insurance provider will pay any expenses.
Example: His health insurance has a high deductible but lower monthly premiums.


Deduction
Meaning: An amount that is subtracted from something, especially as an allowance against tax or income.
Example: She claimed a tax deduction for her charitable donations.


Default
Meaning: Failure to fulfill an obligation, especially to repay a loan or appear in a court of law.
Example: The company defaulted on its loan payments during the recession.


Delinquency
Meaning: Minor crime, especially that committed by young people; in finance, it refers to overdue payments.
Example: His account showed several months of delinquency.


Demand
Meaning: Consumer willingness and ability to buy products; also the quantity of a good that buyers are willing and able to purchase.
Example: The demand for electric cars has increased significantly.


Depository
Meaning: A place where something is deposited, especially for safekeeping.
Example: The bank acts as a depository for savings and securities.


Depreciation
Meaning: A reduction in the value of an asset over time, particularly due to wear and tear.
Example: The company calculated depreciation on its equipment annually.


Depression
Meaning: A severe and prolonged downturn in economic activity.
Example: The Great Depression of the 1930s had a lasting impact on global economies.


Deregulation
Meaning: The removal or simplification of government rules and regulations that constrain the operation of market forces.
Example: The deregulation of the airline industry led to increased competition and lower fares.


Designation
Meaning: The action of choosing someone to hold an office or post.
Example: His official designation is Chief Financial Officer.


Devaluation
Meaning: A reduction in the value of a currency with respect to other monetary units.
Example: The devaluation of the currency made exports more competitive.


Differential
Meaning: A difference in any rate or amount, such as interest rates or prices.
Example: The interest rate differential between the two countries influenced exchange rates.


Discount
Meaning: A deduction from the usual cost of something.
Example: The store offered a 20% discount on all items during the sale.


Discretionary
Meaning: Available for use at the discretion of the user, typically referring to spending or actions.
Example: Discretionary income is what remains after paying for necessities.


Distribution
Meaning: The action of sharing something out among a number of recipients.
Example: The company planned the distribution of dividends to its shareholders.


Diversify
Meaning: To spread investment risk by allocating funds across different financial instruments, industries, or other categories.
Example: She diversified her portfolio by investing in stocks, bonds, and real estate.


Dow
Meaning: Refers to the Dow Jones Industrial Average, a stock market index that measures the stock performance of 30 large companies listed on stock exchanges in the United States.
Example: The Dow closed at a record high yesterday.


Downturn
Meaning: A decline in economic, business, or other activity.
Example: The economic downturn resulted in higher unemployment rates.


Draft
Meaning: A preliminary version of a piece of writing or a plan; in finance, a written order to pay a specified sum.
Example: He prepared a draft of the business proposal for review.


Driven
Meaning: Operated, moved, or controlled by a specified person or source of power.
Example: The company’s success is driven by innovative technology.


Dump
Meaning: To sell off assets rapidly, often at a loss, typically in large quantities.
Example: Investors began to dump their stocks amid fears of a recession.


Earn
Meaning: To receive money as payment for work that you do.
Example: She earns a salary of $50,000 per year.


Economy
Meaning: The system of production and distribution and consumption of goods and services in a society.
Example: The global economy is recovering from the impacts of the pandemic.


Electronic
Meaning: Relating to devices or systems that operate using electrical signals.
Example: Most banking transactions are now conducted electronically.


Elimination
Meaning: The complete removal or destruction of something.
Example: The elimination of unnecessary costs helped improve the company’s profitability.


Embezzlement
Meaning: Theft or misappropriation of funds placed in one’s trust or belonging to one’s employer.
Example: The accountant was fired for embezzlement of company funds.


Employee
Meaning: A person employed for wages or salary, especially at a non-executive level.
Example: The company hired 50 new employees this year.


Endorse
Meaning: To sign the back of a check or bill of exchange to make it payable to someone other than the stated payee.
Example: He endorsed the check to transfer it to his business partner.


Enterprise
Meaning: A business or company.
Example: She started a new enterprise focused on renewable energy.


Entity
Meaning: Something that exists independently, especially a business organization.
Example: Each subsidiary operates as a separate legal entity.


