What is a Fixed-Rate Mortgage? A fixed-rate mortgage loan is a type of credit that’s secured by real property; it can be a residential or commercial property. If a mortgage is a fixed-rate mortgage, it means that the borrower (the debtor) and the lender (the creditor) agree to the interest rate ahead of loan disbursement,…
What is Collateral? Collateral is an asset pledged by a borrower, to a lender (or a creditor), as security for a loan. Borrowers generally seek credit in order to purchase things – it could be a house or a car for an individual, or it could be manufacturing equipment, commercial real estate, or even something…
What is a PESTEL Analysis? A PESTEL analysis is a strategic framework commonly used to evaluate the business environment in which a firm operates. Traditionally, the framework was referred to as a PEST analysis, which was an acronym for Political, Economic, Social, and Technological; in more recent history, the framework was extended to include Environmental…
What is the Ansoff Matrix? The Ansoff Matrix, often called the Product/Market Expansion Grid, is a two-by-two framework used by management teams and the analyst community to help plan and evaluate growth initiatives. In particular, the tool helps stakeholders conceptualize the level of risk associated with different growth strategies. The matrix was developed by applied…
How is the acquisition funded? The Twitter Board of Directors has agreed to Elon Musk’s buyout of Twitter’s stock, and both parties have executed a Definitive Merger Agreement. The specific details of the agreement can be found here. The deal is expected to close sometime in 2022. The time lag between signing and closing the…
Join a panel of acclaimed eLearning and financial services thought-leaders as they discuss the current state of training and skill development for finance professionals in 2022. In this webinar, we’ll share the latest trends in corporate training, uncovered from a survey of hundreds of organizations and finance professionals, including leading global banks, the Big Four…
What is a Peace Dividend? A peace dividend is a concept that long-term economic benefit(s) can be derived from decreasing defense spending and allocating resources elsewhere. In simpler terms, a peace dividend refers to the idea that money spent less on arms and more to fulfill human needs would spur greater long-term economic growth. The…
What are Jobless Claims? Jobless claims, reported weekly by the U.S. Department of Labor, measure the number of people who filed for unemployment benefits. Understanding Jobless Claims There are two types of jobless claims: Initial Claims: The number of people that have filed for unemployment benefits for the first time. Continued Claims: The number of…
What are Economic Sanctions? Economic sanctions, also called restrictive measures, are penalties imposed by one or more countries against another country (or countries), its officials, a group, or individuals. Sanctions are imposed in an effort to create economic pressure, instill regime change, or dissuade certain policies, behavior, or activities. Understanding Economic Sanctions When dealing with…
What is a Supercycle? A supercycle is a prolonged period of strong economic growth, leading to sustained demand for commodities beyond what producers can supply. Supercycles can last years. Understanding a Supercycle There are different types of economic catalysts that can trigger a supercycle, with the key theme behind each catalyst being rapid industrialization and/or…
