What are Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)?

In short, they are similar to index mutual funds, but are traded more like a stock. As their name implies, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) represent a basket of securities that are traded on an exchange. As with all investment products, exchange traded funds have their share of advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of Exchange Traded Funds

Being similar to stocks, exchange traded funds offer more flexibility than your typical mutual fund.

ETFs can be bought and sold throughout the trading day, allowing for intraday trading - which is rare with mutual funds.

Traders have the ability to short or buy ETFs on margin.

Low annual expenses rival the cheapest mutual funds.

Tax efficiency - due to SEC regulations, ETF tend to beat out mutual funds when it comes to tax efficiency (if it is a non-taxable account then they are equal).

http://mutualfunds.about.com/cs/etfs/a/exchangetraded.htm

Enterprise architecture

Enterprise Architecture is the description of the current and/or future structure and behavior of an organization's processes, information systems, personnel and organizational sub-units, aligned with the organization's core goals and strategic direction. Although often associated strictly with information technology, it relates more broadly to the practice of business optimization in that it addresses business architecture, performance management, organizational structure and process architecture as well.

Modelling the Enterprise Architecture is becoming a common practice within the U.S. Federal Government to inform the Capital Planning and Investment Control (CPIC) process. The Federal Enterprise Architecture (FEA) reference models serve as a framework to guide Federal Agencies in the development of their architectures. The primary purpose of creating an enterprise architecture is to ensure that business strategy and IT investments are aligned. As such, enterprise architecture allows traceability from the business strategy down to the underlying technology.

Companies such as BP, Intel and Volkswagen AG also have applied enterprise architecture to improve their business architectures as well as to improve business performance and productivity.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enterprise_architecture

Enterprise risk management

In business, enterprise risk management (ERM) includes the methods and processes used by organizations to manage risks (or seize opportunities) related to the achievement of their objectives. ERM provides a framework for risk management, which typically involves identifying particular events or circumstances relevant to the organization's objectives (risks and opportunities), assessing them in terms of likelihood and magnitude of impact, determining a response strategy, and monitoring progress. By identifying and proactively addressing risks and opportunities, business enterprises protect and create value for their stakeholders, including owners, employees, customers, regulators, and society overall.

ERM can also be described as a risk-based approach to managing an enterprise, integrating concepts of strategic planning, operations management, and internal control. ERM is evolving to address the needs of various stakeholders, who want to understand the broad spectrum of risks facing complex organizations to ensure they are appropriately managed. Regulators and debt rating agencies have increased their scrutiny on the risk management processes of companies.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enterprise_risk_management

Jade Blocked by 200 days EMA Resistance Line

200 EMA days resistance line capping further price advance. Immediate support is gap support at 17 cents. Next support is gap support at 15 cents. Bulls need to break 200 EMA to trigger another rally to clear the 2 red downtrend resistance lines. Descending triangle base support turned resistance zone 23 to 21 cents is a major barrier that may take a few attempts to break.