Terms Starting With A – Fintechzoom.com Dictionary

TermDefinition
A-B TrustA trust structure used to minimize estate taxes by splitting into two trusts upon the death of the first spouse.
A-SharesA class of shares offered by a company, typically with voting rights and higher priority in dividends.
AAAThe highest credit rating assigned by credit rating agencies, indicating the lowest risk of default.
AARPA U.S.-based organization advocating for people aged 50 and older, offering resources, discounts, and insurance.
AbenomicsEconomic policies introduced by Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, focusing on monetary easing, fiscal stimulus, and structural reforms.
Ability-to-Pay TaxationA tax principle where taxes are levied based on an individual’s ability to pay, often through progressive tax rates.
Abnormal ReturnThe difference between an investment’s actual return and its expected return, often used to measure performance.
Absolute AdvantageThe ability of a country or entity to produce more of a good or service than others using the same resources.
Absolute ReturnThe total return of an investment over a period, regardless of market conditions or benchmarks.
Absorption CostingA costing method that includes all manufacturing costs (fixed and variable) in the cost of a product.
Absorption RateThe rate at which available homes or products are sold in a market during a given period.
Accelerated DepreciationA method of depreciation that allows higher expenses in the early years of an asset’s life, reducing taxable income.
Acceleration ClauseA provision in a loan agreement requiring the borrower to repay the entire loan if specific conditions are not met.
Acceptable Quality Level (AQL)The maximum number of defective items considered acceptable in a batch of products during quality control.
Accepting RiskA risk management strategy where an entity acknowledges and assumes the potential for loss without transferring it.
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D)Insurance providing benefits in the event of accidental death or severe injury (e.g., loss of limb).
Accidental Death BenefitsAdditional benefits paid under an insurance policy if the insured dies due to an accident.
Account BalanceThe amount of money in a financial account at a given time.
Account in TrustA financial account managed by a trustee on behalf of a beneficiary.
Account NumberA unique identifier for a financial account, used for transactions and record-keeping.
Account StatementA summary of financial transactions and account activity over a specific period.
AccountabilityThe obligation of an individual or organization to account for its actions and accept responsibility.
AccountantA professional who manages financial records, prepares reports, and ensures compliance with tax laws.
Accountant ResponsibilityThe ethical and professional duties of an accountant to maintain accuracy, confidentiality, and integrity in financial reporting.
AccountingThe process of recording, summarizing, and analyzing financial transactions.
Accounting ConservatismA principle of accounting that requires caution in reporting, ensuring expenses and liabilities are not understated.
Accounting CycleThe process of recording and processing financial transactions, from journal entries to financial statements.
Accounting EquationThe foundational equation: Assets = Liabilities + Equity.
Accounting Information System (AIS)A system used to collect, store, and process financial and accounting data.
Accounting MethodThe rules and procedures used to record and report financial transactions (e.g., cash basis or accrual basis).
Accounting PoliciesThe specific principles and procedures adopted by an organization to prepare financial statements.
Accounting PrinciplesThe standardized rules and guidelines governing financial accounting (e.g., GAAP, IFRS).
Accounting ProfitThe profit calculated as total revenue minus explicit costs (e.g., wages, rent).
Accounting Rate of Return (ARR)A ratio used to evaluate the profitability of an investment, calculated as average annual profit divided by initial investment.
Accounting RatioA ratio used to analyze financial statements, such as profitability, liquidity, or efficiency ratios.
Accounting StandardA set of guidelines and rules for financial reporting, ensuring consistency and transparency.
Accounting TheoryThe framework of assumptions, principles, and methodologies used in accounting.
Accounts Payable (AP)The amount a company owes to suppliers for goods or services purchased on credit.
Accounts Payable Turnover RatioA measure of how quickly a company pays its suppliers, calculated as total purchases divided by average accounts payable.
Accounts Receivable (AR)The amount owed to a company by its customers for goods or services delivered on credit.
Accounts Receivable AgingA report categorizing accounts receivable by the length of time they have been outstanding.
