EDU Articles
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What is a Federally Covered Advisor?
The Investment Advisers Supervision Coordination Act of 1996 sought to delegate the responsibility of monitoring investment advisors between the states and the federal government. It amended the Investment Advisors Act of 1940, which required all advisors to register with the SEC. The Dodd-Frank Act further amended the IAA, such that only advisors with assets under management exceeding $100 million had to register with the SEC. The IASC was part of the NSMIA legislation passed in 1996. Up until that point, all advisors were regulated and monitored by the SEC. Continue reading...
What can I find out about hedge funds?
Hedge funds have historically been very secretive. They still mainly fall under Regulation D and private-placement laws, but their reporting requirements have been slightly expanded after the Dodd-Frank Act in 2010. Now, they are a little more transparent, but not fully. Up until the Dodd-Frank Act, it was basically impossible to know what hedge funds were investing in and who was involved. Hedge fund managers and their investment banks were under no obligation to report the holdings, and they generally avoided leaking any information about their market positions for fear of damaging their advantages. Continue reading...
What is the CAC 40 Index?
The CAC 40 is an index tracking performance of stocks in France. The CAC 40 is an index that tracks the 40 largest capitalization stocks of the 100 listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange. It provides a good barometer for the performance and standing of the French economy. What is the DAX? What is the EURO STOXX 50? Continue reading...
Where can I find information about hedge funds and their performance?
Not all hedge funds are obligated to disclose their holdings, trades, or performance. About half of them are, however, and their performance can be found online through Morningstar and other sources. This information may not be as detailed as you would like, and you may try other means. Since the Dodd-Frank Act in 2010, more information about hedge funds is available to the public. This does not mean that all the information you seek will be readily available, however, and there are many hedge funds that do not make their information public. Continue reading...
What is Investment Banking?
Investment banking activity is different than traditional banking. Investment banks often serve as intermediaries that underwrite a new issue of stock and help to distribute it. They also trade in their own accounts, run hedge funds, and generally invest and speculate in ways that most institutions can’t. Investment banks can assist with new issues of stocks and bonds, purchasing large blocks of them to distribute at a premium. Continue reading...
What is the Investment Company Act of 1940?
The ‘40 Act, as it’s sometimes called, defined and delineated rules for investment companies, which today are known as mutual funds, investment trusts, ETFs, and so on. The ‘40 Act, along with the Securities Act of 1933, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, have formed the foundation for regulation in the investment industry in the US. The ‘40 Act defines investment companies and stipulates how they are to represent themselves and disclose information about the funds they sell to the public. Continue reading...
Best Oil Fracking Stocks
In the dynamic world of energy, oil fracking stands out as a significant, yet controversial method of extraction. This article delves into the intricacies of the oil fracking sector, spotlighting the top companies that are shaping the future of energy extraction. We will examine their market positions, financial health, and the unique challenges and opportunities they face in today's volatile market. Continue reading...
What is fracking, and how does it work?
Uncover the world of Fracking! 🛢️ Learn what it is, its history dating back to the 19th century, and how it revolutionized energy production. Explore its pros: higher extraction rates, economic growth, and energy independence. But, discover its cons too: environmental impact and economic vulnerability. Dive into the debate on fracking's role in shaping our energy future! 💡 #FrackingExplained #EnergyIndustry Continue reading...
What is the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation (FSLIC)?
Created about the same time as the FDIC, the FSLIC, which insured up to $100,000 in deposits at savings and loan institutions, also known as “thrifts.” In the 1980s, the “savings and loan crisis” caused the FSLIC to become insolvent. In 1989 it was disbanded by the FIRREA Act and replaced by the Resolution Trust Company (RTC) which was merged with the FDIC a few years later. During the 1980s, a huge number of savings and loan companies (“thrifts”) went bankrupt. Continue reading...
What is Mortgage Fraud?
Mortgage fraud is misrepresentation in mortgage contracts designed to benefit one or more parties to the contract. Sometimes it can be as simple as an applicant lying about financial information to make himself seem more credit-worthy. Sometimes it can involve a few people, such as a real estate agent, an appraiser, and a lender, all colluding to split the profits on a property that isn’t worth as much as they say it is. Continue reading...
How Did the Great Recession Affect the Housing Market?
