Dutch Auction

A method of allocating shares in an IPO where you specify how much you’re willing to pay for how many shares.

Dollar Cost Averaging

Investing a fixed amount of dollars in a specific security at regular set intervals over a period of time. Dollar cost averaging results in a lower average cost per share, compared with purchasing a constant number of shares at set intervals. The investor buys more shares when the price is low and buys fewer shares when the price is high.

Double Bottom/ Double Top

These are reversal patterns. It is a decline or advance twice to the same level (plus or minus 3%). It indicates support or resistance at that level. These are signature patterns that are playable with little or no confirmation.

Discount Broker

A stockbroker charging lower commissions than full-service brokers. Discount brokers do not give investment advice.

Dividend

The portion of the issuer’s equity paid directly to shareholders. It is generally paid on common or preferred shares. The issuer or its representative provides the amount, frequency (monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually), payable date, and record date. The exchange that the issue is listed on sets the ex-dividend/distribution (ex-d) date for entitlement. An issuer is under no legal obligation to pay either preferred or common dividends.

Derivatives

Options and other instrument whose value depends on an underlying security. For instance, the value of a call option on Cisco Systems (derivative) fluctuates with the price of Cisco System’s stock.