Accounts Receivable FinancingA financing method where a company uses its receivables as collateral to secure a loan.
Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS)A professional certification for financial advisors specializing in asset management.
Accredited In Business Valuation (ABV)A credential for professionals specializing in business valuation.
Accredited InvestorAn individual or entity meeting specific financial criteria, allowing them to invest in unregistered securities.
AccretionThe gradual growth of assets or earnings through internal expansion or acquisitions.
Accretion of DiscountThe process of increasing the value of a bond purchased at a discount as it approaches maturity.
AccretiveA term describing a transaction that increases earnings per share or value for shareholders.
Accrual AccountingAn accounting method where revenue and expenses are recorded when earned or incurred, regardless of cash flow.
AccrualsRevenues or expenses recognized before cash is received or paid.
AccrueThe process of accumulating revenues or expenses over time, even if cash has not been exchanged.
Accrued ExpenseAn expense recognized in the accounting records before it is paid.
Accrued IncomeIncome earned but not yet received or recorded.
Accrued InterestInterest earned or incurred but not yet paid or received.
Accrued LiabilityA liability recognized in the accounting records before it is paid.
Accrued RevenueRevenue earned but not yet received or recorded.
Accumulated DepreciationThe total depreciation expense recorded for an asset over its useful life.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive IncomeA component of shareholders’ equity representing unrealized gains and losses not included in net income.
Accumulation PhaseThe period during which an investor builds wealth through contributions and investment growth.
Accumulation/Distribution Indicator (A/D)A technical analysis tool measuring the flow of money into or out of a security.
Acid-Test RatioA liquidity ratio measuring a company’s ability to meet short-term obligations using its most liquid assets.
AcquisitionThe process of one company purchasing another company or its assets.
Acquisition AccountingThe accounting method used to record the purchase of a company, including goodwill and fair value adjustments.
Acquisition CostThe total cost of acquiring an asset, including purchase price and additional expenses.
Acquisition PremiumThe difference between the price paid for a company and its pre-acquisition market value.
Active ManagementAn investment strategy where portfolio managers make decisions to outperform a benchmark.
Activist InvestorAn investor who acquires a significant stake in a company to influence its management or strategy.
Activities of Daily Living (ADL)Basic self-care tasks (e.g., eating, bathing) used to assess an individual’s ability to live independently.
Activity-Based Budgeting (ABB)A budgeting method that allocates resources based on activities and their costs.
Activity-Based Costing (ABC)A costing method that assigns costs to products based on the activities required to produce them.
Activity-Based Management (ABM)A management approach that uses activity-based costing to improve efficiency and profitability.
Activity Cost DriverA factor that influences the cost of an activity, such as labor hours or machine usage.
Activity RatiosFinancial ratios measuring how efficiently a company uses its assets to generate revenue.
Actual Deferral & Actual Contribution Percentage Test (ADP/ACP)A test to ensure 401(k) plans do not favor highly compensated employees.
Actuarial Gain Or LossThe difference between the expected and actual outcomes of pension plan assumptions, affecting the plan’s financial status.
TermDefinition
Actuarial Life TableA table showing the probability of death or survival at various ages, used in life insurance calculations.
Actuarial ScienceThe discipline that applies mathematical and statistical methods to assess and manage risk in insurance, finance, and other industries.
Ad Valorem TaxA tax based on the value of property or an asset.
Add-On InterestInterest calculated on the original principal amount of a loan and added to it, resulting in a higher total interest charge.
Additional Child Tax CreditA tax credit for families with more than two qualifying children.
Additional Paid-In CapitalThe amount received from the sale of stock in excess of its par value.
Addition Rule for ProbabilitiesA rule used to calculate the probability of either of two events occurring.
Adhesion ContractA contract where one party has substantially more power than the other in setting the terms.
AdjudicationThe formal legal process of resolving a dispute.
Adjustable Life InsuranceLife insurance that allows the policyholder to change the death benefit, premium, and cash value.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)A mortgage with an interest rate that adjusts periodically based on a benchmark.
