Glossary

Our comprehensive glossary explains many of the terms commonly used in the international markets.

Wasting asset

Asset that diminishes in value as it is exploited. All mines are wasting assets because sooner or later the payable minerals in the deposit will be exhausted.

Wedge

A reversal chart pattern characterized by two converging trendlines that connect at an apex. The wedge is slanted either downwards or upwards demonstrating bullish or bearish behavior respectively.

Widening prices

Increasing difference between buyers' and sellers' prices. (Usually indicates a drop in market activity.)

Withholding tax

An amount of tax that is withheld (as required by the domestic tax legislation of a country) from an amount that is payable to a person and paid over to the relevant tax authority in that country. Withholding taxes are widely applied to dividends, interest and royalties payments.

Working Capital

The money which is tied up in the workings of the company. Usually calculated by adding the company's debtors, stock and cash balances, and subtracting its creditors and other current liabilities. Most companies try to keep their working capital to a minimum because it ties up money which could be used for other activities and which incurs interest.

Write-down

Devaluation of assets for some or other reason, one such as damage

Write-off

An accounting term for reducing the value of an asset to zero for some reason such as damages or complete obsolescence.

Writer

The original seller of an option. The writer is required to fulfil the terms of the option at the choice of the holder