Financial Terms Glossary

Understanding stock market terminology

A-Z Stock Market Terms

Clear, simple definitions of common financial terms used in stock markets.

Ask Price

The lowest price a seller is willing to accept for a security. Also known as the "offer price."

Bear Market

A market condition where prices are falling or expected to fall, typically defined as a 20% or greater decline from recent highs.

Bid Price

The highest price a buyer is willing to pay for a security at a given time.

Blue Chip Stocks

Stocks of large, well-established, financially sound companies with a history of reliable performance.

Bull Market

A market condition where prices are rising or expected to rise, characterized by optimism and investor confidence.

Capital Gains

The profit earned when a security is sold for more than its purchase price.

Dividend

A portion of a company's earnings distributed to shareholders, typically on a regular basis.

Diversification

Spreading investments across various assets to reduce overall portfolio risk.

Exchange

A marketplace where securities are bought and sold, such as NYSE, NASDAQ, or Bursa Malaysia.

Market Capitalization

The total value of a company's outstanding shares, calculated by multiplying share price by total shares outstanding.

P/E Ratio

Price-to-Earnings ratio. A valuation metric comparing a company's stock price to its earnings per share.

Portfolio

A collection of investments held by an individual or institution, including stocks, bonds, and other assets.

Sector

A group of companies in the same industry or business area, such as technology, healthcare, or finance.

Stock Split

When a company divides its existing shares into multiple shares, reducing the price per share while maintaining the same total value.

Volatility

A measure of how much a security's price fluctuates over time. Higher volatility means greater price swings.

Volume

The number of shares traded during a specific period, indicating market activity and liquidity.

Educational Reference Only

This glossary is for educational purposes only. These terms are defined in general terms for learning purposes. For detailed financial decisions, please consult qualified professionals.