Escrow
Meaning: A financial arrangement where a third party holds and regulates payment of the funds required for two parties involved in a given transaction.
Example: The funds are held in escrow until all conditions of the sale are met.


Estimation
Meaning: A rough calculation of the value, number, quantity, or extent of something.
Example: The estimation of costs was higher than initially expected.


Evaluation
Meaning: The making of a judgment about the amount, number, or value of something; assessment.
Example: The evaluation of the project’s feasibility is underway.


Exceed
Meaning: To go beyond the limits or expectations.
Example: The company’s profits exceed expectations for the third quarter.


Exchange
Meaning: An act of giving one thing and receiving another in return.
Example: They agreed to an exchange of goods and services.


Exorbitant
Meaning: Unreasonably high or excessive.
Example: The bank charged an exorbitant fee for international transfers.


Expectation
Meaning: A strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future.
Example: There is a high expectation of success for the new product launch.


Extortion
Meaning: The practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats.
Example: The company fell victim to extortion by cybercriminals.


Failure
Meaning: Lack of success in doing or achieving something.
Example: The business faced failure after the market demand plummeted.


Falling
Meaning: Moving from a higher to a lower level, typically quickly and without control.
Example: The falling prices in the housing market benefited first-time buyers.


Federal
Meaning: Relating to the central government.
Example: Federal regulations require banks to maintain certain reserve levels.


Fee
Meaning: A payment made to a professional person or to a professional or public body in exchange for advice or services.
Example: The lawyer’s fee was quite substantial.


Fiduciary
Meaning: Involving trust, especially with regard to the relationship between a trustee and a beneficiary.
Example: The financial advisor has a fiduciary responsibility to act in the client’s best interest.


Finance
Meaning: The management of large amounts of money, especially by governments or large companies.
Example: He studied finance in college to become an investment banker.


Fiscal
Meaning: Relating to government revenue, especially taxes.
Example: The fiscal policy aimed at reducing the national deficit.


Fixed
Meaning: Fastened securely in position; also refers to investments that pay a fixed rate of return.
Example: They invested in fixed-income securities to ensure a stable return.


Float
Meaning: The process of a company selling shares to the public for the first time; also, the amount of currency available in an economy.
Example: The company decided to float its shares on the stock exchange.


Foreclosure
Meaning: The action of taking possession of a mortgaged property when the mortgagor fails to keep up their mortgage payments.
Example: The bank initiated foreclosure proceedings after the homeowner defaulted on the loan.


Forfeiture
Meaning: The loss or giving up of something as a penalty for wrongdoing.
Example: He faced the forfeiture of his deposit after breaking the lease agreement.


Frugality
Meaning: The quality of being economical with money or food; thriftiness.
Example: Her frugality allowed her to save a significant portion of her income.


Fulfillment
Meaning: The achievement of something desired, promised, or predicted.
Example: The fulfillment of the order took longer than expected due to supply chain issues.


Fund
Meaning: A sum of money saved or made available for a particular purpose.
Example: He started a fund to support small businesses in his community.


Future
Meaning: A financial contract obligating the buyer to purchase an asset or the seller to sell an asset at a predetermined future date and price.
Example: They invested in futures contracts to hedge against price volatility.


Gain
Meaning: An increase in wealth or resources.
Example: The investment showed a significant gain over the past year.


GDP
Meaning: Gross Domestic Product, a measure of a country’s economic performance.
Example: The country’s GDP grew by 3% last quarter.


Gold
Meaning: A precious yellow metal used as a form of currency and investment.
Example: Investors often buy gold as a hedge against inflation.


Government
Meaning: The governing body of a nation, state, or community.
Example: The government implemented new economic policies to stimulate growth.


Growth
Meaning: The process of increasing in size, number, value, or strength.
Example: The company’s growth strategy focuses on expanding into new markets.


Guarantee
Meaning: A formal promise or assurance that certain conditions will be fulfilled.
Example: The manufacturer offered a guarantee on all their products.


Guaranty
Meaning: An agreement to assume the responsibility for the debt obligation of a borrower if that borrower defaults.
Example: He signed a guaranty for his friend’s business loan.


Hiring
Meaning: The act of giving someone a job.
Example: The company is hiring new employees for its expanding operations.


