CAPITAL GAIN -
Also known as capital appreciation, capital gain measures the increase in value of an
asset over time.
CARRYING AMOUNT -
(See book value definition above.)
CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT (CDs) -
A debt instrument issued by banks, usually paying interest, with maturities ranging
from seven days to several years.
COLLATERAL -
Property offered as security, usually as an inducement to another party, to lend
money or extend credit.
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS (CMOs) -
Mortgage-backed securities, segmented into tranches, so that investors can choose
a tranche that fits their desired timing of payments.
COMMERCIAL PAPER -
Short-term obligations with maturities ranging from 1 to 270 days. They are issued by
banks, corporations, and other borrowers to investors with temporarily idle cash.
COUPON -
A certificate that accompanies a bond that indicates the amount of interest it pays
and the date it is due. The interest is expressed as an annual percentage of the par
value of the bond, and may be paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, annually, or at
maturity. The certificate must be presented for payment either physically or
electronically.