Glossary Of Financial Terms starting with H

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List of Financial Terms (Alphabet Wise)

Havala Transaction An Indian term which refers to a mode of transfering of funds out of India or into the country, bypassing official and legal channels. As an example, an individual may transfer his ill-gotten cash to a discreet bank in a foreign country. Using the havala route, he gives the rupees to an intermediary in India, who then arranges a reciprocal deposit of an equivalent amount to his account in the chosen bank. At a later date, the funds could be brought into India through another havala transaction. Since such deals circumvent official channels, there is a loss to the nation in terms of the net inflow of foreign exchange.

Hedging The action of combining two or more transactions so as to achieve a risk-reducing position. The objective, generally, is to protect a profit or minimize a loss that may result on a transaction.

For instance, a SHORT SALE could be employed to lock in a price gain on a LONG TRANSACTION. As demonstrated in Appendix II, hedging is useful with futures contracts too. A disadvantage with hedging, however, is that it results in less than the maximum profit that could have accrued.

Hire-Purchase Arrangement A transaction by which an ASSET is acquired on payment of regular installments comprising the PRINCIPAL and interest spread over a specified period. Although the asset gets transferred on payment of the last installment, the hirer can avail of DEPRECIATION and deduction of interest cost for computing taxable income.

Hot Money This refers to large amount of short-term funds held internationally by banks, institutions and wealthy individuals which quickly move out of or into a country, usually, in anticipation of exchange rate movements or interest rate changes. Hot Money is, therefore, an unstable source of funds.

Hundi An Indian term for a negotiable instrument that is similar to a BILL OF EXCHANGE.

Hypothecation This refers to the pledging of assets as security for funds borrowed. Bank lending for working capital involves a hypothecation of INVENTORIES and book debts. Under this arrangement, the CURRENT ASSETS remain with the borrower, but in case of default, the bank may seek recovery of the loan by instituting a lawsuit to seize the hypothecated assets, which can later be sold.