Adjusted Closing PriceThe closing price of a stock adjusted for corporate actions like stock splits and dividends.
Adjusted EBITDAEarnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, adjusted for certain non-recurring or unusual items.
Adjusted Funds From Operations (AFFO)A measure of a real estate investment trust’s (REIT) profitability, calculated by adjusting funds from operations (FFO).
Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)Gross income minus certain deductions, used to calculate taxable income.
Adjusted Present Value (APV)A valuation method that calculates the present value of a project’s free cash flows plus the present value of any financing side effects.
Adjusting Journal EntryAn accounting entry made at the end of an accounting period to correct errors or to account for accruals and deferrals.
Administrative ExpensesCosts related to the general management and administration of a business.
Administrative Services Only (ASO)An arrangement where an employer contracts with a third-party administrator to handle certain administrative tasks related to employee benefits.
Advance/Decline Line (A/D)A technical indicator that tracks the number of stocks that have advanced in price versus those that have declined.
Advance PaymentA payment made before goods or services are received.
Advanced Internal Rating-Based (AIRB)A sophisticated approach used by banks to estimate credit risk.
Adverse PossessionA legal principle that allows someone to acquire legal ownership of property by possessing it for a certain period of time.
Adverse SelectionA situation where one party in a transaction has more information than the other party.
Advertising BudgetA plan for how much money a company will spend on advertising.
AffiliateA company that is related to another company, often through ownership or control.
Affiliate MarketingA marketing strategy where affiliates earn a commission for promoting a company’s products or services.
Affiliated CompaniesCompanies that are related to each other, often through common ownership or control.
Affirmative ActionPolicies that aim to increase opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups.
Affordable Care ActA healthcare reform law in the United States.
After-Tax Real Rate of ReturnThe return on an investment after accounting for taxes and inflation.
After-Hours TradingTrading that occurs outside of regular stock market hours.
After-Tax ContributionA contribution to a retirement account made with money that has already been taxed.
After-Tax IncomeIncome remaining after taxes have been deducted.
Agency BondA bond issued by a government-sponsored enterprise or federal agency.
Agency by NecessityAn agency relationship created by law when one person is compelled to act on behalf of another.
Agency CostsThe costs associated with the separation of ownership and control in a company.
Agency ProblemA conflict of interest that can arise between the agent and the principal in an agency relationship.
Agency TheoryA theory that explains the relationship between agents and principals.
AgentA person who acts on behalf of another person (the principal).
Aggregate DemandThe total demand for goods and services in an economy.
Aggregate Stop-Loss InsuranceA type of insurance that protects employers against large, unexpected healthcare claims.
Aggregate SupplyThe total supply of goods and services in an economy.
AggregationThe process of combining individual data or information into summary form.
Aggressive Investment StrategyAn investment strategy that seeks high returns by taking on higher levels of risk.
AgribusinessThe business of agricultural production and related industries.
Air Waybill (AWB)A document that accompanies goods shipped by air.
Aktiengesellschaft (AG)A German term for a public company limited by shares.
Alan GreenspanFormer Chairman of the Federal Reserve.
Aleatory ContractA contract where the outcome depends on chance.
Algorithmic TradingTrading that uses computer algorithms to execute trades.
All RisksA type of insurance that covers all perils except those specifically excluded.
Allocated Loss Adjustment Expenses (ALAE)Expenses incurred in the investigation, settlement, and defense of insurance claims that can be assigned to a specific claim.
Allocational EfficiencyA state of the economy where resources are allocated to their most valued uses.
Allotment Definition, Reasons for Raising Shares, IPOsAllotment refers to the distribution of shares in an IPO. Companies raise shares for capital, while IPOs offer access to public markets.
Allowance for Bad DebtA contra-asset account that reduces the carrying value of accounts receivable for potential uncollectible amounts.
Allowance for Credit LossesA valuation account used to estimate the portion of outstanding loans that may not be repaid.
Allowance for Doubtful AccountsSame as Allowance for Bad Debt.