The Great Recession, often linked to the Great Financial Crisis (GFC), remains a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked lending and investing practices in the housing market. As we delve into the annals of economic history, it becomes evident that this period, which spanned from December 2007 to April 2009, left an indelible mark on the housing market and the global economy at large. Continue reading...
What Is the Securities and Exchange Commission?
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is a cornerstone of the U.S. financial regulatory framework, established in response to the devastating stock market crash of 1929 that led to the Great Depression. This article explores the SEC's core functions, structure, historical significance, and its role in safeguarding the integrity of the U.S. securities markets. The primary mission of the SEC is to protect investors and maintain the fair and efficient operation of the securities markets. To achieve this, the SEC enforces a set of rules and regulations that promote transparency, ensure the provision of accurate information, and combat fraudulent practices. Continue reading...
What are 'Liar Loans'?
Liar loans are a term that refers to loans or mortgages that were granted with little or no request for qualification documentation, such as proof of income. On certain low-documentation loan programs, such as stated income/stated asset (SISA) loans, income and assets are simply stated on the loan application. Then there are still other loan programs known as no income/no asset (NINA) loans, where the applicant essentially does not have to provide any proof of eligibility. These types of loans opened the door for fraudulent lending practices, which ultimately bankrupted several mortgage companies during the 2008 financial crisis. Continue reading...
What is a derivative?
A derivative is a security which monetizes the risk or volatility associated with a reference asset. Derivatives derive their value from speculation surrounding an underlying or reference asset. The reference asset could be another security, an interest rate, or an index, for example, but there are also derivatives based on future weather patterns. Derivatives come in many forms; examples include options, swaps, and futures. Some derivatives trade on exchanges and some are Over-the-Counter (OTC). Derivatives might be used for speculation or hedging. Continue reading...
What was the Subprime Meltdown?
A high volume of loans issued to those who were unable to repay them, and a high volume of derivative securities traded on top of these loans, contributed to the subprime meltdown of 2007-2009. A large amount of collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) and other collateralized debt were owned by large institutions and investors as alternative high yield investments prior to the crash of 2007-2009. Continue reading...
Top Stocks Analysis: "Too Big to Fail" Financial Giants
In the wake of the 2007-2009 financial crisis, the term "Too Big to Fail" emerged as a defining phrase in the world of finance. It referred to institutions so massive and intertwined with the global economy that their failure posed a systemic risk. Today, the landscape of these financial behemoths has evolved, shaped by regulations like the Dodd-Frank Act and ongoing financial "stress tests" by the Treasury and the Federal Reserve. In this article, we'll delve into some of the top stocks within this group, assessing their market positions, financial health, and potential for future growth. Continue reading...
What Are the Top 8 Most Tradable Currencies in Forex and Their Economic Drivers?
Dive into the forex market's heartbeat with our in-depth analysis of the top 8 tradable currencies. From the dominance of the U.S. dollar to the allure of the South African rand, each currency tells a story shaped by its central bank, economic policies, and global standing. Whether you're a seasoned trader or new to the forex scene, our guide offers valuable insights into the currencies that make the financial world go round. Uncover the intricacies of the forex giants and the nuances that drive their value. Get ready to trade with knowledge as your currency. Continue reading...
What is the statistical significance of the median and how is it calculated?
The median is the value that sits right in the center of a dataset when it's arranged in order. It effectively divides the dataset into two halves, with 50% of the data values lying below the median and 50% above it. Continue reading...
What is an Investment Banker?
Investment bankers are proficient analysts themselves, but they have subordinate financial analysts that crunch the numbers for them. They are primarily in the business of procuring clients for deals such as IPOs which their investment bank will underwrite. Investment bankers are employees of investment banks whose role is to acquire clients for the bank and to be the liaison between clients and the back office of the investment bank. Continue reading...
A/A2 — credit rating
A — S&P / Fitch A2 — Moody’s Such ratings are given to bond issues and insurance companies, primarily, and this particular one is in the Upper Medium band of the Investment Grade ratings. Investment grade bonds are considered to have a very low possibility of default. The ratings go up to AAA/Aaa and all the way down to DDD/D, with Investment Grade bonds being in the range of AAA/Aaa to BBB-/Baa3. Continue reading...