The SEC is the primary overseer of the U.S. securities markets while foreign regulators oversee securities markets in other jurisdictions. The SEC and most foreign securities regulators are members of International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), which develops, implements and promotes adherence to internationally recognized standards for securities regulation. If you are a U.S. investor with… Continue reading FOREIGN REGULATORS
FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKETS
Markets that trade currencies.
FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE (FOREX)
A foreign currency exchange rate is a price that represents how much it costs to buy the currency of one country using the currency of another country. Currency traders buy and sell currencies through forex transactions based on how they expect currency exchange rates will fluctuate. When the value of one currency rises relative to… Continue reading FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE (FOREX)
FOREIGN CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT (FCPA)
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) generally prohibits the bribing of foreign officials. The FCPA also requires publicly traded companies to maintain accurate books and records and to have a sys-tem of internal controls sufficient to provide reason-able assurances that transactions are executed and assets are accounted for in accordance with management’s authorization and recorded… Continue reading FOREIGN CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT (FCPA)
FLOOR
The lower limit for the interest rate on a floating-rate bond.
FLOATING-RATE BOND (OR VARIABLE OR ADJUSTABLE RATE BOND)
A bond whose interest rate is adjusted periodically according to a predetermined formula; it is usually linked to an interest rate index such as LIBOR.
FIXED-RATE BOND
A long-term bond with a set interest rate.
FIXED ANNUITY
An insurance product that promises a minimum rate of interest while your account is growing. The insurance company also guarantees that the periodic payment will be for a set amount for a fixed period, such as 20 years, or an indefinite period, such as your lifetime.
FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS – BACKGROUND CHECKS
You should check out the registration status and background of any financial professional before becoming a client. Even if a close friend or family member recommends a financial professional, you should still check out that person to make sure they are licensed and for signs of potential problems. Anyone registered to sell securities or provide… Continue reading FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS – BACKGROUND CHECKS
FINANCIAL PRODUCT
Examples of financial products include but are not limited to the following: stocks, bonds, derivatives, and currencies.