Leverage and gearing effectively mean the same thing: the process or effect of 'gearing up' or magnifying exposure to an investment strategy, manager or asset. Leverage can be achieved by borrowing capital or using derivatives [see Derivatives]. A leveraged investment is subject to a multiplied effect in the profit or loss resulting from a comparatively small change in price. Thus leverage offers the opportunity to achieve enhanced returns, but at the same time can result in a loss that is proportionally greater than the amount invested.

Companies that engage in Life Assurance products. It has developed into an important investment arena, mainly due to their tax advantages.

A long position is the state of owning a security with the expectation of its value increasing.

A historical value indicating the greatest number of consecutive months in which the value of a fund decreased.