What is INVESTMENT ?

Investment is money committed or property acquired for future income, also trade off between risk and reward while aiming for incremental gain and preservation of the invested amountprincipal. Incontrast, speculation aims at high gain or heavy loss and gambling at out of proportion gain or total loss. Two main classes investment are :
1. Fixed income investment such as bonds, fixed deposits, preference shares.
2. Variable income investment such as business ownership (equities), property ownership. In ecomnomics, investment means creations of capital or goods capable of producing other goods or services. Expenditure on educationhealth is recognized as an investment in human capital, and research and development in intelectual capital. Return on investment (ROI) is a key measure of a firms's performance.

1. Investment Analysis
Examination and assessment of economic and market trends, earnings prospects, earnings ratios, and various other indicators and factors to determine suitable investment strategies.
2. Investment Income
Capital gains, dividends, interest, and rent generated by investment, and not by trading activities. Also called unearned income, investment income is generally taxable.
3. Investment Instruments
Alternative term for financing instrument (document such as a share certificate, promissory note, or bond, used as means to acquire equity capital or loan capital.)
4.  Investment Project
Long-term allocation of funds (with or without recourse to the project's sponsor) to carry an investment idea through to its stable-income generation stage. A viable investment project aims at achieving a profitable return that ensures (1) timely payment of interest and principal, (2) attractive return on the invested capital, and (3) positive and consistent cash flows
5. Investment Property
Asset purchased and held primarily for its future appreciation or income, such as collectibles, land, securities, works of art.
6. Investment Recovery
Alternative term for asset recovery (selling off or disposing off obsolete, scrap, surplus, or waste goods or material in a manner that maximizes the return while minimizing the costs and liabilities.)