Demand

The combined desire, ability and willingness on the part of consumers to buy goods or services. Demand is determined by income and by price, which are, in part, determined by supply.

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.

Diluted Earnings (a.k.a. fully diluted earnings)

Total of after tax (bottom line) earnings divided by number of common shares including unexercised stock options, and unconverted preferred stock and convertible bonds. Undiluted earnings would be after tax earnings divided by issued stock only, not considering outstanding options, etc.

Discount

The difference between a bond’s face value and its current market price. 

Cyclical Stock

A stock of a company in an industry sector that is particularly sensitive to swings in economic conditions.

Daily Price Limit

The maximum price advance or decline permitted for a futures contract in one trading session compared to the previous day’s settlement price.

Day Order

An order that is valid only for the day it is entered. If the order is still outstanding when the market closes, it will be purged overnight.