Financial dictionary

Bank bonds are debt securities issued by banks to raise funds from investors. The bondholder lends money to the bank for a fixed period, and in return, receives regular interest payments (coupons). At maturity, the bank repays the bond's nominal value. These bonds can be secured by the bank's assets or issued as unsecured, and they are used to finance banking operations or to increase liquidity.

A bear market is a period when the prices of financial assets, particularly stocks, decline by 20% or more from their previous highs. This period can last from several months to years and is often accompanied by investor pessimism, economic issues, or a recession. During a bear market, investors typically seek safer investments or reduce their exposure to riskier assets.

A benchmark is a reference value against which the performance of an investment or portfolio is compared. It is usually an index that represents a specific market or sector, such as the S&P 500 for U.S. stocks. A benchmark helps investors assess whether their investments are performing better or worse than the market and can serve as a basis for making decisions regarding investment strategies.

Blockchain is a decentralized digital database that stores records of transactions in chronological order. Each block contains transaction details, a timestamp, and a link to the previous block, creating a secure and immutable chain. Blockchain technology is the foundation of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin but is also used in other areas where transparency, security, and immutability of data are needed, such as financial services, supply chains, and healthcare.

Brick & mortar refers to traditional physical stores or businesses that have premises where customers can shop or use services in person. This term is used to distinguish them from online stores (e-commerce), which operate exclusively on the internet. Brick & mortar businesses often integrate digital channels to reach a broader audience and offer customers the option to shop according to their preferences.

A bull market is a period when the prices of financial assets, particularly stocks, rise by 20% or more from their previous lows. This growth is often accompanied by positive investor sentiment, optimism, and improving economic conditions. A bull market can last from several months to years and may be associated with a period of economic growth and low unemployment.