Investopedia

Medium Of Exchange

Filed Under »
Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Medium Of Exchange'

An intermediary instrument used to facilitate the sale, purchase or trade of goods between parties. In modern economies the medium of exchange is currency.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Medium Of Exchange'

The use of a medium of exchange allows for greater efficiency in the economy and creates more trade in the economy. In a traditional barter system, trade between two parties could only occur if one had and wanted what the other party had and wanted, and vice versa. But the chances of this occurring at the same time are minimal. Let's say one party had a cow and the other had a lawn mower: with a medium of exchange such as gold coins, all the cow owner would have to do is find a buyer for the cow and she would receive gold coins. Then all she would have to do is find someone selling a lawn mower, which she could purchase with gold coins.

Articles Of Interest

  1. Understanding The Time Value Of Money

    Find out why time really is money by learning to calculate present and future value.
  2. The History Of Money: From Barter To Banknotes

    Money has been a part of human history for at least 3,000 years. Learn how it evolved.
  3. What Is Money?

    It's a part of everyone's life, and we all want it, but do you know how it gains value and how it is created?
  4. Economics Basics

    Learn economics principles such as the relationship of supply and demand, elasticity, utility, and more!
  5. Examining Stereotypes In Investing

    Irrespective of age, sex and other such factors, no normal investor wants an unsuitable investment. How much people really understand about their investments depends on various factors, including ...
  6. The Basics Of A Financial Analysis Report

    Running financial analysis on a company or industry is a key skill every investor must learn and understand how to undertake without which an ineffective financial report and investment recommendation ...
  7. Mining Stocks: Understanding Feasibility

    In this article, we'll look at the feasibility study as it relates to mining stocks and what it is actually telling investors.
  8. Introduction To Growth Investing

    There are principles and techniques that are applicable for many different types of investors and growth strategies.
  9. Everything Investors Need To Know About Earnings

    We go over the concepts behind the excitement over the most important figure in the stock market.
  10. Differences Between Stockbrokers, Investment Advisors And Financial Planners

    Find out how these three financial positions differ and in which areas they can help you with your finances.
comments powered by Disqus
Marketplace
Hot Definitions
  1. Glocalization

    A combination of the words "globalization" and "localization" used to describe a product or service that is developed and distributed globally, but is also fashioned to accommodate the user or consumer in a local market.
  2. Disaster Loss

    A special type of tax-deductible loss, similar to a casualty loss, where a loss has been incurred by taxpayers who reside in an area that has been designated as a federal disaster area by the President.
  3. Fool In The Shower

    The notion that changes or policies designed to alter the course of the economy should be done slowly, rather than all at once.
  4. Pattern Day Trader

    An SEC designation for traders who trade the same security four or more times per day (buys and sells) over a five-day period, and for whom same-day trades make up at least 6% of their activity for that period.
  5. Cost-Push Inflation

    A phenomenon in which the general price levels rise (inflation) due to increases in the cost of wages and raw materials.
  6. Happiness Economics

    The formal academic study of the relationship between individual satisfaction and economic issues, such as employment and wealth.
Trading Center
Array ( )
taggroups(for debug only):
Array ( [0] => Investing-Basics [1] => SEG (Investors) ) time:9ms