Equity Capital Market

Options Assignment Explained: Early Exercise and Pin Risk

October 2, 2026 by Bruno M.

AI-generated editorial image: An analog desk clock, reading glasses, and paper notebook on an oak table in morning light representing options expiration and study.

Learn how options assignment works, why short calls face early exercise before ex-dividend dates, and how pin risk creates unexpected weekend stock exposure.

Treasury General Account Explained: Cash, Reserves, and Liquidity

October 1, 2026 by Bruno M.

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Learn how the Treasury General Account (TGA) at the Federal Reserve works, why tax inflows drain bank reserves, and how government spending impacts liquidity.

Callable Bonds Explained: Call Protection, YTC and Risks

October 1, 2026 by Bruno M.

AI-generated editorial image: An engraved corporate debt certificate and open indenture ledger on an executive desk under soft morning light.

Learn how callable bonds work, why issuers redeem debt early, how to calculate Yield to Call vs. YTM, and how call protection impacts investor returns.

Index Options vs. Equity Options: Cash Settlement & Tax Rules

October 24, 2026September 30, 2026 by Bruno M.

AI-generated editorial image: A minimalist desk with an open notebook, pen, and ceramic coffee cup beside a bright window

Learn how index options differ from equity options in cash settlement, European exercise, early assignment risk, and Section 1256 60/40 tax treatment.

Mortgage Points Explained: Discount Points, Math & Tax Rules

September 29, 2026 by Bruno M.

$AI-generated editorial image: An architectural blueprints drafting table with a neat loan contract folder, wooden ruler, and brass compass beside a sunlit window.$

Learn how mortgage discount points work, calculate your exact break-even timeline, and understand IRS and CFPB rules before buying down your rate.

Margin vs. Cash Accounts: How Leverage and Margin Calls Work

September 29, 2026 by Bruno M.

AI-generated editorial image: An antique brass balance scale resting on a wooden executive desk beside a closed linen notebook and a pen in soft daylight.

Understand how cash accounts differ from margin accounts, including Reg T rules, leverage risks, margin call mathematics, and tax treatment of interest.

SOFR vs. Fed Funds Rate: Secured vs. Unsecured Benchmarks

September 28, 2026 by Bruno M.

AI-generated editorial image: A minimalist architectural desk scene with a brass compass and an open financial report under soft natural daylight.

Understand the key differences between SOFR and the Fed Funds Rate, from collateral and calculation methods to how they drive lending and policy.

Brokered CDs vs. Bank CDs: How Liquidity and FDIC Rules Differ

September 28, 2026 by Bruno M.

AI-generated editorial image: An unbranded modern banking deposit certificate and an open fountain pen on a dark oak desk beside folded financial documents.

How brokered CDs and bank CDs differ across secondary trading, interest rate risk, call provisions, early withdrawal penalties, and FDIC insurance rules.

Mortgage Amortization: How Payments and Schedules Work

September 27, 2026 by Bruno M.

AI-generated editorial image: An architectural model of a residential timber home frame on a clean wooden design table with blueprints and a brass compass.

How mortgage amortization schedules work, from monthly payment math and principal reduction to 30-year vs. 15-year terms and paydown acceleration.

Ex-Dividend Date Explained: Timeline, T+1 Rules, and Price Drops

September 27, 2026 by Bruno M.

AI-generated editorial image: A minimalist calendar desk pad with a discreet brass date marker on a calm mahogany office desk in soft morning light.

Learn how the ex-dividend date works, how SEC T+1 settlement aligned it with the record date, why stock prices drop at open, and IRS holding rules.