bonds (the issue to be refunded). The refunding issue usually specifies a rate lower than the issue to be refunded, and the proceeds are invested, usually in governmentsecurities, until the higher-rate bonds become callable. See: Refunding escrow deposits. Advancement Money or property given to a person by the deceased before death and intended as an advance against the beneficiary's share in the will. Adverse opinion An independent auditor's opinion expressing that a firm'sfinancial statements do not reflect the company'sposition accurately. See also: Qualified opinion. Adverse selection Refers to a situation in which sellers have relevant information that buyers lack (or vice versa) about some aspect of product quality. Advising bank Corresponding bank in the beneficiary's country to which an issuing bank sends a letter of credit. Advisory letter A newsletter offering financial advice to its readers. Affidavit of Loss A sworn statement describing the particulars and circumstances of the loss of securities. This affidavit is required before a Bond of Indemnity can be issued and the securities replaced. Affiliate Relationship between two companies when one company owns substantial interest, but less than a majority of the voting stock of another company, or when two companies are both subsidiaries of a third company. See: Subsidiaries, parent company. Affiliated corporation A corporation that is an affiliate to the parent company. Affiliated person An individual who possesses enough influence and control in a corporation as to be able to alter the actions of the corporation. Affirmative covenant A bond covenant that specifies certain actions the firm must take. Affirmative obligation A New York Stock Exchange rule that governs the behavior of specialists. Affirmative obligation is the mandate of the specialists to step in and act as either the buyer or the seller when public investor orders exist do not match up naturally. Also known as positive_obligation. Related: negative_obligation. Affordability index An index that measures the financial ability of consumers to purchase a home. After acquired clause A contractual clause in a mortgage agreement stating that any additional mortgageable property attained by the borrower after the mortgage is signed will be regarded as additional security for the obligation addressed in the mortgage. After-hours dealing or trading Securitiestrading after regular trading hours on organized exchanges. Aftermarket See: Secondary market. After-tax basis The comparisonbasis used to analyze the net after-tax returns on a corporate taxable bond and a municipal tax-free bond. After-tax profit margin The ratio of net income to net sales. After-tax real rate of return The after-tax rate of return minus the inflation rate. Against the box See: Selling short against the box. Aged fail An account between two broker/dealers that remains intact 30 days after the settlement date. The receiving firm must adjust its capital as it can no longer treat this account as an asset. Agencies See: Federal agency securities. Agency In context of general equities, buying or selling for the account and risk of a customer. Generally, an agent, or broker, acts as intermediary between buyer and seller, taking no financial risk personally or as a firm, and charging a commission for the