FXCM Research Team

What Are Fintechs? "Fintech," which is short for "financial technology," refers to companies that have infiltrated the financial services industry. Typically, they offer electronic banking, investments, payment and budgeting services and products to consumers and businesses through the internet and mobile phones, and not through traditional brick-and-mortar branches. Fintechs that offer banking products such as checking and savings accounts and debit and credit cards are also called "challenger" banks, particularly…

What Is A SPAC? A special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) is a shell company that raises money in an initial public offering (IPO) with the purpose of eventually buying an as-yet-to-be-determined private company. Essentially, investors provide money to the sponsors of the SPAC so that they can quickly acquire a company they believe is a good investment. SPACs are often called "blank check" companies because investors really don't know what…

What Is A Zero Coupon Bond? Zero coupon bonds are bonds that pay no interest at regular intervals like traditional bonds do. Rather, zeros are sold at a deep discount to their maturity or face value. As the bonds get closer to their face value over time, they accumulate interest, and the investor receives the full face amount at maturity. For example, a zero coupon bond with a face value…

What Is A Write Down? A write down (also written as "writedown") is an accounting procedure in which a company reduces the value of an asset on its balance sheet to reflect its current, lower market value. A write down is also included on the company's income statement as an expense, which reduces its operating income. Write downs occur in all types of companies, although they may occur more often…

Since Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. General Election of 2016, the sitting President of the United States (POTUS) has been a polarising and controversial figure. From alleged Russian collusion to unprecedented Twitter practices, constant criticism has been a central theme among political adversaries. While critique and open discourse are staples of U.S. politics, an actual removal from office or impeachment of a POTUS is rare. On 24 September 2019,…

Political uncertainty is a key forex market driver, stimulating participation, order flow and volatility. Whether it's a forced regime change or democratic election, politics can quickly sway currency valuations around the globe. Accordingly, one of the most important forex market fundamentals is a U.S. General Election. Held on Tuesday, 3 November 2020, the U.S. General Election will decide the American government's makeup for years to come. Seats in the Senate…

The global equities markets are opportune environments for active traders and investors alike. Whether you're building a retirement portfolio or pursuing profitability from speculative endeavours, online stock trading could be a viable way of achieving any number of financial objectives. Fortunately for aspiring stock traders, getting started in the markets isn't all too difficult. In fact, it is possible to begin your journey into the marketplace by completing five basic…

For individuals new to the stock market, it is a little-known fact that there is an enormous difference between day trading and investing. Television and internet ads often promote each discipline with very similar tactics, suggesting that success is a foregone conclusion for almost anyone in the market. Elementary mantras such as "buy low and sell high" insinuate that making money is straightforward, even easy. While profit is the reason…

Learn everything you need to know about the British Pound and Euro currency pair on FXCM now. Find out if this pair fits into your investment strategy.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic brought the world a collection of unprecedented humanitarian and economic challenges. From the virus's initial onslaught in late-February to a November surge in infection rates, COVID-19 was a primary underpinning of 2020's global capital markets. Since the onset of the novel coronavirus, infectious disease experts have warned of a potentially devastating "second wave" of the virus sweeping the globe. As the fourth quarter of 2020 commenced,…