Bid/offer spread

The spread is the difference between the bid (the buy-back price payable to holders of unitised funds by fund managers) and the offer (the higher selling price at which the managers will offer the units for sale on the same day). This is normally 5-7 per cent, and covers the costs and profit of the fund.

Bill of exchange

The authorisation by the buyer for the seller to draw the price of the goods on a due date, on the buyer’s bank, usually when the goods reach their destination. The bank will not discount the bill unless the specified goods are insured against marine risks and the policy lodged with the bank as collateral security.
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It is the bill drawn by exporter against the importer.

Bill of lading

An international shipping document issued by a carrier to a cargo exporter. It serves three purposes: (a) definition of the contract between the parties, including details of the shipowner’s duties and responsibilities for the property (as defined) from the port of shipment to the port of destination; (b) receipt for the goods delivered for shipment; (c) evidence of title, and as such is transferable by endorsement and delivery. A clean bill carries no qualifying endorsement; a ‘dirty bill’ may be endorsed, for example, ‘badly packed’. Copies are kept by the master, the shipper and the consignee.
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A document issued by a carrier that is a receipt for the merchandise or other property to be transported, and that outlines just what the carrier agrees to do and his responsibilities for the property.