In-depth exploration of black markets, where commodities and goods exchange occurs outside of government-regulated systems. This entry covers historical context, current examples, related terms, and socio-economic implications.
An in-depth analysis of the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model, developed by Fischer Black and Myron Scholes, which is used to determine whether options contracts are fairly valued. The model incorporates volatility, interest rates, underlying stock prices, and time to expiration.
Bleed refers to the act of obtaining an excessive amount of money or other things of value from a person, usually under a threat of grave harm. It is a form of extortion.
A comprehensive overview of the blended rate, a time- and rate-weighted effective billing rate, interest rate, or tax rate, with detailed explanations, examples, and considerations.
The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System is the seven-member managing body responsible for setting policy on banking regulations and the money supply, crucial for regulating inflation, interest rates, and economic growth.
The term 'Bolsa' refers to the stock exchange in Spanish-speaking countries, such as Spain, Mexico, Chile, and Argentina. It is equivalent to 'Bourse' in French and 'Borsa' in Italian, all meaning 'purse.'
Bonded debt refers to the portion of a corporation's or government's total debt that is represented by issued bonds, highlighting secured financial obligations and their implications.
The Book-to-Bill Ratio is a critical measure used to assess the health of the semiconductor industry by comparing the orders booked for future delivery to orders being shipped immediately.
Comprehensive explanation of 'Bottom' as a support level in market prices, including its significance in various contexts such as general markets, economics, and securities.
An in-depth look into the concept of Bourgeoisie, its role in class structure, economic implications, historical context, and its theory and application in Marxist Economics.
Bracket Creep refers to the phenomenon where taxpayers are pushed into higher income tax brackets due to income rises aligned with inflation, increasing government revenue without changes in tax rates.
A Branch Office is an auxiliary location owned by a firm but managed separately from the main office. It extends the firm's operations to additional geographical locations.
Brand association refers to the degree to which a specific brand is linked with the general product category in the consumer's mind. This phenomenon occurs when consumers ask for a product by the brand name rather than its general name.
An in-depth exploration of breach of warranty, including definitions, types, examples, and related legal considerations. Understand how breaches of express or implied warranties can affect transactions and what recourse is available.
The Bretton Woods Conference was a seminal meeting in 1944 that established a framework for international monetary cooperation and fixed exchange rates.
The Brookings Institution, a nonprofit organization located in Washington, D.C., is renowned for producing scholarly studies on significant economic and political issues and problems. Learn about its history, mission, and contributions to public policy.
A comprehensive guide to understanding budget deficits, including their implications, causes, examples, and methods of management across governments, corporations, and individuals.
A detailed examination of the budget line concept, including its formulation, properties, and significance in economics. This entry explains how the budget line illustrates the combinations of two goods or services that can be purchased with a given income and the prices of these goods or services.
Buffer stock refers to an inventory of a commodity held by the government or an agency to stabilize prices by purchasing excess production and selling it during low production periods.
Build America Bonds (BABs) are taxable bonds issued by municipalities under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to promote infrastructural development and job creation.
Exploration of the built-in stabilizer feature that directs systems toward equilibrium or stability when disturbed, with an emphasis on its economic applications.
Bullion Coins are composed of precious metals such as gold, silver, or platinum, having intrinsic value as bullion. These coins are traded for their metal content rather than rarity or artistic value.
The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) is a key agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, responsible for producing economic statistics that help understand the performance of the nation's economy.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is the principal U.S. federal agency responsible for measuring labor market activity, working conditions, and price changes in the economy. It collects, analyzes, and disseminates essential economic information to support public and private decision making.
A comprehensive overview of Business Conditions, examining the economic and political climate and their impact on business profitability and prosperity.
Recurrent periods during which the nation's economy moves in and out of recession and recovery phases. Understanding business cycles helps in predicting and mitigating economic downturns.
Six-digit code numbers for principal business activities, utilized to classify enterprises by type of activity for IRS administrative purposes. Similar in format to the North American Industry Classification System codes.
Business Reply Mail (BRM) refers to preaddressed cards, envelopes, labels, or cartons that can be mailed without prepayment of postage. The U.S. Postal Service collects the postage due from the addressee, who holds a permit and pays an annual fee.
A bust-up acquisition is a type of corporate acquisition where a raider sells some of the acquired company's assets to finance the leveraged acquisition.
