Definitions
In plain terms
A return can change if you switch from unadjusted price to adjusted price, local currency to another currency, or price-only to total value.
Technical
The base contract includes instrument identity, valuation field, currency, adjustment state, distribution scope, timestamp, unit, and denominator validity.
Scope
It is not the same as the arbitrary display base value of an index.
Examples
- A governed calculation records return base with its exact basis, effective time, source, and units.
Common misconceptions
- Return Base does not have one universal treatment without the applicable methodology, event terms, and data context.
Concept relationships
Where this concept is used
- ImportantBackward Split AdjustmentD02-F01-A01
- ImportantForward Split Adjustment: carry later observations onto an earlier share basisD02-F01-A02
- ImportantCRSP Cumulative Price Adjustment: Respect the Vendor Basis, Sign, and GapsD02-F01-A04
- ImportantCRSP Cumulative Share/Volume AdjustmentD02-F01-A05
- ImportantRights-Issue TERP AdjustmentD02-F02-A01
- ImportantSpin-Off Price Adjustment: Separate Parent Price from Distributed ValueD02-F02-A02
- ImportantStock-Dividend Adjustment: Convert Price and Quantity Bases Without Inventing ValueD02-F02-A03
- ImportantReturn-of-Capital Adjustment: Keep Price, Return, and Tax Views SeparateD02-F02-A05
- ImportantPrice-Return IndexD03-F04-A01
Evidence and governance
- Fintech Builder Glossary Definition Contract The Fintech Builder · internal governed contract
Supports: preferred label, short definition, technical definition
Limits: Defines governed platform behavior rather than claiming these policies are universally prescribed by external McClellan methodology.
- Reviewed by
- fintech-builder-owner-approved
- Last reviewed
- 2026-07-27
- Next review
- 2027-07-27
- Record status
- published