Identification
Meaning: The action or process of identifying someone or something or the fact of being identified.
Example: The bank required identification before opening a new account.


Illegal
Meaning: Contrary to or forbidden by law.
Example: Insider trading is considered illegal and punishable by law.


Imprint
Meaning: A mark made by pressing something onto a softer substance so that its outline is reproduced.
Example: The company’s logo was imprinted on all their official documents.


Index
Meaning: An indicator or measure of something.
Example: The stock market index rose by 2% today.


Industrial
Meaning: Relating to or characterized by industry.
Example: The industrial sector has seen significant growth in recent years.


Inflated
Meaning: Excessively or unreasonably high.
Example: The inflated prices of housing have made it difficult for many to buy a home.


Information
Meaning: Facts provided or learned about something or someone.
Example: Accurate information is crucial for making informed investment decisions.


Insider
Meaning: A person within a group or organization, especially someone privy to information unavailable to others.
Example: Insider trading involves trading based on confidential information.


Insolvent
Meaning: Unable to pay debts owed.
Example: The company was declared insolvent and had to file for bankruptcy.


Installment
Meaning: A sum of money due as one of several equal payments for something, spread over an agreed period of time.
Example: He paid for the car in monthly installments.


Institution
Meaning: An organization founded for a religious, educational, professional, or social purpose.
Example: The financial institution offers various investment products to its clients.


Institutional
Meaning: Relating to a large organization or an established system or practice.
Example: Institutional investors hold large quantities of securities for investment purposes.


Insufficient
Meaning: Not enough; inadequate.
Example: There were insufficient funds in the account to cover the transaction.


Intangible
Meaning: Unable to be touched or grasped; not having a physical presence.
Example: Goodwill is considered an intangible asset on the balance sheet.


Intermediary
Meaning: A person who acts as a link between people in order to try and bring about an agreement or reconciliation.
Example: Brokers act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers in the stock market.


Intervention
Meaning: The action or process of intervening.
Example: Government intervention helped stabilize the economy during the crisis.


Invalidate
Meaning: To make an argument, statement, or theory unsound or erroneous.
Example: The discovery of new evidence may invalidate the previous assumptions.


IRA
Meaning: Individual Retirement Account, a savings account with tax advantages that individuals can use to save and invest long-term.
Example: He contributes to his IRA every month to save for retirement.


Issue
Meaning: The action of supplying or distributing something, especially for official purposes.
Example: The company will issue new shares to raise capital.


Joint
Meaning: Shared, held, or made by two or more people together.
Example: They opened a joint bank account for their shared expenses.


Jones
Meaning: Refers to the Dow Jones Industrial Average, an index that tracks 30 large publicly-owned companies trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the NASDAQ.
Example: The Dow Jones rose by 150 points today.


Junk
Meaning: High-risk, high-yield bonds issued by companies with lower credit ratings.
Example: Investors were cautious about purchasing junk bonds due to their volatility.


Kit
Meaning: A set of articles or equipment needed for a specific purpose.
Example: The investor’s starter kit included basic financial instruments and guides.


Laundering
Meaning: The process of concealing the origins of money obtained illegally, typically by means of transfers involving foreign banks or legitimate businesses.
Example: He was arrested for laundering money through multiple shell companies.


Lending
Meaning: The act of giving money on the condition that it is paid back later.
Example: The bank specializes in lending to small and medium-sized enterprises.


Leverage
Meaning: The use of borrowed money to supplement existing funds for investment purposes.
Example: The company used leverage to finance its expansion.


Lien
Meaning: A right to keep possession of property belonging to another person until a debt owed by that person is discharged.
Example: The bank has a lien on the property until the mortgage is paid off.


Long term
Meaning: A period of time typically extending beyond one year.
Example: Long-term investments are essential for securing a stable financial future.


Lot
Meaning: A collection of a set number of securities that are traded together.
Example: He bought a lot of 100 shares in the technology company.


Low
Meaning: A price or value that is less than the usual or expected level.
Example: The stock hit a 52-week low amid market volatility.


Lucrative
Meaning: Producing a great deal of profit.
Example: The new business venture proved to be extremely lucrative.


