Financial lexicon

The financial world has it own vocabulary.
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Dax (Deutscher Aktien Index)
Index comprising the 30 most important shares on the Frankfurt (Germany) Stock Exchange. Also called the DAX 30.
Day order
Order whose validity is limited to a single trading session. In the event of non-fulfilment, it is cancelled completely.
Delta
Coefficient for measuring a warrant's price variation when the underlying varies by one unit. The Delta of a call varies between 0 % and 100 %, the Delta of a put between –100 % and 0%.
Depreciation
Loss that occurs when a financial asset is transferred. It represents the difference between the purchase and sales price, and sometimes minus the expenses bound up in the operation.
Derivative
Derivative is a financial instrument, the price of which is directly dependent upon (i.e. "derived from") the value of one or more underlying securities, equity indices, commodities, other derivative instruments, or any agreed upon pricing index or arrangement. Derivatives are used to hedge risk, by transferring it to those willing to assume it. Derivatives cannot eliminate risk. Major classes of derivatives are: forward transactions, swaps, futures, options.
Derivatives market
Futures option market or futures. Example: the Belfox in Brussels.
Devaluation
Reduction in the exchange rate value of a currency. This exchange rate parity adjustment is theoretically decided and managed by the powers-that-be.
Director
Natural or legal person sitting on the board of directors. Appointed by the ordinary general meeting of shareholders, the director may be re-elected but may also be dismissed at any time.
Diversification
Minimising porfolio risks by increasing the number of securities and investment areas (geographical, sectoral).
Dividend
Companies making a profit pay a proportion thereof to their shareholders. A dividend may also be paid out in the form of shares.
Dow Jones
Stock exchange index created in 1884 and the most widely known one on the New York Stock Exchange. It is based on 30 major industrial securities.
Due date
Date when financial assets expire.
Duration (option !)
Measurement of the interest rate risk. The duration is used to calculate the price variation for a bond during any change in interest rates.