The NASD stands for the National Association of Securities Dealers. It was a self-regulated, regulatory body that oversaw the NASDAQ market to ensure proper and non-fraudulent operations. In 2007, the NASD merged with the New York Stock Exchanges regulatory body to form the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA. What is Minimum Margin? What is the SEC? Continue reading...
Minimum margin is the minimum amount needed to open a margin account. The custodian or broker typically sets the minimum margin, but it cannot be for any less than the $2,000 required by the NYSE and NASD. What is 'Buying on Margin' and Margin Trading? What is a Margin Account? Continue reading...
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is a governmental regulatory agency established by Congress which polices the practices of the securities industry. Since 1934, the SEC's mission has been to protect investors and the market from malfeasance. FINRA (the 2007 successor to the NASD which was formed in 1939) is a self-regulatory organization in the industry which seeks to keep member firms more than compliant with SEC regulations. Continue reading...
Nash equilibrium, a critical concept in game theory, signifies the optimal outcome when no player has an incentive to change their strategy, knowing their opponents’ strategies. It's where an individual's action, given the actions of others, leads to the best possible result for all involved. However, it doesn't guarantee the best individual payoff in every situation. Continue reading...
The Ex-Date is for a stock indicates the last date of the month where a dividend is payable. It is two days before the record date. If an investor buys a stock before the ex-date, they are entitled to the dividend that the stock is scheduled to pay that month. If the investor buys on or after the ex-date, then they will not receive the dividend payment for that month - the seller does. When checking Google Finance or a newspaper for a stock quote, the ex-date is typically marked with a lowercase “x.” Continue reading...
To ensure that the financial industry in the United States adheres to strict rules and operates fairly, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) plays a pivotal role. In this article, we will delve into the definition, functions, and importance of FINRA in the financial world. he Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, commonly referred to as FINRA, is an independent, non-governmental organization tasked with creating and enforcing regulations for registered brokers and broker-dealer firms within the United States. Continue reading...
FINRA stands for Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, and they regulate securities firms in the United States. FINRA has no political affiliation and is charged with governing all business dealings conducted between dealers, brokers and all public investors. In other words, the rules that dictate how your financial advisor interacts with you are set forth by FINRA. In all, FINRA oversees more than 4,500 brokerage firms, approximately 160,000 branch offices and more than half a million registered securities representatives, as of 2016. Continue reading...
The term "eurodollar" may sound like a reference to the European currency, but in the world of finance, it has an entirely different meaning. Eurodollar refers to U.S. dollar-denominated deposits held at foreign banks or at the overseas branches of American banks. This concept is crucial in the realm of international finance, and this article will delve into what eurodollars are, why they matter, and provide a real-world example. Continue reading...
In the ever-evolving landscape of the global economy, the storage sector stands out as a beacon of diversity and resilience. Spanning from digital storage solutions to physical storage services, this sector encompasses a wide array of companies that are fundamental to both the digital and physical realms of our lives. Among the myriad of players, certain companies have distinguished themselves as leaders, not just in innovation and market presence, but also in offering investors solid opportunities for growth and stability. This article delves into the storage sector, highlighting top stocks like Micron Technology (MU), Seagate Technology Holdings PLC (STX), Western Digital Corp (WDC), and Plains All American Pipeline LP (PAA), which are poised for growth amidst the sector's diversity. Continue reading...