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Trading Glossary

Take a look at our list of the financial terms associated with trading and the markets. From beginners starting their trading journey to experts with decades of experience, all traders need to clearly understand a huge number of terms.

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Ex-Dividend Date

What is an Ex-Dividend Date?

The term Ex-Dividend date refers to a cut-off date where shareholders buying shares from a company will not be eligible for upcoming dividends for those shares. 

Why is it important to know the ex-dividend date?
Knowing the ex-dividend date is important for investors as it determines whether they are eligible to receive the next dividend payment. On this day, stocks typically drop in price by an amount equal to the dividend paid, so understanding this date is essential for making informed decisions.

The Ex-Dividend Date is one of four dates relevant to a company’s dividends: The other three are:
• Declaration Date – When a company announces that it plans to issue dividends in the foreseeable future
• Record Date - When the dividend issuing company examines and closes its list of shareholders
• Payable Date - When the eligible shareholders are to be paid by the company 


What happens if I sell on ex-dividend date?
If you sell the stock on its ex-dividend date, you will not receive the next dividend. The buyer of the stock will receive the dividend and any capital gains, but you as the seller will miss out on this benefit.

Dividends

What is a Dividend and how does it work?

A dividend is a payment made by a company to its shareholders out of its profits. It's typically paid quarterly, with the amount of each dividend depending on how profitable the company is and how much the board of directors chooses to distribute. Dividends can be used as income or reinvested back into the company to purchase additional shares.

How many shares do you need to get dividends?
The exact number of shares you need to get dividends depends on the company's policy and dividend payout rate. Generally, owning at least one share qualifies you for receiving dividends.

Is a dividend a good thing for traders?
Yes. Dividends provide traders with regular income and the potential for capital gains if the dividend is reinvested into more shares. This can be beneficial to traders, as it can create a passive stream of income and add to their overall yeild.
 

Expiry (expiration) Date

What is Expiry Date in trading?

Expiry date, also known as expiration date or maturity date, is the date on which a financial contract, such as a futures contract or option, will expire and can no longer be traded. At the expiry date, the terms of the contract, such as the price and quantity, will be settled or exercised. For options, if the holder of the option chooses to exercise it, they will buy or sell the underlying asset at the strike price. For futures contracts, the holder will have to buy or sell the underlying asset at the agreed-upon price.

How does a expiry date work?
One key takeaway about Expiration Dates is that the further away they are the better. In this aspect, the potential value of an option can benefit from a longer time an option prior to expiring. I.e., the said option is more likely it is to hit its strike price and actually become valuable the longer it is on the market.

Are Expiry dates good for day trading?
expiry dates can be an important factor to consider for day trading options and futures contracts as they determine when the contract must be settled or exercised. Day traders should take into account the expiration date when planning their trades and adjust their strategy accordingly. It's important to remember that expiry dates are just one of many factors that can influence the price of financial instruments, and traders should always consider multiple factors when making trades.

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Dividends

What is a Dividend and how does it work?

A dividend is a payment made by a company to its shareholders out of its profits. It's typically paid quarterly, with the amount of each dividend depending on how profitable the company is and how much the board of directors chooses to distribute. Dividends can be used as income or reinvested back into the company to purchase additional shares.

How many shares do you need to get dividends?
The exact number of shares you need to get dividends depends on the company's policy and dividend payout rate. Generally, owning at least one share qualifies you for receiving dividends.

Is a dividend a good thing for traders?
Yes. Dividends provide traders with regular income and the potential for capital gains if the dividend is reinvested into more shares. This can be beneficial to traders, as it can create a passive stream of income and add to their overall yeild.
 

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Ex-Dividend Date

What is an Ex-Dividend Date?

The term Ex-Dividend date refers to a cut-off date where shareholders buying shares from a company will not be eligible for upcoming dividends for those shares. 

Why is it important to know the ex-dividend date?
Knowing the ex-dividend date is important for investors as it determines whether they are eligible to receive the next dividend payment. On this day, stocks typically drop in price by an amount equal to the dividend paid, so understanding this date is essential for making informed decisions.

The Ex-Dividend Date is one of four dates relevant to a company’s dividends: The other three are:
• Declaration Date – When a company announces that it plans to issue dividends in the foreseeable future
• Record Date - When the dividend issuing company examines and closes its list of shareholders
• Payable Date - When the eligible shareholders are to be paid by the company 


What happens if I sell on ex-dividend date?
If you sell the stock on its ex-dividend date, you will not receive the next dividend. The buyer of the stock will receive the dividend and any capital gains, but you as the seller will miss out on this benefit.

Expiry (expiration) Date

What is Expiry Date in trading?

Expiry date, also known as expiration date or maturity date, is the date on which a financial contract, such as a futures contract or option, will expire and can no longer be traded. At the expiry date, the terms of the contract, such as the price and quantity, will be settled or exercised. For options, if the holder of the option chooses to exercise it, they will buy or sell the underlying asset at the strike price. For futures contracts, the holder will have to buy or sell the underlying asset at the agreed-upon price.

How does a expiry date work?
One key takeaway about Expiration Dates is that the further away they are the better. In this aspect, the potential value of an option can benefit from a longer time an option prior to expiring. I.e., the said option is more likely it is to hit its strike price and actually become valuable the longer it is on the market.

Are Expiry dates good for day trading?
expiry dates can be an important factor to consider for day trading options and futures contracts as they determine when the contract must be settled or exercised. Day traders should take into account the expiration date when planning their trades and adjust their strategy accordingly. It's important to remember that expiry dates are just one of many factors that can influence the price of financial instruments, and traders should always consider multiple factors when making trades.

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