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What Is a Yield Curve? A yield curve is the relationship between interest rates and time, and is determined by plotting the yields of bonds with equal credit quality against their maturities. { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Yield Curve", "description": "A yield curve is the relationship between interest rates and time, and is determined by plotting the yields of bonds with equal credit quality against their maturities.", "

Dividend Definition A dividend is a portion of a company’s profit paid to common and preferred shareholders. They provide an incentive to own stock in stable companies even if they are not experiencing much growth. Companies are not required to pay dividends. { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Dividend", "description": "A dividend is a portion of a company’s profit paid to common and preferred shareholders. They provide an ince

What Is a Benchmark in Finance? Financial benchmarking involves running financial analyses in order to compare business practices and the standards of a firm to other firms within the same industry. A benchmark is a standard, or a baseline, that’s used for comparative purposes when assessing a portfolio or mutual fund. { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Benchmark", "description": "Financial benchmarking involves running financi

What Is Inflation? Inflation is an increase in the average price of goods or services in an economy. Each month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports on the average level of prices when it releases the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Inflation is measured as the percentage increase in average level of prices over a select period of time. In a stable economy, an average inflation rate is typically around 2%. { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "DefinedTerm",

What Is an Annuity? An annuity is a contract with an insurance company that guarantees current or future payments in exchange for a premium or series of premiums. The interest earned on an annuity contract is not taxable until the funds are paid out or withdrawn. { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "DefinedTerm", "@id": "DefinedTerm", "name": "Annuity", "description": "An annuity is a contract with an insurance company that guarantees current or future payments in exchange