Back to the library
Vocabulary6 minute read10 November 2024

Glossary — B


Now that we have mastered the 'A's, it is time to explore the wonders of 'B'!

Bid Price

The Bid Price is the maximum price at which a buyer is willing to buy a stock. It is the price at which you can sell a stock to someone who wants to buy it. Think of it like a car auction: - The Bid Price is the highest price offered by a buyer (you). - The buyer sets the bid price (the maximum they are willing to pay). - The seller can choose to accept the bid price (the highest offer) and sell the stock to you. For example:

  • Stock XYZ has a Bid Price of $48.
  • You own Stock XYZ and want to sell it.
  • You can sell it to the buyer at $48 per share (the highest price offered).

If someone had a bid price of $60 for stock XYZ, the seller would sell it for $60 (because that was the highest price offered.) Bid and Ask Definition, How Prices Are Determined, and Example BULL AND BEAR MARKET I am sure you have heard the terms "bullish and bearish market", but what does it actually mean? Think of the stock market like a seesaw!

  • Bull Market: When the market is bullish, it is like the side of the seesaw that's going up, up, up! It is a happy time, and investors are excited to see their money growing!

A bull market is called as such because of the way a bull attacks its opponent. When a bull charges, it thrusts its horns upward, symbolising the upward trend of the market.

  • Bear Market: When the market is going down, it is like the other side of the seesaw is going down, down, down! It is a bit scary, and investors might feel worried about their money.

A bear market is called as such because of the way a bear attacks its opponent. When a bear swipes at its opponent, it swipes its paws downward, symbolising the downward trend of the market. Just like how a seesaw can go up and down, the stock market can too! And just like how you need to hold on tight when the seesaw is moving, investors need to be prepared for the ups and downs of the market! Bear Market Guide: Definition, Phases, Examples & How to Invest During One What Is a Bull Market, and How Can Investors Benefit From One? BROKER A stock market broker is like a ticket agent for the stock market! Just as a ticket agent helps you buy tickets to a concert or game, a stock market broker helps you buy and sell pieces of companies (called stocks) or currencies. They give you access to the stock market, help you make informed decisions, and execute trades on your behalf. This is why you sign up with a broker before you can start buying and selling stocks/currencies, because the broker has the licenses to give you access to these markets which allows you to buy and sell. Broker: Definition, Types, Regulation, and Examples BROKERAGE ACCOUNT A brokerage account is a special kind of account that allows you to buy and sell investments like stocks, bonds, and ETFs. It is like a bank account, but instead of storing money, you store investments! Here is how it works:

  • You open a brokerage account with a brokerage firm (like a bank, but for investments).
  • You deposit money into the account.
  • You use that money to buy investments (like stocks or bonds).
  • The investments are stored in your account.
  • You can sell your investments whenever you want and the money goes back into your account.

Think of it like a safe where you store your investments, and the brokerage firm is like the safe keeper! What Is a Brokerage Account? Definition, How to Choose, and Types

Buy Low

Buy low is a simple investment strategy that means buying a stock or asset when its price is low, with the hope of selling it later when the price is higher. Think of it like shopping for clothes:

  • You buy a shirt when it is on sale (low price)
  • You wear it and enjoy it
  • Later, you sell it to someone else for a higher price (because it is still in great condition!)

In investing, "buy low" means looking for good companies or assets that are undervalued, and buying them at a low price. Then, as the company grows or the market changes, you can sell your investment for a profit! It is like finding a great bargain and making a smart investment! A Look at the Buy Low, Sell High Strategy BREAKOUTS A breakout is when a stock or asset price moves above a resistance level or below a support level. (An area it has not touched in a while) Think of it like a football player breaking through a defensive line. Resistance levels are like the "ceiling" that a stock price has trouble breaking through, while support levels are like the "floor" that a stock price bounces off of. When a stock price breaks through the ceiling (resistance) or falls below the floor (support), it can be a sign of a new trend or a big change in the market. Investors often look for breakouts as a signal to buy or sell, hoping to ride the momentum of the new trend! So, a breakout is like a big move that can lead to new opportunities in the market! Breakout: Definition, Meaning, Example, and What It Tells You

Bonds

Bonds are like loans to a company or government! When you buy a bond, you are essentially lending money to a company or government for a fixed period of time. In return, they promise to pay you interest or your original investment back. (Think of bonds like a contract with a borrower!)

  • You lend money (buy a bond)
  • They promise to pay you interest and return your principal
  • You get a relatively stable income stream and your investment back

Bonds are like a low-risk investment, but with potentially lower returns! Bonds: How They Work and How To Invest

Blue Chip Stocks

Blue chip stocks are shares in large, well-established companies with a strong track record of stability, growth, and dividend payments. These companies are typically industry leaders, have a high market capitalisation, and are considered to be relatively safe investments. Key Characteristics include:

  • Large market capitalisation (usually over $10 billion)
  • Strong financial position and credit rating
  • Stable earnings and dividend payments
  • Low debt-to-equity ratio
  • High liquidity

Examples of Bluechip stocks include:

  • In the US: Apple (AAPL), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Procter &
  • Gamble (PG), Coca-Cola (KO)
  • In South Africa: Naspers (NPN),
  • Anglo American (AGL), Sasol (SOL), Standard Bank (SBK)

Investing in Blue Chip Stocks is considered a lower-risk investment and provide stable returns and dividend income. They are often used as a core holding in a diversified portfolio and can be a great starting point for new investors! What Are Blue Chip Stocks and Are They Good Investments? That is a wrap, folks! From Bear Market to Broker, we hope you have found the terminology informative and helpful in your investment journey. Keep an eye out for our next post, where we will delve into investment terms starting with C! Share this post: Categories STIOSTM: Terminology Sign up for blog updates! Join my email list to receive updates and information. Email address

  • Sign up

Recent Posts

  • "A" 11 Nov 2024 "C" 11 Nov 2024 "D" 11 Nov 2024

Finish the piece

Make a profile and the whole library opens, along with the desk, the journal and the daily session.


Carry on reading