AlphaA measure of an investment’s performance relative to a benchmark.
Alphabet StockStock of Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google.
AltcoinAny cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin.
Alternative Depreciation System (ADS)A depreciation method used for certain types of property.
Alternative InvestmentAn investment that is not considered a traditional asset, such as real estate, private equity, or hedge funds.
Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)A separate tax system that calculates tax liability in a different way than the regular tax system.
Alternative Trading System (ATS)A trading system that is not a traditional stock exchange.
Altman Z-ScoreA formula used to predict the probability of a company going bankrupt.
Always Be Closing (ABC)A sales technique that emphasizes the importance of closing the deal.
AmalgamationThe merging of two or more companies.
Amended ReturnA tax return filed to correct errors on a previously filed return.
American Depositary Receipt (ADR)A certificate representing ownership in shares of a foreign company trading on a U.S. exchange.
American Depositary Share (ADS)The actual share representing ownership in a foreign company, held by a depositary bank, underlying the ADR.
American DreamA belief that in the U.S., hard work and determination can lead to upward mobility and prosperity.
American Express CardA charge card and credit card issued by American Express.
American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC)A tax credit for qualified education expenses.
American OptionAn option that can be exercised at any time up to its expiration date.
TermDefinition
American Stock Exchange (AMEX)A stock exchange in the United States, now called NYSE American.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)A U.S. law that prohibits discrimination based on disability.
Amortizable Bond PremiumThe difference between the purchase price of a bond and its face value, which is amortized over the life of the bond.
Amortization of IntangiblesThe systematic reduction of the value of intangible assets over their useful life.
Amortization ScheduleA table showing the breakdown of loan payments into principal and interest over time.
Amortized BondA bond whose premium or discount is amortized over its life.
Amortized LoanA loan that is repaid in regular installments, with each payment covering both principal and interest.
Amsterdam Stock Exchange (AEX)A stock exchange in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)A statistical test used to compare the means of two or more groups.
Android Operating SystemA mobile operating system developed by Google.
AnchoringA cognitive bias where individuals rely too heavily on the first piece of information they receive.
Anchoring and AdjustmentA heuristic where people start with an anchor and adjust it to reach a conclusion.
Angel InvestorAn individual who provides capital to startups, typically in exchange for convertible debt or ownership equity.
Animal SpiritsA term used by Keynes to describe the psychological factors that drive economic activity.
Annual Equivalent Rate (AER)The annual rate of interest that takes into account the effect of compounding.
Annual General Meeting (AGM)A yearly meeting of a company’s shareholders.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR)The annual rate of interest on a loan, not including any fees.
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)The annual rate of return on an investment, taking into account the effect of compounding.
Annual ReportA report issued by a company each year, detailing its financial performance.
Annual ReturnThe return on an investment over a one-year period.
Annual TurnoverThe total value of securities traded on a stock exchange during a year.
AnnualizeTo convert a rate of return or other metric to an annual basis.
Annualized IncomeIncome received over a period of less than one year, converted to an annual equivalent.
Annualized Income Installment MethodA method of calculating estimated tax payments based on annualized income.
Annualized Rate of ReturnThe rate of return on an investment over a period of less than one year, converted to an annual equivalent.
Annualized Total ReturnThe total return on an investment over a period of less than one year, converted to an annual equivalent.
AnnuitantThe person who receives payments from an annuity.
AnnuitizationThe process of converting a lump sum into a stream of payments.
AnnuityA financial product that pays a stream of income over a specified period.
Annuity DueAn annuity where payments are made at the beginning of each period.
Annuity TableA table showing the present value or future value of an annuity.
AnomalyA deviation from the expected pattern or behavior.
Anti-Dilution ProvisionA clause in a contract that protects investors from having their ownership diluted.
Anti-Dumping DutyA tariff imposed on imported goods that are sold at less than fair value.
Anti Money Laundering (AML)Laws and regulations aimed at preventing money laundering.
Anticipatory BreachA breach of contract that occurs before the performance is due.
AntitrustLaws that promote competition and prevent monopolies.
