J

J-curve Theory that says a country's trade deficit will initially worsen after its currency depreciates because higher prices on foreign imports will more than offset the reduced volume of imports in the short-run.

Jensen index An index that uses the capital asset pricing model to determine whether a money manager outperformed a market index. The "alpha" of an investment or investment manager.

Joint account An agreement between two or more firms to share risk and financing responsibility in purchasing or underwriting securities.

Joint clearing members Firms that clear on more than one exchange.

Jumbo loan Loans of $1 billion or more. Or, loans that exceed the statutory size limit eligible for purchase or securitization by the federal agencies.

Junk bond A bond with a speculative credit rating of BB (S&P) or Ba (Moody's) or lower is a junk or high yield bond. Such bonds offer investors higher yields than bonds of financially sound companies. Two agencies, Standard & Poors and Moody's investor Services, provide the rating systems for companies' credit.

Junior debt (subordinate debt) Debt whose holders have a claim on the firm's assets only after senior debtholder's claims have been satisfied. Subordinated debt.

Just-in-time inventory systems Systems that schedule materials/inventory to arrive exactly as they are needed in the production process.