Investment is the commitment of money or capital to purchase financial instruments or other assets in order to gain profitable returns in the form of interest, income, or appreciation of the value of the instrument. Investment is related to saving or deferring consumption.
Meaning of Investment: An investment involves the choice by an individual or an organization such as a pension fund, after some analysis or thought, to place or lend money in a vehicle, instrument or asset, such as property, commodity, stock, bond, financial derivatives (e.g. futures or options), or the foreign asset denominated in foreign currency, that has certain level of risk and provides the possibility of generating returns over a period of time.
When an asset is bought or a given amount of money is invested in the bank, there is anticipation that some return will be received from the investment in the future.
Definition of Investment from different Perspectives:
Investment is a term frequently used in the fields of economics, business management and finance. It can mean savings alone, or savings made through delayed consumption. Investment can be divided into different types according to various theories and principles.
While dealing with the various options of investment, the defining terms of investment need to be kept in mind.
There are many kinds of investments: each with its own level of risk and return. The more money you can make from an investment, the higher the risk that you might not get all your money back. So it’s good to have a mix of different kinds of investments to spread your risk and get the results you want.
INVESTMENTS | MEANINGS |
Business | There are many kind of business that you can invest your money in that will allow you to be self employed. Establishing your own company or starting to buy and sell some products is a way to keep your money safe. |
Bonds | Bond is used to refer to the kind of securities which are founded by use of debts. When a person buys some bonds, he or she is either lending out his or her money to the government or to a company. They then agree to give you some money in terms of interest from the money that you have given out and they will later pay you out on the money that you lent out. |
Stocks | When you buys stocks, you´ll become part of the business. This gives you a chance to vote at shareholders meetings and allows you to get the profit that the company is making. |
Certificate of Deposit | This is one of the most common investment types and it works as a savings account although it has some difference. Just like the way a savings account operates, you receive some interest on your deposit amount at regular intervals. |
Mutual Funds | This is a collection of bonds and stocks. This is a type of investment fund that you pool your money with a number of different investors that enables you to pay a professional manager who selects certain securities for you. |
Exchange Traded Funds | This is a single investment vehicle that is made up from a group of stocks which represents a certain index. The index is usually a group of some stocks which represent an industry, a sector of economy or a certain part of the world. |
Money Market Accounts | This works as a combination of checking account and a saving account. The money markets pay higher as compared to the traditional types of savings account. The bank usually invests your money in short-term basis just like the corporate bonds. |
Real Estate | Buying houses or apartments is one of the best investments that a person can make in life. This is because this kind of investment is durable and it will always bring some income to you as well as your future generation. |
Precious Metals or Objects | In the current economy, many people are investing in scrap gold as well as other precious metals and objects. This is because they have a ready market to sell or buy in case one is need. |
Assets | Buying durable materials such as cars, Lorries, land and any kind of asset is a way that is better to keep your money safe. An asset is something that will always appreciate in value and there are very few chances for it to depreciate in value. |
Education | Getting wisdom allows one to make better decision in life. Education investment to the children as well as to youself is also a better way to get cash from employment and also from the right kind of investment. |
Person | Investing in a person that you believes in, like an invetor, sports person, or other talents can also make your future bright. But its a risky investment. |