KPI Explained
The basics of KPIs KPIs, or key performance indicators, use measurable data to track a company’s progress toward a targeted set of goals. From an investor perspective, KPIs are typically…
Connor Emmert is a writer and NerdWallet authority on investing. Prior to joining NerdWallet in 2021, he spent several years as a licensed financial advisor with Bank of America/Merrill Lynch and Fisher Investments. Connor earned his bachelor's degree in English at Colby College. When he isn't researching and writing about personal finance, he enjoys traveling (on points, hopefully), reading fiction and spending time outside with his labradoodle.
The basics of KPIs KPIs, or key performance indicators, use measurable data to track a company’s progress toward a targeted set of goals. From an investor perspective, KPIs are typically…
What are commodities? Commodities are raw materials or agricultural products that are often used to produce finished goods. Many different types of commodities exist today, but broadly they can be…
When investors purchase a bond, they are effectively lending money to the issuer for a fixed length of time in exchange for annual interest payments at a rate determined at…
What is VIX? VIX is the ticker symbol for the Cboe Volatility Index, which is widely used by investors to anticipate future market volatility. Sometimes referred to as the “fear…
High-yield bond definition High-yield corporate bonds — also called “junk bonds” or “non-investment grade bonds” — are debt obligations issued by companies looking to raise capital, and they generally offer…
What is brokerage cash? Brokerage cash is the amount of uninvested cash in your investment account. It’s a top-line number, meaning it does not factor in unsettled trades or margin…
What is a corporate bond? Corporate bonds are debt obligations issued by companies looking to raise capital. When you purchase a corporate bond, you are in effect lending money to…
What is an ESPP? An employee stock purchase plan, or ESPP, is a benefit some companies offer that allows employees who take part to purchase shares of company stock at…
What is a Coverdell ESA? A Coverdell education savings account is a tax-advantaged trust or custodial account used to save for educational expenses. Contributions to Coverdell accounts can total up…
What is Schedule K-1? The U.S. tax code allows for certain businesses and trusts to pass income-tax liability onto the shareholders or partners who have a vested interest in the…