We have changed our privacy policy. In addition, we use cookies on our website for various purposes. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You can learn about our practices by reading our privacy policy.


Upstream

Categories: Company Management

Should you ever find yourself wading in its waters, don't pee in the Amazon. There are these little tiny, jagged-edged fish that...oh, wait. Nvm.

Upstream (in finance) just refers to things that happened earlier. As in: "We ran out of galleum arsenide for the etching of the silicon wafers in these computer chips, so we have to stop production." Upstream, the supply manager gets fired for not having enough upstream supply of arsenic to make those wafers. Without the arsenic, no chips get etched; the assembly line stops, and the 3-headed fish downstream stop being born.

Upstream. It affects everything...downstream.



Find other enlightening terms in Shmoop Finance Genius Bar(f)