Market Terminology

Bargain

Stockbroker jargon for a share transaction.

Bear

An investor who is negative towards shares, believing prices will fall. A Bear market is one where share prices across the entire market are generally, and consistently, falling.

Bid/Offer Spread

The difference between the buying price (bid), and the selling price(offer).

Blue Chip

The term used to define a company regarded as being a solid, and consequently safe, investment. The company will almost certainly be large, well established and profitable, but be conservatively managed.

Bull

An investor who is positive towards shares, believing prices will rise. A Bull market is one where share prices across the entire market are generally, and consistently, rising.