Maintain
Meaning: To keep in an existing state or continue without changing.
Example: The company aims to maintain its market share despite increased competition.


Margin
Meaning: The difference between the cost of producing something and the price at which it is sold.
Example: The profit margin on luxury goods is often higher than on basic items.


Maturity
Meaning: The time at which a financial instrument or investment becomes due for payment.
Example: The bond will reach maturity in five years.


Member
Meaning: An individual or organization that belongs to a group or an association.
Example: He is a member of the local chamber of commerce.


Mercantile
Meaning: Relating to trade or commerce.
Example: The mercantile laws regulate trade practices within the region.


Merger
Meaning: The combination of two or more companies into one.
Example: The merger of the two banks created one of the largest financial institutions in the country.


Money
Meaning: A medium of exchange in the form of coins and banknotes.
Example: Saving money is important for future financial security.


Monopoly
Meaning: The exclusive possession or control of the supply or trade in a commodity or service.
Example: The company was accused of holding a monopoly in the telecommunications market.


Municipal
Meaning: Relating to a city or town or its governing body.
Example: Municipal bonds are issued by local governments to finance public projects.


Mutual
Meaning: Shared by two or more parties.
Example: They agreed to a mutual decision that benefited both companies.


Negotiable
Meaning: Open to discussion or modification.
Example: The terms of the contract are negotiable.


Note
Meaning: A financial instrument that represents a promise to pay a certain amount of money at a future date.
Example: The company issued a promissory note to secure the loan.


Obligation
Meaning: A legal or moral responsibility or duty.
Example: The company has an obligation to repay its debts.


Odd
Meaning: Referring to numbers not divisible by two; also, unusual or unexpected in finance.
Example: They bought an odd lot of 37 shares.


Operation
Meaning: The functioning or work of a business or organization.
Example: The daily operations of the factory run smoothly.


Option
Meaning: A contract that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a specified price before a certain date.
Example: He purchased a call option to buy shares at a lower price.


Over
Meaning: Above a certain level or more than something else.
Example: The stock price increased over the course of the year.


Overcompensate
Meaning: To pay more than what is necessary or justified.
Example: He tends to overcompensate for his lack of experience with extra effort.


Oversight
Meaning: The action of overseeing something.
Example: The regulatory agency provides oversight for financial markets.


Ownership
Meaning: The act, state, or right of possessing something.
Example: He transferred ownership of the property to his daughter.


Par
Meaning: The face value of a bond or stock as stated by the issuer.
Example: The bond is currently trading above par.


Payment
Meaning: The action or process of paying someone or something or of being paid.
Example: The final payment for the car is due next month.


Peak
Meaning: The highest point, value, or level of something.
Example: The market reached its peak before starting to decline.


Penalty
Meaning: A punishment imposed for breaking a law, rule, or contract.
Example: The company faced a penalty for violating environmental regulations.


Percent
Meaning: A part or share of the whole, expressed as a fraction of 100.
Example: The interest rate on the loan is 5 percent.


Plan
Meaning: A detailed proposal for doing or achieving something.
Example: The company unveiled its strategic plan for the next five years.


Planning
Meaning: The process of making plans for something.
Example: Financial planning is crucial for retirement security.


Pledge
Meaning: A solemn promise or agreement to do or refrain from doing something.
Example: He made a pledge to donate a portion of his profits to charity.


Point
Meaning: A unit of measurement used in finance, often referring to interest rates or changes in stock prices.
Example: The stock market gained 100 points today.


Practice
Meaning: The actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method.
Example: The company follows sustainable business practices.


Predetermine
Meaning: To decide or establish something in advance.
Example: The terms of the contract were predetermined before the meeting.


Preferred
Meaning: Referring to a type of stock that has a fixed dividend and priority over common stock in the event of liquidation.
Example: Investors often choose preferred stock for its steady dividends.


Premium
Meaning: An amount paid periodically to the insurer by the insured for covering their risk; also, an additional amount above the normal price.
Example: She pays a monthly premium for her health insurance.


Prepayment
Meaning: The settlement of a debt or installment payment before its official due date.
Example: He made a prepayment on his mortgage to reduce the principal.


