Security: You'll hear this term used quite frequently - it simply refers to any kind of asset that can be traded.

Share: A share is really a security that demonstrates your right to part-own a company.

Shell Company: A company that is listed on the stock market but that doesn't have any business as such - also referred to as a cash shell because it may basically just be a company holding cash.

Spread Betting: A lengthy subject of its own. Check out our Financial Spread Betting overview for a quick guide.

Stamp Duty: Tax that you will pay on share purchases or house purchases. At the time of writing, you will be liable for stamp duty equal to 1% of a properties value if you're purchasing somewhere worth £60,000 or more. If the property is worth £250,000 or more then you'll be looking at stamp duty of 4%.

Stakeholder Pension: Pension introduced in 2001 that is low in cost and was introduced to try and encourage/assist people on lower income to save for their futures.

TechMARK: London Stock Exchange market for high-tech companies and technological innovation.

Treasury: HM Treasury is the Government department that is responsible for financial matters.

Unit Trust: Fund where many people invest and produce a pool of money, which is then invested in securities by a "professional" fund manager.

Volume: Refers to the number of shares traded (often within a day).

Wall Street: Home of the US stock market, in New York City.