The establishment of a global LEI system will be a significant achievement in responding to the vulnerabilities of the global financial system and will provide meaningful long-term benefits for both the public and private sectors. When Lehman Brothers collapsed in 2008, financial regulators and private sector managers were unable to assess quickly the extent of… Continue reading Why do we need a global LEI?
Author: SEC
What is a global LEI?
The LEI is a reference code to uniquely identify a legally distinct entity that engages in a financial transaction. Currently, there are many ways to identify entities, but there is no unified global identification system for legal entities across markets and jurisdictions. The LEI will be a linchpin for financial data—the first global and unique… Continue reading What is a global LEI?
ZERO COUPON BOND
Zero coupon bonds are bonds that do not pay interest during the life of the bonds. Instead, investors buy zero coupon bonds at a deep discount from their face value, which is the amount the investor will receive when the bond “matures” or comes due. The maturity dates on zero coupon bonds are usually long-term—many… Continue reading ZERO COUPON BOND
YIELD CURVE
A line graph that shows the relative yields on debt over a range of maturities from three months to 30 years. Investors, analysts and economists use yield curves to evaluate bond markets and interest rate expectations.
YIELD
The annual percentage rate of return earned on a bond calculated by dividing the coupon interest rate by its purchase price.
WRAP ACCOUNT
A wrap account is an investment account where a “wrapped” fee or fees cover all of the management, brokerage and administrative expenses for the account. The fee or fees are generally based on the total market value of the investment account. Learn more
WASH SALES
A wash sale occurs when you sell or trade securities at a loss and within 30 days before or after the sale you: Buy substantially identical securities, Acquire substantially identical securities in a fully taxable trade, or Acquire a contract or option to buy substantially identical securities. Internal Revenue Service rules prohibit you from deducting… Continue reading WASH SALES
VIATICAL SETTLEMENTS
A viatical settlement allows you to invest in another person’s life insurance policy. With a viatical settlement, you purchase the policy (or part of it) at a price that is less than the death benefit of the policy. When the seller dies, you collect the death benefit. Your return depends upon the seller’s life expectancy… Continue reading VIATICAL SETTLEMENTS
VARIABLE-RATE CDS
These have changeable interest rates. Some variable-rate CDs feature a “multi-step” or “bonus rate” structure in which interest rates increase or decrease over time according to a pre-set schedule. Other variable-rate CDs pay interest rates that track the performance of a specified market index, such as the S&P 500 Index.
VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
A variable life insurance policy is a contract between you and an insurance company. It is intended to meet certain insurance needs, investment goals, and tax planning objectives. It is a policy that pays a specified amount to your family or others (your beneficiaries) upon your death. It also has a cash value that varies… Continue reading VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE