The dedication of an asset to achieve a gain in value through time is referred to as investment. Investment necessitates the sacrifice of a current item, such as time, money, or effort.
The goal of investing in finance is to earn a return on the invested asset. A gain (profit) or loss realised through the sale of a property or investment, unrealized capital appreciation (or depreciation), or investment income such as dividends, interest, or rental income, or a mix of capital gain and income, may constitute the return. Currency gains or losses owing to changes in foreign currency exchange rates may also be included in the return.