A selection of statistical data that on average indicate highs and lows in the business cycle behind the economy as a whole. These relate to business expenditures for new plant and equipment, consumers' installment credit, short- term business loans, the overall value of manufacturing and trade inventories.

Large company stocks (also called "large-cap" stocks) are stocks of companies with a total market value (or market capitalization) of $1 billion or more. These are established, successful companies that are more likely than smaller companies to pay dividends. These stocks are considered more stable than stocks of smaller companies.

A selection of statistical data that on average indicate highs and lows in the business cycle ahead of the economy as a whole. These relate to employment, capital investment, business starts and failures, profits, stock prices, inventory adjustment, housing starts and certain commodity prices.

A contract that grants you the use of automobiles, equipment, real estate or other fixed assets for a period of time in exchange for payment. In oil and gas terms, legal document giving an operator the right to drill for or produce oil or gas; also, the land on which a lease has been obtained

An agreement whereby an investor agrees to make a series of purchases of mutual fund units.

Increasing the return on an investment through borrowing or special contract terms. Using borrowed funds to maximize the rate of return on investment. Keep in mind, however, that losses can mount very quickly if your investment starts losing money.

The amounts an individual or company owes to various creditors, including bank loans, mortgages, and credit card balances.

An order to buy a security at or below the current market price, or to sell it above or at the current market price.

Revolving credit extended to an individual by a financial institution. It may be secured or unsecured. Rates are ordinarily better than credit cards.

The ease with which an asset can be sold and converted to the most liquid of assets - cash - without a substantial change in price. It is one of the most important characteristics of a good market.

A measure of worth that only includes assets that can readily be turned into cash without a major loss in value. When calculating liquid net worth do not include real estate or business equity, personal property and automobiles, expected inheritances, or funds already earmarked for other purposes. Your net worth is the total of all of your assets (stocks, bonds, bank accounts, home equity, real estate, personal property, business receivables, notes receivable, etc.) minus the total amount of your liabilities (outstanding loans owed, credit card balances, taxes payable, bills payable, etc.) Unfortunately, many of these assets will not be readily accessible if cash is needed in a hurry; therefore, we will use only your liquid net worth in determining your financial health.

A measure of worth that only includes assets that can readily be turned into cash without a major loss in value. When calculating liquid net worth do not include real estate or business equity, personal property and automobiles, expected inheritances, or funds already earmarked for other purposes. Your net worth is the total of all of your assets (stocks, bonds, bank accounts, home equity, real estate, personal property, business receivables, notes receivable, etc.) minus the total amount of your liabilities (outstanding loans owed, credit card balances, taxes payable, bills payable, etc.) Unfortunately, many of these assets will not be readily accessible if cash is needed in a hurry; therefore, we will use only your liquid net worth in determining your financial health.

The interest rate the largest international banks charge each other for loans of a stated maturity. This is a base index for setting some adjustable rate financial instruments.

Signifies ownership in a security. "I'm long 100 BCE common" means the person owns 100 common shares of BCE Inc. See also Short Selling.

A mutual fund that charges a commission to purchase its shares.

Debt that becomes due after more than one year.

Rates applying on money lent for a period of 10 years or more are called long-term rates. Those on money lent for a period of less than three years are considered short-term rates. Typically, long-term rates are higher than short-term rates because lenders want a higher return for tying up their money for a lengthy period.

Business or investment losses that are incurred in one year that may be used as a deduction from taxable income in another year. Manufacturing and Processing (M&P) Tax Credit: A federal tax reduction is provided on Canadian manufacturing and processing income not subject to the small business deduction. This credit has the effect of lowering the tax rate on M&P income from the general federal rate of 28 per cent to 21 per cent.