Appellate CourtsCourts that hear appeals from lower courts.
Applicable Federal Rate (AFR)The interest rate used by the IRS for certain tax purposes.
Application Programming Interface (API)A set of rules and specifications that allow software applications to communicate with each other.
Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC)An integrated circuit designed for a specific application.
Applied EconomicsThe application of economic theory to real-world problems.
AppraisalAn estimate of the value of an asset.
Appraisal CostsThe costs associated with obtaining an appraisal.
Appraisal Management Company (AMC)A company that manages the appraisal process for lenders.
AppreciationAn increase in the value of an asset.
AppropriationThe act of setting aside funds for a specific purpose.
Appropriation AccountAn account used to record appropriations.
Aptitude TestA test designed to measure a person’s ability to learn or perform a particular task.
Arab LeagueA regional organization of Arab states.
ArbitrageThe simultaneous purchase and sale of an asset in different markets to profit from price differences.
Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT)A financial model that explains asset prices based on multiple factors.
ArbitrageurA person who engages in arbitrage.
ArbitrationA method of resolving disputes outside of court.
Arc ElasticityA measure of price elasticity of demand that calculates the change in quantity demanded over a range of prices.
Arithmetic MeanThe average of a set of numbers.
Arm’s Length TransactionA transaction between unrelated parties conducted as if they were independent.
Arms Index (TRIN)A technical indicator that measures the ratio of advancing stocks to declining stocks.
Aroon IndicatorA technical indicator used to identify trends in price movements.
Aroon OscillatorA technical indicator derived from the Aroon Indicator.
Arrow’s Impossibility TheoremA theorem that states that it is impossible to create a perfect voting system.
Article 50A clause in the Treaty on European Union that allows a member state to withdraw from the EU.
Articles of AssociationThe document that sets out the rules and regulations governing a company (UK).
Articles of IncorporationThe document that forms a corporation (US).
Artificial IntelligenceThe ability of a computer or machine to mimic human intelligence.
Ascending ChannelA chart pattern characterized by two upward-sloping trendlines.
Ascending TriangleA chart pattern characterized by a horizontal resistance line and an upward-sloping support line.
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)A regional economic forum of 21 Pacific Rim economies.
Asian Development BankA regional development bank.
Asian Financial CrisisA financial crisis that affected several Asian countries in 1997.
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)A multilateral development bank focused on infrastructure investment in Asia.
AskThe price at which a seller is willing to sell a security.
Assemble to Order (ATO)A manufacturing strategy where products are assembled after an order is received.
TermDefinition
Assessed ValueThe value assigned to a property by a tax assessor for tax purposes.
AssetAnything of value that is owned by an individual or business.
Asset AllocationThe process of distributing investments among different asset classes.
Asset-Backed Commercial Paper (ABCP)Short-term debt securities backed by assets.
Asset-Backed Security (ABS)A financial security backed by a pool of assets, such as loans or leases.
Asset-Based ApproachA valuation method that values a business based on the value of its assets.
Asset-Based LendingA type of lending where the loan is secured by the borrower’s assets.
Asset ClassA group of assets with similar characteristics, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate.
Asset Coverage RatioA measure of a company’s ability to cover its liabilities with its assets.
Asset FinancingMethods used by companies to fund the acquisition of assets.
Asset-Liability Committee (ALCO)A committee responsible for managing the assets and liabilities of a financial institution.
Asset/Liability ManagementThe process of managing assets and liabilities to minimize risk and maximize returns.
Asset ManagementThe process of managing investments on behalf of individuals or institutions.
Asset Management Company (AMC)A company that manages investment funds.
Asset ProtectionStrategies used to protect assets from creditors and lawsuits.
Asset Retirement ObligationA legal obligation to decommission and restore a property at the end of its useful life.
Asset SwapA transaction where two parties exchange cash flows based on different assets.
Asset Swapped Convertible Option Transaction (ASCOT)A complex financial transaction involving convertible bonds and options.
Asset Turnover RatioA measure of how efficiently a company uses its assets to generate revenue.
