Basic Earnings Per Share (EPS) Earnings per share (EPS) is a key metric that determines the common shareholder’s portion of the company’s profit. EPS measures each common share’s profit allocation about the company’s total profit. IFRS uses the term “ordinary shares” to refer to common shares. The EPS figure is important because it is used…
Asset Management Asset management refers to the process of developing, operating, maintaining, and cost-effectively selling assets. Most commonly used in finance, the term is used about individuals or firms that manage assets on behalf of individuals or other entities. Importance There are several reasons why businesses should be concerned about it, including: 1. Enables a…
Interest rate An interest rate is either the cost of borrowing money or the reward for saving it. It is calculated as a percentage of the amount borrowed or saved.1 You borrow money from banks when you take out a home mortgage. Other loans can be used for buying a car, an appliance, or paying…
Futures market To understand fully what a futures market is, it’s important to understand the basics of futures contracts, the assets traded in these markets. Futures contracts are made in an attempt by producers and suppliers of commodities to avoid market volatility. These producers and suppliers negotiate contracts with an investor who agrees to take on both…
Forward market How forward market works A forward market leads to the creation of forwarding contracts. While forward contracts—like futures contracts—may be used for both hedging and speculation, there are some notable differences between the two. Forward contracts can be customized to fit a customer’s requirements, while futures contracts have standardized features in terms of their contract size and maturity. Forwards execute…
Spot market A spot market is where financial instruments are exchanged for immediate delivery, such as commodities, currencies, and securities. Delivery, here, means cash exchange for a financial tool. In comparison, a futures contract is based on the delivery of the underlying asset at a future date. Over-the-counter (OTC) markets and exchanges may provide spot trading and/or futures trading. How Spot Markets Work Spot markets are also referred…
Currency Revaluation What is Currency Revaluation? In a fixed exchange rate regime, only a decision by a country’s government, such as its central bank, can alter the official value of the currency. Developing economies are more likely to use a fixed-rate system to limit speculation and provide a stable system. A floating rate is the opposite of a…
Currency Depreciation Understanding Currency Depreciation Countries with weak economic fundamentals, such as chronic current account deficits and high rates of inflation, generally have depreciating currencies. Currency depreciation, if orderly and gradual, improves a nation’s export competitiveness and may improve its trade deficit over time. But an abrupt and sizable currency depreciation may scare foreign investors…
Currency Appreciation Currency appreciation in the same context is an increase in the value of the currency. Short-term changes in the value of a currency are reflected in changes in the exchange rate. Basics of Currency Appreciation In a floating rate exchange system, the value of a currency constantly changes based on supply and demand. Therefore, the…
Technical analysis Technical analysis is the framework in which traders study price movement. Foreign exchange markets are particularly well suited to using technical analysis. The high levels of liquidity in terms of trading volumes and some players, and sensitivity to big long-term national-level trends means that forex markets tend to trend over time and patterns often…