Price
Meaning: The amount of money expected, required, or given in payment for something.
Example: The price of oil has been fluctuating recently.


Principal
Meaning: The original sum of money borrowed in a loan, or put into an investment, as distinct from interest or profit.
Example: He paid off the principal of his loan over five years.


Product
Meaning: An article or substance that is manufactured or refined for sale.
Example: The company launched a new product line this quarter.


Progressive
Meaning: Happening or developing gradually or in stages.
Example: The company has a progressive approach to employee training.


Promissory
Meaning: Containing or implying a promise to pay.
Example: He signed a promissory note agreeing to repay the loan.


Public
Meaning: Relating to or involving people in general.
Example: The company went public last year, offering shares to the general public.


Quality
Meaning: The standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind; the degree of excellence of something.
Example: The quality of the product is reflected in its higher price.


Qualm
Meaning: An uneasy feeling of doubt, worry, or fear.
Example: He had no qualms about investing in the new venture.


Quantity
Meaning: The amount or number of a material or immaterial thing not usually estimated by spatial measurement.
Example: The company sold a large quantity of its products last month.


Questionable
Meaning: Doubtful as regards truth or quality.
Example: The company’s financial practices were deemed questionable by regulators.


Quick
Meaning: Happening with little or no delay.
Example: They made a quick decision to invest in the startup.


Quittance
Meaning: A release or discharge from a debt or obligation.
Example: He received a quittance from the bank after paying off his mortgage.


Quote
Meaning: To give someone the estimated price of a job or service.
Example: The contractor quoted a price for the renovation project.


Raid
Meaning: An attempt to take control of a company by buying a large number of its shares.
Example: The hostile raid on the company was thwarted by defensive measures.


Rally
Meaning: A period of sustained increases in the prices of stocks, bonds, or indexes.
Example: The market rally continued for the third consecutive week.


Ramification
Meaning: A consequence of an action or event, especially when complex or unwelcome.
Example: The new law has several economic ramifications for businesses.


Rate
Meaning: A measure, quantity, or frequency, typically one measured against another quantity or measure.
Example: The interest rate on the loan is 4%.


Ratio
Meaning: A relationship between two numbers indicating how many times the first number contains the second.
Example: The debt-to-equity ratio is used to evaluate a company’s financial leverage.


Record
Meaning: The highest or best level achieved in a particular area.
Example: The company reported record profits in 2023.


Recoup

  • Definition: To regain or recover (money spent or lost).
  • Example: The company hoped to recoup its losses through increased sales.


Recourse

  • Definition: The legal right to demand compensation or payment.
  • Example: Investors had no recourse when the company declared bankruptcy.


Redemption

  • Definition: The action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil; or the action of regaining or gaining possession of something in exchange for payment.
  • Example: The bond’s redemption date was set for next month.


Reduction

  • Definition: The action or fact of making something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.
  • Example: The reduction in interest rates stimulated housing sales.


Regulation

  • Definition: A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.
  • Example: Financial markets require strict regulation to ensure fairness and stability.


Reimburse

  • Definition: To repay (someone) for money spent or lost.
  • Example: The company reimbursed employees for travel expenses.


Reliability

  • Definition: The quality of being trustworthy or of performing consistently well.
  • Example: The reliability of the data is crucial for decision-making.


Reserve

  • Definition: An amount of something kept in store for future use.
  • Example: The central bank maintains large reserves of foreign currency.


Retirement

  • Definition: The action or fact of leaving one’s job and ceasing to work.
  • Example: She saved diligently for retirement throughout her career.


Rumor

  • Definition: A currently circulating story or report of uncertain or doubtful truth.
  • Example: Stock prices fluctuated due to rumors of a merger.


Sale

  • Definition: The exchange of a commodity for money; the action of selling something.
  • Example: The sale of company assets helped raise funds.


Saving

  • Definition: The money one has saved, especially through a bank or official scheme.
  • Example: Her savings allowed her to buy a new car.


Securities

  • Definition: Investments that can be traded on a financial market.
  • Example: Stocks and bonds are types of securities.


Select

  • Definition: To carefully choose as being the best or most suitable.
  • Example: They selected a diverse portfolio of investments.


