Understanding Leverage and Gearing
Leverage and gearing are financial terms that refer to the use of debt by a company to increase investment exposure and potential returns. These terms are often used interchangeably; however, regional preferences exist. In British English and European finance, the term “gearing” is more common, while American finance typically uses “leverage.” Leverage refers to the…
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Meaning of Capital Structuring of a Company
Capital structure is the combination of debt and equity used by a company to finance its operations and growth. It is a core component of a company’s financial strategy, determining the optimal mix of debt and equity to fund business activities. Striking the right balance between these components impacts costs, risks, and growth potential. A…
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Calculation of forward exchange rates explained with the illustrations
A currency forward contract is a customized, written contract between two parties that sets a fixed foreign currency exchange rate for a transaction, set for a specified future date. Currency forward contracts are used to hedge foreign currency exchange risk. They are most commonly made between importers and exporters headquartered in different countries. A forward…
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Key Properties of Duration flow in Measuring Bond Interest Rate Risk
Duration is a key financial metric used to measure a bond’s sensitivity to interest rate changes, also reflecting the risk of retirement liabilities. In investing, duration represents the number of years required to recover a bond’s true cost, calculated based on the present value of all future coupon and principal payments. Key Properties of Duration…
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RBI Issues Master Direction on Credit Information Reporting
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released a Master Direction consolidating guidelines for banks and financial institutions regarding credit information reporting. Issued on January 6, 2025, this directive aims to establish a standardized framework for reporting and disseminating credit information while safeguarding the confidentiality and security of sensitive credit data. Key Highlights of the…
How to Calculate Current Yield on a Bond?
The Current Yield on a bond represents the percentage return an investor can expect to earn over the next year if they purchase the bond at its current market price. It provides a snapshot of the bond’s income-generating potential relative to its market value. Formula for Current Yield The current yield is calculated using the…
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