Topic: CNBC Explains

The term Dodd-Frank refers to a comprehensive and complicated piece of financial regulation born out of the Great Recession of 2008. But what does it do and how does it really work? CNBC explains.

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission—or SEC—is the watchdog of Wall Street. So how does it work and what power does it really have? CNBC explains.

An initial public offering—or IPO as it's most commonly called—is the way for companies to go from private to public and sell stock shares in their firm. Here's a look at how the IPO process unfolds as CNBC explains.

The alternative minimum tax, or AMT as it's known, has trapped more and more American taxpayers over the years to become one of the most dreaded phrases in tax terminology. To help better understand the very complicated  AMT, CNBC explains.

Exchange-traded notes, or ETN's are a relatively new type of investment, but growing in popularity. So what are they and how do the work? CNBC explains.

A couple of devices that major exchanges use to stop manipulation or extreme volatility in the markets are called "limit up, limit down." CNBC explains what these are and how they work.

The beige book is an important indicator on the state of the U.S. economy and a critical tool for the Federal Reserve. CNBC explains.

The federal funds rate is a key element in how banks operate in the U.S. So what is it, and how does it affect the banking system? CNBC explains.

Alpha and beta are important tools for many investors when it comes to figuring out investment returns. So what are they exactly and how do they work? CNBC explains.

Preferred stocks are a special class of investments that have several unique features. Those features often make them confusing to investors. So what exactly are preferred stocks? CNBC explains.