Community Forex Questions
What is the difference between a realized and an unrealized capital gain?
A capital gain refers to an increase in the value of an asset, such as a stock, property, or investment, compared to its original purchase price. There are two types of capital gains: realized and unrealized.

A realized capital gain is the profit earned from selling an asset that has increased in value since its purchase. This occurs when the asset is sold at a higher price than the original purchase price, resulting in a realized gain. The gain is considered "realized" because the investor has actually received the money from the sale.

On the other hand, an unrealized capital gain refers to the increase in the value of an asset that has not yet been sold. This means that the gain is only on paper, and the investor has not yet received any money from it. For example, if an investor bought a stock for $10 and its value increased to $15, the investor would have an unrealized capital gain of $5 until they sell the stock.

Overall, the main difference between realized and unrealized capital gains is that the former is a gain that has been actualized through a sale, while the latter is a gain that has yet to be realized through a sale.
Realized and unrealized capital gains are distinctions in the financial world, representing different stages in the investment process. A realized capital gain occurs when an investment is sold or disposed of at a price higher than its original purchase price. The gain becomes "real" only when the transaction is completed, leading to an actual profit or loss.

On the other hand, unrealized capital gains or losses are fluctuations in the value of an investment that have not been actualized through a sale. These gains or losses exist on paper and are contingent on market conditions. Until the investment is sold, the gains or losses remain unrealized.

Understanding the difference between realized and unrealized capital gains is crucial for investors, as it impacts tax liabilities. Taxes are typically incurred on realized gains, while unrealized gains do not trigger tax obligations until the assets are sold. Investors often monitor both types of gains to make informed decisions about their portfolios.

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