Investopedia

Catalyst

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Catalyst'

Something that initiates or causes an important event to happen. Originally a term used in chemistry for the volatile (active) chemical in a formula.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Catalyst'

Quite often you will hear someone say that a stock needs a catalyst. This means that the stock needs some good news or a press release to get people interested in the stock again.

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