util

Utility

1. In economics, the level satisfaction the person derives from a good or service. Utility is inherently subjective and thus difficult to measure, but it is important in determining how much supply of a product the market can handle without diminishing demand. Historically, it has been thought that one can quantify the utility of each unit, but some economists disagree with this. See also: Austrian school, Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility.

2. A company that provides electricity, water, or gas to customers. These companies are subject to a number of regulations at the local and national levels. They borrow more than most other companies; thus, a decline in utility stocks is often seen as an indicator of a coming rise in interest rates. See also: Dow Jones Utility Average - DJUA.

util

a theoretical measure of UTILITY derived from the CONSUMPTION of a good or service.

See CARDINAL UTILITY, MARGINAL UTILITY, ORDINAL UTILITY, TOTAL UTILITY.