Sell

  • Definition: To transfer goods or provide services in exchange for money.
  • Example: She decided to sell her shares in the company.


Selling

  • Definition: The action of selling something.
  • Example: The selling of the property generated significant profit.


Shelter

  • Definition: Protection from danger or risk.
  • Example: Real estate is often seen as a shelter for investment.


Short

  • Definition: The selling of borrowed securities or commodities with the intention of buying them back at a lower price.
  • Example: He took a short position on the stock anticipating a decline.


Shylock

  • Definition: A lender who charges excessive or exorbitant interest rates.
  • Example: They accused him of being a shylock for his predatory lending practices.


Slump

  • Definition: A sudden severe or prolonged fall in the price, value, or amount of something.
  • Example: The market experienced a slump due to economic uncertainties.


Solvency

  • Definition: The ability of a company to meet its long-term financial obligations.
  • Example: The solvency ratio indicated the company’s financial stability.


Speculate

  • Definition: To invest in stocks, property, or other ventures in the hope of gain but with the risk of loss.
  • Example: They speculated on the real estate market during the boom.


Speculative

  • Definition: Involving a high risk of loss; based on conjecture rather than knowledge.
  • Example: He made a speculative investment in a startup company.


Split

  • Definition: A division or separation.
  • Example: The company announced a stock split to increase liquidity.


Stagflation

  • Definition: A situation in which the inflation rate is high, economic growth rate slows, and unemployment remains high.
  • Example: The economy faced stagflation in the 1970s.


Subscription

  • Definition: The action of making an advance payment in order to receive or participate in something.
  • Example: He signed up for a subscription to the financial magazine.


Summary

  • Definition: A brief statement or account of the main points of something.
  • Example: The summary of the financial report highlighted key metrics.


Supply

  • Definition: The amount of a commodity, product, or service available and the desire of buyers for it.
  • Example: The supply of oil affects its market price.


Surety

  • Definition: A person who takes responsibility for another’s performance of an undertaking.
  • Example: He provided surety for his brother’s loan.


Surplus

  • Definition: An amount of something left over when requirements have been met.
  • Example: The surplus of goods led to lower prices.


Survivorship

  • Definition: The condition of having survived.
  • Example: Survivorship benefits were paid to the spouse after the pensioner’s death.


Swap

  • Definition: An agreement between two parties to exchange financial instruments or other assets.
  • Example: They entered into a currency swap to manage exchange rate risk.


Take over

  • Definition: To assume control or possession of something.
  • Example: The larger company decided to take over the smaller competitor.


Tape

  • Definition: The ticker tape or electronic display showing stock price movements.
  • Example: They monitored the tape for updates on their investments.


Taxes

  • Definition: Compulsory contributions to state revenue, levied by the government on workers’ income and business profits.
  • Example: He filed his taxes before the deadline.


Technical

  • Definition: Relating to a particular subject, art, or craft, or its techniques.
  • Example: Technical analysis helps predict market trends.


Tender

  • Definition: An offer to carry out work, supply goods, or buy land or another asset at a stated fixed price.
  • Example: They submitted a tender for the construction project.


Term

  • Definition: A fixed or limited period for which something, e.g., office, imprisonment, or investment, lasts or is intended to last.
  • Example: The loan has a term of ten years.


The

  • Definition: Referring to the Dow Jones Industrial Average, a widely followed indicator of the performance of the stock market.
  • Example: The Dow Jones closed at a record high today.


Thrift

  • Meaning: Careful management of money and resources; frugality.
  • Example: Her thrift allowed her to save enough for a down payment on a house.


Ticker

  • Meaning: A device or system that records financial information, especially stock market data.
  • Example: Investors watched the ticker for updates on their stock portfolio.


Trade

  • Meaning: The act or process of buying, selling, or exchanging goods or services.
  • Example: International trade agreements have boosted economic growth.


Trading

  • Meaning: The action or activity of buying and selling goods and services, especially on a large scale and between different places.
  • Example: He made a fortune through trading stocks on the New York Stock Exchange.


Transfer

  • Meaning: The action of moving something or someone from one place to another.
  • Example: The bank transfer was completed within minutes.


