Inflation Rises 8.1, highest since 80’s

The consumer price index rose 8.6% in May from a year ago, the highest increase since December 1981. Core inflation excluding food and energy rose 6%. Both were higher than expected. Surging food, gas and energy prices all contributed to the gain, with fuel oil up 106.7% over the past year. Shelter costs, which compriseContinue reading “Inflation Rises 8.1, highest since 80’s”

Bonds and Interest Rates

Bonds and Interest Rates When it comes to how interest rates affect bond prices, there are three cardinal rules: When interest rates rise—bond prices generally fall. When interest rates fall—bond prices generally rise. Every bond carries interest rate risk. Interest rate changes are among the most significant factors affecting bond return. To find out why,Continue reading “Bonds and Interest Rates”

Financial Instruments

What is a Financial Instrument? Financial instruments are contracts for monetary assets that can be purchased, traded, created, modified, or settled for. In terms of contracts, there is a contractual obligation between involved parties during a financial instrument transaction. For example, if a company were to pay cash for a bond, another party is obligatedContinue reading “Financial Instruments”

Credit Rating

Credit ratingThe most significant issuers of bonds are central governments. Others are local governments, financial institutions, and companies. Corporate bonds are more common in the US than in Europe.Central governments issue bonds to finance their budget deficit. In the US, the issuances are organised by the Department of the Treasury. The most important types ofContinue reading “Credit Rating”

Overview of Risks

Risk typeDefinition / Main characteristiccredit riskthe risk that a borrower will fail to meet its obligations in accordance with agreed termsoperational riskthe risk of loss resulting from inadaquate or failed internal processes, people and systems or from other external eventsmarket riskthe risk that the value of an investment will decrease due to changes on theContinue reading “Overview of Risks”

The Price of a Loan

➡ The interest on loans is charged according to the specified annual interest rate. The types of interest rate have already been discussed in connection with passive banking operations.➡ Potential nominal provision fee should be paid based on the unused amount of the credit limit. Its level is specified by the bank, usually on anContinue reading “The Price of a Loan”

Active Banking Operations

Active operations of banks are those providing loans to customers directly or indirectly. In case of a direct loan the bank contracts its debtor and provides the contracted funds directly on the debtors account. In case of indirect loans the bank contracts with a third party, i.e. a mediatory who contracts with the ultimate userContinue reading “Active Banking Operations”

Issuing Securities

Issuing of short-term securities generally has a liquidity motive, therefore their majority has a maturity of 90, 180 and 270 days. Many varieties of short-term securities are known, such as savings certificates, bills, etc. In general, they are fixed rate ones, but rarely flexible rate ones also occur. Interest payments are usually made at maturity,Continue reading “Issuing Securities”