What Is the Assumed Interest Rate (AIR)? The assumed interest rate (AIR) is the rate of interest (or growth rate) selected by an insurance company. The assumed interest rate is provided to determine the value of an annuity contract and, therefore, the periodic income payment provided to the annuitant. Combined with other factors such as the annuitant’s age upon annuitization, spousal
What Are Assurance Services? Assurance services are a type of independent professional service usually provided by certified or chartered accountants such as certified public accountants (CPAs). Assurance services can include a review of any financial document or transaction, such as a loan, contract, or financial website. This review certifies the correctness and validity of the
What is an Asteroid Event? An asteroid event is a sudden, unexpected incident that has serious consequences for a business. Key Takeaways Asteroid events are types of event risk that find companies unprepared. Institutional investors may try to benefit from an asteroid event if they perceive it as a temporary stock mispricing. Understanding an Asteroid
What Is Asymmetric Information? Asymmetric information, also known as “information failure,” occurs when one party to an economic transaction possesses greater material knowledge than the other party. This typically manifests when the seller of a good or service possesses greater knowledge than the buyer; however, the reverse dynamic is also possible. Almost all economic transactions
What Is Athleisure? Athleisure refers to a fashion trend characterized by athletic clothing that is both comfortable and aesthetically appealing. The growth of athleisure has also created significant opportunities for investors. Key Takeaways Athleisure is a term for comfortable athletic apparel.Lululemon began the athleisure trend in the 2010s, and the sector has continued to grow.As
What Is an Automated Teller Machine (ATM)? An automated teller machine (ATM) is an electronic banking outlet that allows customers to complete basic transactions without the aid of a branch representative or teller. Anyone with a credit card or debit card can access cash at most ATMs, either in the USA or abroad. ATMs are
What Is an Atomic Swap? An atomic swap is an exchange of cryptocurrencies from separate blockchains. The swap is conducted between two entities without a third party’s involvement. The idea is to remove centralized intermediaries like regulated exchanges and give token owners total control. The term atomic derives from the term “atomic state” in which
What Is at Par? The term “at par” means at face value. A bond, preferred stock, or other debt instrument may trade at par, below par, or above par. Par value is static, unlike market value, which fluctuates with credit ratings, time to maturity, and interest rate fluctuations. The par value is assigned at the
What Is the Average True Range (ATR)? The average true range (ATR) is a technical analysis indicator introduced by market technician J. Welles Wilder Jr. in his book New Concepts in Technical Trading Systems that measures market volatility by decomposing the entire range of an asset price for that period. The true range indicator is
What Are at-Risk Rules? At-risk rules are tax shelter laws that limit the amount of allowable deductions that an individual or closely held corporation can claim for tax purposes as a result of engaging in specific activities–referred to as at-risk activities–that can result in financial losses. A closely held corporation is defined by the IRS
