A balancing item in economics refers to an entry made to reconcile differences between two figures that should, in theory, be identical. This term is often used in statistical accounting.
Baltic Free Trade Agreement - A free trade agreement between Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania established in 1993 and remaining in place until the three countries joined the European Union in 2004.
bank loan A loan from a bank to an individual or firm. Bank advances for large amounts or for business purposes are normally made against security, for example the title deeds of buildings or life insurance policies. Bank overdrafts or personal loans for small amounts are often unsecured if the customer is regarded as a good risk.
The application to banks of public controls stricter than those on businesses in general, justified by concerns that bank failures may disrupt the economy more profoundly than other business failures.