A comprehensive definition of a Buyer, including types, roles, and real-world examples. Learn about professional buyers, consumer buyers, and media buyers in this detailed entry.
Buyer's remorse is the feeling of regret or anxiety that can occur after making a purchase. This concept is closely related to cognitive dissonance, where the buyer's expectations do not match reality.
The concept of a buyout involves the acquisition of a controlling percentage of a company's stock to take over its assets and operations, often conducted through negotiation or a tender offer. Includes details on leveraged buyouts and related terms.
Cap and Trade is an environmental policy where the government sets a limit on the overall amount of pollutants emitted, and companies trade permits among themselves to reduce emissions.
Capital deepening refers to the process in macroeconomics whereby the amount of capital per worker is increased, leading to potential productivity improvements and economic growth.
Capital flight refers to the transfer of large amounts of money from one country to another to escape political or economic turmoil or to seek higher rates of return.
Detailed explanation of capital formation, the creation or expansion of capital assets such as buildings, machinery, and equipment through savings, which in turn produce other goods and services.
Capital Investment refers to funds invested in a business or an asset expected to be used for an extended period. It encompasses expenditures on long-term physical and financial assets such as property, plants, equipment, and stock.
The Capital Purchase Program (CPP) was a program run by the U.S. Treasury Department under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) authority to reinforce the solvency of major banks. The Treasury purchased billions in nonvoting preferred stock and equity warrants, providing capital injections while implementing regulations on executive compensation and dividend restrictions.
Capital Requirement refers to the permanent financing needed for the normal operation of a business, including long-term and working capital as well as the investment in fixed assets and normal working capital.
Capital resources include any goods used in the production of other goods, such as factories, buildings, and equipment. This comprehensive guide explores their types, importance, examples, and historical context.
Capital Widening refers to the process in macroeconomics where an economy increases its capital base to enhance production, often through investments in physical capital such as machinery, buildings, and infrastructure.
Capitalism is an economic system characterized by private ownership, where income from property or capital accrues to individuals or firms that own it, competition is encouraged, and profit motive is fundamental.
A comprehensive guide to the 'Carrot and Stick' strategy, a method often used in negotiations where one party offers incentives while simultaneously threatening negative consequences.
A comprehensive overview of cartels, their functions, historical context, and specific examples, including the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
An in-depth look at the Case-Shiller/S&P Home Price Index, its methodology, application, and significance in understanding home price trends in various cities.
A comprehensive overview of the Cash Market, where transactions are promptly completed, ownership is transferred, and payment is made upon delivery of the commodity.
An in-depth look into the concept of a Cash Order, its significance in various economic and financial transactions, and how it compares with other payment methods.
A detailed explanation of the term 'Casual Laborer', including its definition, types, special considerations, historical context, applicability, and related terms.
Category Killers, also known as specialty hard goods retailers, are large retail outlets that dominate particular market segments, providing extensive selections within their category. Notable examples include Home Depot, Lowe's, Best Buy, Office Depot, PetSmart, and formerly Toys 'R' Us.
A comprehensive overview of Central Business Districts (CBDs), detailing their composition, functions, and significance in urban planning and economic dynamics.
Central Planning as an organizational strategy where an agency centrally controls and coordinates activities and responsibilities, limiting spontaneity but enhancing coordination.
Ceteris Paribus is a Latin phrase meaning 'all other things being equal'. It is used in economics and other fields to isolate the effect of a single variable by holding other influencing factors constant.
A detailed explanation of the distinction between a change in demand and a change in quantity demanded, including graphical representations and examples.
Understanding the difference between a change in supply and a change in quantity supplied is crucial in economics. This entry explains the fundamental distinctions, factors involved, graphical representation, and practical implications.
An in-depth exploration of channels of distribution, encompassing different intermediaries involved in transferring merchandise from manufacturers to end users.
Chapter 11 of the 1978 Bankruptcy Act provides for reorganization under the bankruptcy laws of the United States, allowing businesses to restructure their debts while continuing operations.
An in-depth look at Chapter 7 of the 1978 Bankruptcy Act, detailing the liquidation process, the role of the court-appointed interim trustee, and the distribution of proceeds to creditors.
A Charge Buyer, also known as a Credit Buyer, is an individual or entity that makes purchases on credit, to be billed at a later date. This method allows buyers to defer payment while obtaining goods or services immediately.
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