Point

1) In stocks, a point equals $1. If ABC shares rise 1 1/4 points, each share has risen $1.25. 2) In bonds, a point equals $10 since a bond is quoted as a percentage of $1,000. A bond that rises 2 1/2 points gains 2.5% of 1,000, or $25. Thus, a bond that advances from 89 to 91 1/2 means a gain in dollar value from $890 to $915. 3) In market averages, the point is a unit of movement in an average. It is not equivalent to any dollar value. For example, if the Dow-Jones Industrial average rises from 4236 to 4258.5, it has risen 22.5 points.

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