Listening 1

Ex.1

Listen to the extract from a midday financial market report on television. The newsreader mentions the prices of the following securities, currencies and commodities. In each case, does she say that the price has risen, fallen or stayed almost the same?

Ex.2

Match up the following words and definitions.

1. a company that spreads investors’ capital over a variety of securities

2. an investor’s selection of securities

3. a person who can advice investors and buy and sell shares for them

4. a stock in a large company or corporation that is considered to be a secure investment

5. a stock – in an industry not much affected by cyclical trends – that offers a good return but only a limited chance of a rise or decline in price

6. a stock – which usually has a high purchasing price and a low current rate of return – that is expected to appreciate in capital value

7. a wholesaler in stocks and shares who deals with brokers

8. financial organizations such as a pension funds and insurance companies which own most of the shares of all leading companies (over 60 %, and rising)

9. the use of information not known to the public to make a profit out of buying or selling shares

Ex. 3

Three is a logical connection among three of the four words in each of the following groups. Which is the odd one out, and why?

1. bonus issue – dividend – over-the-counter – shareholder
2. creditor – market-maker – shareholder – stockbroker
3. debt – equity – share – stock
4. face value – market value – nominal value – par value
5. float – liquidation – share issue – underwriter
6. institutional investor – insurance company – liabilities – pension fund
7. mutual fund – portfolio – risk – underwriter