Alt-A

Definition

Short for Alternative-A paper. Alt-A are loans that are considered riskier than prime loans but less risky than subprime loans. Generally made to individuals with a good credit score but some aspect of the loan (e.g. limited documentation or high loan-to-value ratio) makes the loan riskier than prime. Also see A paper, No docs.

Investing Essentials

Copyright © 2011 Campbell R. Harvey, Professor of Finance, Fuqua School of Business at Duke University


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Overwriting
A speculative option strategy that involves selling call or put options on stocks that are believed to be overpriced or underpriced; the options are expected not to be exercised.

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