Rate of Return, Explained

Rate of Return
Treasury
Treasure
|
February 27, 2023

Rate of return is a financial metric that measures the profitability of an investment over time. It is an essential concept for any business owner or investor to understand, as it can help you make informed decisions about how to manage your business cash and investments. In this article, we will explore the basics of rate of return, including what it is, how it is calculated, and how it can be used to manage business cash and idle cash.

What is Rate of Return?

At its simplest, the rate of return is the amount of money that an investment earns over a period of time, expressed as a percentage of the initial investment. For example, if you invest $1,000 in a stock and it returns $1,050 after one year, the rate of return would be 5%. This calculation can also be adjusted to account for the time value of money, which takes into account the fact that money today is worth more than the same amount of money in the future.

Types of Rate of Return

There are several different types of rate of return, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common types include:

Simple Rate of Return

This is the most basic calculation of rate of return and is simply the total return of an investment divided by the initial investment. It is easy to calculate but does not take into account the time value of money.

Compound Rate of Return

This type of rate of return takes into account the time value of money by considering the reinvestment of any returns earned. It is a more accurate measure of an investment's overall performance but can be more complex to calculate.

Annualized Rate of Return

This type of rate of return expresses the rate of return as an annualized percentage, making it easier to compare investments with different time horizons.

Factors that Affect Rate of Return

There are several factors that can affect the rate of return on an investment, including:

Risk: Riskier investments typically offer higher potential returns, but also carry a higher likelihood of loss.

  • Inflation - Inflation can erode the purchasing power of returns, making it important to consider when evaluating investments.
  • Taxation - Different types of investments are taxed at different rates, which can affect the overall rate of return.
  • Time Horizon - The longer the time horizon of an investment, the more time it has to compound and potentially earn higher returns.

Managing Business Cash & Idle Cash

Understanding the rate of return on your investments is crucial for managing your business cash and idle cash. It can help you determine which investments are likely to be the most profitable and align with your business goals. It also allows you to compare the potential returns of different investments and make informed decisions about where to allocate your business cash.

One way to manage idle cash is to invest in short-term, low-risk investments such as money market funds or high-yield savings accounts. These types of investments typically offer lower returns than more risky investments, but they are considered safer and can provide a steady stream of income for your business.

Another strategy for managing idle cash is to invest in longer-term, higher-risk investments such as stocks or real estate. These types of investments may offer higher returns, but they also come with a higher level of risk. Before investing in these types of assets, it is important to do your research and make sure that you are comfortable with the level of risk involved.

Rate of return is an essential concept for any business owner or investor to understand. It can help you make informed decisions about how to manage your business cash and idle cash, and can be used to evaluate the potential profitability of different investments. By understanding the different types of rate of return, the factors that can affect it, and how to use it to manage your business cash, you can make more informed investment decisions and work towards achieving your business goals. However, it is important to note that rate of return is not the only metric to consider when making investment decisions, and it is important to also consider other factors such as the level of risk involved and the impact of taxes and inflation.

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Treasure Technologies Inc.
447 Sutter St
STE 405 PMB 25
San Francisco, CA 94108
* Returns are projected based on current performance and are gross of fees. Treasure's fee is 35 basis points on Assets Under Management. There is no fee for Treasure Cash. Returns are subject to change daily.

** Treasure Cash accounts are held at Grasshopper Bank, N.A., our FDIC partner bank. Return differentials based on national average checking account rates as of 5/24/2023. Source: FDIC

Website is operated by Treasure Investment Management, LLC ("Treasure"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Treasure Technologies, Inc., and an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Brokerage services are provided to clients of Treasure by Apex Clearing Corporation ("Apex"), an SEC-registered broker-dealer and member FINRA.

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. The contents of this website are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy securities. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns.