BEN 17 – Facebook IPO: The Aftermath

Business English News 17 - Facebook IPO Aftermath

In this Business English News lesson, we follow up on Facebook’s recent IPO.

After a long wait, and even more hype, Facebook joined NASDAQ on May 18th; although it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Zuckerberg and friends. After opening 30 minutes late, and climbing briefly from the opening price of $38 a share; reality set in.

Free Resources: Study Notes | Online Practice

Download: Podcast MP3

VV 29 – Financial English Vocabulary: Bonds (2)

YouTube video

Previously, we looked at some of the main ideas and vocabulary for bonds, including such terms as yield, coupon, and maturity. In this financial English lesson, we’ll look at the different types of bonds. And we’ll explain some of the key terms related to how bonds are priced and traded.

Premium Members: PDF Transcript | Quizzes | MP3 Audio Only

Download: Podcast Video

VV 28 – Financial English Vocabulary: Bonds (1)

Bonds have been a hot topic in the news recently. But what exactly are bonds and how do they work?

YouTube video

In this financial English lesson, we’ll explain some of the main ideas and vocabulary, starting with key terms such as yields, coupons, and maturity. Then we’ll get into different types of bonds. And finally we’ll look at how governments use bonds to finance their borrowing needs.

Premium Members: PDF Transcript | Quizzes | MP3 Audio Only

Download: Podcast Video

Business English News 15 – Facebook IPO

The value of ‘likes’ and ‘tags’ grew exponentially when Facebook filed its S-1 papers last month. Facebook will launch an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in May, paving the way for 27-year old founder Mark Zuckerberg, his staff, and even a graffiti artist to become exceptionally wealthy.

This month’s Business English News lesson features lots of great vocabulary for talking about company valuations, growth and social networks. Use the links below to access the free transcript and quizzes for this lesson.

Free Resources: Study Notes | Online Practice

Download: Podcast MP3

BEN 13 – The Euro Crisis

BEN Eurozone Crisis

The eurozone was thrown into renewed crisis this month as EU leaders struggled to agree on new stability measures.

As reported by the Guardian, “A world recession has drawn closer after the G20 summit failed to agree to fresh financial help for distressed countries and debt-ridden Italy was forced to agree to IMF monitoring of its austerity program.”

Free Resources: Study Notes | Online Practice

Download: Podcast MP3