Transferable

  • Meaning: Capable of being transferred from one person or place to another.
  • Example: Stocks are transferable assets that can be sold or given as gifts.


Trend

  • Meaning: A general direction in which something is developing or changing.
  • Example: The current trend in the stock market is towards sustainable energy companies.


Uncollected

  • Meaning: Not collected or gathered.
  • Example: The uncollected debts posed a significant financial risk to the company.


Underwriter

  • Meaning: A person or firm that agrees to finance or insure something.
  • Example: The underwriter approved the loan for the new business venture.


Unit

  • Meaning: A single item or individual thing.
  • Example: The apartment complex was divided into rental units for tenants.


Unofficial

  • Meaning: Not formally authorized or recognized.
  • Example: He received unofficial notice of his promotion before the official announcement.


Unregulated

  • Meaning: Not subject to official rules or controls.
  • Example: The unregulated market allowed for rapid innovation but also posed risks.


Unsecured

  • Meaning: Not protected or guaranteed by collateral.
  • Example: An unsecured loan typically has a higher interest rate than a secured one.


Untaxed

  • Meaning: Not subject to taxation.
  • Example: The interest earned on municipal bonds is often untaxed at the federal level.


Usury

  • Meaning: The illegal action or practice of lending money at unreasonably high rates of interest.
  • Example: Laws protect consumers from usury by setting limits on interest rates.


Utilities

  • Meaning: Services provided to the public, such as electricity, water, and gas.
  • Example: The monthly utility bills include charges for electricity, water, and garbage collection.


Valuable

  • Meaning: Something that is worth a lot of money or is important.
  • Example: Gold is considered a valuable commodity due to its scarcity and high demand.


Value

  • Meaning: The monetary worth of something; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something.
  • Example: The antique vase had both historical value and sentimental value to the family.


Variable

  • Meaning: Something that is not consistent and can change.
  • Example: Variable interest rates fluctuate with market conditions, affecting monthly mortgage payments.


Vault

  • Meaning: A secure room or container used to store money or valuables.
  • Example: The bank’s vault was protected by multiple security measures to prevent unauthorized access.


Venture

  • Meaning: A business undertaking that involves risk but has potential for profit.
  • Example: Starting a new tech venture requires significant investment and market research.


Void

  • Meaning: Invalid or without legal force.
  • Example: The contract was declared void because it was signed under duress.


Voucher

  • Meaning: A document that serves as evidence of a transaction or payment.
  • Example: Employees submit travel vouchers to claim reimbursement for business expenses.


Wage

  • Meaning: Payment for work done, usually on an hourly, daily, or weekly basis.
  • Example: The company increased wages for its employees to retain skilled workers.


Warrant

  • Meaning: Authorization or legal document allowing something to be done, especially a search or arrest.
  • Example: The police obtained a search warrant to enter the suspect’s premises.


