KOF Economic Barometer

What is 'KOF Economic Barometer' A composite indicator that provides a reliable reading on the direction of GDP growth for the Swiss economy compared with the year-earlier quarter. The KOF Economic Barometer is based on a multi-sectoral design with three modules: core GDP, construction and banking. The barometer has a complex structure, as it bundles as many...

Macro Environment

What is a 'Macro Environment' A macro environment is the condition that exists in the economy as a whole, rather than in a particular sector or region. In general, the macro environment includes trends in gross domestic product (GDP), inflation, employment, spending, and monetary and fiscal policy. The macro environment is closely linked to the general business...

DTI

DTI is debt to income ratio Your debt to income ratio is an important part of your credit score calculation A low debt to income ratio is preferable Further Reading Economic growth, development of telecommunications infrastructure, and financial development in Asia, 1991–2012 - www.sciencedirect.com The role of finance and corporate governance in national systems of innovation...

KRW (Korean Won)

What is 'KRW' The currency abbreviation or currency symbol for the Korean won (KRW), the former currency for Korea. The won was made up of 100 chon and is often presented with the symbol (__). No banknotes denominated in won were ever issued. Explaining 'KRW' The won was first seen in 1902, replacing the...

Pac-Man Defense

DefinitionThe Pac-Man defense is a defensive business strategy used to stave off a hostile takeover, in which a company that is threatened with a hostile takeover "turns the tables" by attempting to acquire its would-be buyer. The name refers to Pac-Man, a video game in which the protagonist is at first chased around a maze of dots by 4...

Haircut

What is a 'Haircut' A haircut is the difference between prices at which a market maker can buy and sell a security. The term comes from the fact that market makers can trade at such a thin spread. Explaining 'Haircut' In the financial world, a haircut refers to a negative spread between either the buying...

Jack Welch

What is 'Jack Welch' The former chairman and CEO of General Electric (GE) from 1981 - 2001. Welch expanded the company and dramatically increased its market value from $14 billion to $410 billion during his tenure. Welch has a reputation as one of the top CEOs of all time, as evidenced by Fortune magazine's...

Labor Productivity

What is 'Labor Productivity' Labor productivity is a measure of economic growth within a country. Labor productivity measures the amount of goods and services produced by one hour of labor; specifically, labor productivity measures the amount of real gross domestic product (GDP) produced by an hour of labor. Growth in labor productivity depends on three main factors:...

MACD – Moving Average Convergence Divergence

The MACD is a stock market indicator that plays a crucial part in the technical analysis of the market. The MACD is basically the study of price graphs in order to recognize trends and to predict the developments in the market. Showing the relationship between moving averages, this method is widely used to check for signals highlighting the ideal...

Baby Bells

DefinitionThe Regional Bell Operating Companies are the result of United States v. AT&T, the U.S. Department of Justice antitrust suit against the former American Telephone & Telegraph Company. On January 8, 1982, AT&T Corp. settled the suit and agreed to divest its local exchange service operating companies. Effective January 1, 1984, AT&T Corp.'s local operations were split into seven...