January effect
Refers to the historical pattern that stock prices rise in the first few days of January. Studies have suggested this holds only for small- capitalization stocks. In recent years, there is less evidence of a January effect.

Joint stock company
A Joint Stock Company is basically a company that has issued shares. However, all companies are now "joint stock" and the term is rarely used.

Joint and survivor annuity
A type of annuity opened by and intended for two people, that makes payments for the entire lifetime of both beneficiaries, even if one of them dies.

Joint tax return
Tax return filed by two people, usually spouses.

Joint Tenants
This is the owning of land or property by two or more people who are co-owners or "joint tenants". Each has rights in the whole of the property and is entitled to a share of any money raised from selling it. The other key point about a joint tenancy is that when one of the joint tenants dies, the ownership of the property automatically passes to the survivor(s), in contrast to property held by 'tenants in common'.

Junk bonds
Low-rated, high-yield securities issued by companies with low credit ratings. Junk bonds are often issued for use in takeovers and buyouts.