List of Finance Vocabulary


  • Asset
  • Balance Sheet
  • Bankruptcy
  • Bond
  • Budget
  • Capital
  • Cash Flow
  • Collateral
  • Credit
  • Debt
  • Dividend
  • Equity
  • Expense
  • Financial Statement
  • Fiscal Year
  • Income
  • Interest
  • Investment
  • Liability
  • Loan
  • Market
  • Mortgage
  • Net Worth
  • Profit
  • Revenue
  • Risk
  • Savings
  • Share
  • Stock
  • Tax
  • Transaction
  • Treasury
  • Valuation
  • Yield
  • Audit
  • Hedge
  • Inflation
  • Liquidity
  • Portfolio
  • Recession
  • Account
  • Accounting
  • Accrue
  • Accumulate
  • Acquisition
  • Activity
  • Adjustable
  • Adjustment
  • Amex
  • Amortization
  • And
  • Annual
  • Annuity
  • Appraisal
  • Arbitrage
  • Arrangement
  • Arrear
  • Authentic
  • Authorization
  • Automated
  • Average
  • Averaging
  • Balance
  • Balloon
  • Bank
  • Bankrupt
  • Barter
  • Bear
  • Beneficiary
  • Bid
  • Bill
  • Blue
  • Bracket
  • Broker
  • Brokerage
  • Bull
  • Buy
  • Buying
  • Calculation
  • Call
  • Cartel
  • Cashier
  • Certificate
  • Certified
  • Chart
  • Chip
  • Churn
  • Circulation
  • Clearing
  • Collect
  • Commission
  • Commodity
  • Common
  • Compensation
  • Competitor
  • Compound
  • Conglomerate
  • Consolidation
  • Consortium
  • Consumer
  • Convertible
  • Correction
  • Cost
  • Counter
  • Countersign
  • Currency
  • Custodian
  • Deal
  • Debenture
  • Debit
  • Deductible
  • Deduction
  • Default
  • Delinquency
  • Demand
  • Depository
  • Depreciation
  • Depression
  • Deregulation
  • Designation
  • Devaluation
  • Differential
  • Discount
  • Discretionary
  • Distribution
  • Diversify
  • Dow
  • Downturn
  • Draft
  • Driven
  • Dump
  • Earn
  • Economy
  • Electronic
  • Elimination
  • Embezzlement
  • Employee
  • Endorse
  • Enterprise
  • Entity
  • Escrow
  • Estimation
  • Evaluation
  • Exceed
  • Exchange
  • Exorbitant
  • Expectation
  • Extortion
  • Failure
  • Falling
  • Federal
  • Fee
  • Fiduciary
  • Finance
  • Fiscal
  • Fixed
  • Float
  • Foreclosure
  • Forfeiture
  • Frugality
  • Fulfillment
  • Fund
  • Future
  • Gain
  • Gdp
  • Gold
  • Government
  • Growth
  • Guarantee
  • Guaranty
  • Hiring
  • Identification
  • Illegal
  • Imprint
  • Index
  • Industrial
  • Inflated
  • Information
  • Insider
  • Insolvent
  • Installment
  • Institution
  • Institutional
  • Insufficient
  • Intangible
  • Intermediary
  • Intervention
  • Invalidate
  • Ira
  • Issue
  • Joint
  • Jones
  • Junk
  • Kit
  • Laundering
  • Lending
  • Leverage
  • Lien
  • Long term
  • Lot
  • Low
  • Lucrative
  • Maintain
  • Margin
  • Maturity
  • Member
  • Mercantile
  • Merger
  • Money
  • Monopoly
  • Municipal
  • Mutual
  • Negotiable
  • Note
  • Obligation
  • Odd
  • Operation
  • Option
  • Over
  • Overcompensate
  • Oversight
  • Ownership
  • Par
  • Payment
  • Peak
  • Penalty
  • Percent
  • Plan
  • Planning
  • Pledge
  • Point
  • Practice
  • Predetermine
  • Preferred
  • Premium
  • Prepayment
  • Price
  • Principal
  • Product
  • Progressive
  • Promissory
  • Public
  • Quality
  • Qualm
  • Quantity
  • Questionable
  • Quick
  • Quittance
  • Quote
  • Raid
  • Rally
  • Ramification
  • Rate
  • Ratio
  • Record
  • Recoup
  • Recourse
  • Redemption
  • Reduction
  • Regulation
  • Reimburse
  • Reliability
  • Reserve
  • Retirement
  • Rumor
  • Sale
  • Saving
  • Securities
  • Select
  • Sell
  • Selling
  • Shelter
  • Short
  • Shylock
  • Slump
  • Solvency
  • Speculate
  • Speculative
  • Split
  • Stagflation
  • Subscription
  • Summary
  • Supply
  • Surety
  • Surplus
  • Survivorship
  • Swap
  • Take over
  • Tape
  • Taxes
  • Technical
  • Tender
  • Term
  • The
  • Thrift
  • Ticker
  • Trade
  • Trading
  • Transfer
  • Transferable
  • Trend
  • Uncollected
  • Underwriter
  • Unit
  • Unofficial
  • Unregulated
  • Unsecured
  • Untaxed
  • Usury
  • Utilities
  • Valuable
  • Value
  • Variable
  • Vault
  • Venture
  • Void
  • Voucher
  • Wage
  • Warrant
  • Wide
  • Withdrawal
  • Year


Download the Word of the day


Finance vocabulary - wordscoach.com
Finance vocabulary - wordscoach.com
Finance vocabulary - wordscoach.com

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