Investing glossary
Plain-language definitions of the investing terms you meet in filings, in the news and in Finzer.
11 terms, all of them on this page
F
Factor Investing
Factor investing is an investment approach that targets specific, proven drivers of returns like value, momentum, and quality. Learn how factors work, why they outperform over time, and how to actually use them in a portfolio.
Fair Value
Fair value is an estimate of what an asset is worth today based on its fundamentals, not its current market price. Learn how investors calculate it, why it matters, and how to use it without fooling yourself.
Federal Reserve
The Federal Reserve is the central bank of the United States that sets monetary policy, regulates banks, and manages the money supply. Learn how it actually works, why markets obsess over it, and how investors should respond.
Financial Stability
Financial stability is a condition where the financial system can absorb shocks without disrupting credit, markets, or the real economy. Learn how it’s measured, what drives it, and how investors should respond.
Financial Statements
Financial statements are standardized reports-income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement-that show a company’s financial performance and position. Learn how to read them, what drives the numbers, and how investors actually use them.
Fiscal Policy
Fiscal policy is how governments use spending and taxation to influence economic growth, inflation, and employment. Learn how it works, why markets react to it, and how investors should position portfolios around it.
Forward Earnings
Forward earnings are a company’s expected profits over the next 12 months based on analyst forecasts. Learn how investors use them for valuation, what drives changes, and how to avoid common traps.
Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow is the cash a company generates after paying for operating expenses and capital investments. Learn how to calculate it, why it drives valuation, and how investors actually use it.
Free Cash Flow Yield
Free cash flow yield measures how much free cash a company generates relative to its market value. Learn how to calculate it, interpret it, and use it to spot undervalued stocks.
Fundamental Analysis
Fundamental analysis evaluates a stock by analyzing a company’s financials, business model, and economic conditions to estimate its intrinsic value. Learn how professionals use it to find mispriced stocks and make smarter long-term decisions.
Futures Contract
A futures contract is a standardized agreement to buy or sell an asset at a fixed price on a specific future date. Learn how futures work, who uses them, and how investors can use them to hedge or speculate.