1. a company that spreads investors¹" capital over a variety of securities

2. an investor"s selection of securities

3. a person who can advise investors and buy and sell shares for them

4. a stock in a large company or corporation that is considered to be a secure investment

5. a stock in an industry not much affected² by cyclical trends  that offers a good return but only a limited chance of a rise or decline in price

6. a stock which usually has a high purchasing price and a low  current rate of return that is expected to appreciated in capital value

7. a wholesaler³ in stocks and shares who deals with brockers

8. financial organizations such as pension funds and insurance companies which own most of the shares of all leading companies(over 60%, and rising)

9. the use of information not known to the public to make a profit out  of buying or selling shares

1 mutual fund  2 portfolio  3 stockbroker  4 blue chip  5 defensive stock 6 growth stock  7 market-maker  8 institutional investors 9 insider share-dealing