The following definitions may help you better understand the capital markets. U Underlying interest The specific security, commodity, index or financial instrument in which an option or futures contract is traded. Underwriting The purchase for resale of a new issue of securities by an investment dealer or group of dealers who are also known as underwriters. The formal agreements for these transactions are called underwriting agreements. Unlisted A security not listed on a stock exchange, but traded on the Over-the-Counter market. Uptick A stock is said to be on an uptick when the last trade occurred at a higher price than the one before it.