Inflation
An economic condition where there is an increase in the price of consumer goods, thereby eroding purchasing power.
Initial margin
The initial deposit of collateral required to enter into a position as a guarantee on future performance.
Indices
Indices are imaginary portfolios of securities which represent the relative health of a given market or sector of the economy. Though each index has its own calculation methodology, what investors look for is the percentage that an index rises or falls above or below its base value. Indices are not technically investment vehicles, however index mutual funds and exchange-traded funds allow investors to take positions on the changing fortunes of the economic sectors represented by indices.
Instrument
Another term used for an asset.
Interbank rates
The Foreign Exchange rates at which large international banks quote other large international banks.
Intervention
Action by a central bank to affect the value of its currency by entering the market. Concerted intervention refers to action by a number of central banks to control exchange rates.
IRS Interest Rate Swaps
An exchange of two debt obligations that have different payment streams (the transaction usually exchanges two parallel loans; one fixed the other floating).