Asset ValuationThe process of determining the fair market value of an asset.
Assets Under Management (AUM)The total market value of assets managed by an investment firm.
AssignmentThe transfer of rights or obligations from one party to another.
Assortment StrategiesStrategies used by retailers to determine the mix of products to offer.
Assumable MortgageA mortgage that can be transferred from the seller to the buyer.
AssuranceA level of certainty provided by an audit or other review engagement.
Assurance ServicesIndependent professional services that improve the quality of information for decision makers.
Asymmetric InformationA situation where one party in a transaction has more information than the other party.
At ParA bond trading at its face value.
Atomic SwapsA cryptocurrency transaction that allows the exchange of one cryptocurrency for another without using a centralized exchange.
At The MoneyAn option whose strike price is equal to the current price of the underlying asset.
Attorney-in-FactA person authorized to act on behalf of another person.
Attribution AnalysisA process used to determine the factors that contributed to the performance of an investment portfolio.
AttritionThe gradual reduction in the size of a workforce through voluntary departures.
Auction MarketA market where prices are determined by competitive bidding.
AuditAn independent examination of financial statements.
Audit CommitteeA committee of a company’s board of directors that oversees the audit process.
Audit RiskThe risk that an auditor will express an inappropriate opinion on financial statements.
AuditorA person who conducts an audit.
Auditor’s OpinionThe opinion expressed by an auditor on the fairness of financial statements.
Auditor’s ReportA report issued by an auditor summarizing the findings of an audit.
Augmented ProductThe core product plus any additional features or benefits.
AusterityMeasures taken by a government to reduce spending or increase taxes.
Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)A stock exchange in Australia.
AutarkyEconomic self-sufficiency.
Authorized StockThe maximum number of shares that a company is allowed to issue.
AutocorrelationThe correlation of a time series with its own past values.
Automated Clearing House (ACH)An electronic funds transfer system.
Automated Customer Account Transfer Service (ACATS)A system for transferring customer accounts between brokerage firms.
Automated Teller Machine (ATM)A machine that allows customers to perform banking transactions.
Automatic Bill PaymentA service that allows customers to automatically pay bills.
Automatic Premium LoanA loan taken out against the cash value of a life insurance policy to pay premiums.
Automatic StabilizerA government program that automatically stabilizes the economy.
Autonomous ConsumptionConsumption that does not depend on income.
Autonomous ExpenditureGovernment spending that does not depend on income.
AutoregressiveA statistical model that uses past values of a variable to predict future values.
Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA)A statistical model used for forecasting time series data.
Available BalanceThe amount of money in an account that can be withdrawn.
Available-for-Sale SecurityA security that is not held for trading or held to maturity.
Average Age Of InventoryA measure of how long it takes a company to sell its inventory.
Average Annual Growth Rate (AAGR)The average rate at which a variable grows over a period of time.
Average Annual Return (AAR)The average return on an investment over a period of time.
Average InventoryThe average level of inventory held by a company over a period of time.
Average Collection PeriodThe average amount of time it takes a company to collect payment from its customers.
Average Cost BasisThe average cost of an investment, including any commissions or fees.
Average Cost MethodAn inventory valuation method that uses the average cost of goods available for sale.
Average Daily Balance MethodA method of calculating interest on a credit card balance.
Average Daily Rate (ADR)A metric used in the hospitality industry to measure the average revenue generated per occupied room per day.
Average Daily Trading Volume (ADTV)The average number of shares traded per day.
Average Directional Index (ADX)A technical indicator used to measure the strength of a trend.
Average LifeThe average length of time that a bond or other financial instrument is expected to be outstanding.
Average Outstanding BalanceThe average amount of money owed on a loan or credit card.
Average Propensity to ConsumeThe proportion of income that is spent on consumption.
Average ReturnThe average return on an investment over a period of time.
Average Selling Price (ASP)The average price at which a product is sold.
Average True Range (ATR)A technical indicator used to measure market volatility.
AxeA firm bid or offer in the financial markets.