Question: Margin, call, overweight, option! Where can I find a list of "terms" in regards to stocks and investing?

Jim

Answer:

Dear Jim,

What a good, basic question. One that will help all BuyandHolders.

There is no "one" book or Web site that provides the perfect solution. Some sources are technically oriented, some more historic or philosophical, others more hands-on and directive. The right source is also very much related to the type of term you're seeking to define.

Here's a rundown of my favorites.

Old Fashioned Books

• Begin with Richard Maturi's Wall Street Words: The Basics & Beyond. Although not new, this book, unlike so many others, goes beyond the definitions. It has practical information you can actually use.
  
  
• A solid, basic dictionary (with more terms than Maturi's) is David Scott's Wall Street Words. It too contains useful examples for many, but not all, of the definitions.

If you don't find the answers in the above two books, head for:

• Barron's Dictionary of Finance and Investment Terms. It covers over 2,500 terms that relate not only to stocks and bonds, but also banking, corporate finance and beyond. In other words, it is much more inclusive than the books by Maturi and Scott and what it lacks in pragmatic examples it makes up for in its wide coverage.
  
  
• And I don't want you to overlook John M. Dalton's How The Stock Market Works. Although obviously confined to the stock market, it has an excellent glossary at the end. I know you'll find the rest of the book informative and interesting.

On The Internet

• You might want to sign up with www.investorguide.com and receive by e-mail one term definition per day. The definitions, however, are usually very short and serve to acquaint the reader with only the basics. However, more often than not, there is a link to a related term.
  
  
• Definitely go to www.investopedia.com. The definitions here are lengthy and come with links to all key related terms. (Note: it is "investopedia" not "investorpedia" as you would expect.)
  
  
• The New York Stock Exchange's site, www.nyse.com, has hundreds of definitions. Although some are brief, you will find market terms here that are not defined elsewhere. On the home page, click on "Glossary."
  
  
• The American Stock Exchange has a similar listing at: www.amex.com. In particular, you'll want to use this site if you are researching ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) or other "unusual" terms. For example, this is the only place I found a definition for "harmful warrant." Note: At the very bottom of the home page, click on "Dictionary."

Finally, don't overlook previous "Under the Oak" columns. We have covered many of the investment and personal finance terms one needs to be familiar with. Click HERE for access to the archive of articles.

Good luck!