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Blackout Period

1. A term that refers to a temporary period in which access is limited or denied.

2. A period of around 60 days during which employees of a company with a retirement or investment plan cannot modify their plans. Notice must be given to employees in advance of a pending blackout.

Notes:

1. This term is often in regards to contracts, policies and business activities. For example, when a political party is unable to advertise for a set amount of time before an election.

2. In a firm, a blackout period may happen because a plan is being restructured or altered, for example, if a pension fund is shifting from one fund manager to another at a different bank.

See also: 401K Plan, Cafeteria Plan, Defined Contribution Plan, Pension Plan

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blackout period

1. The time period prior to the release of financial information during which certain employees of a public company are prohibited from trading in the firm's stock. See also window period.

2. See lockdown.