• Full guidance on investment returns
What is the return on investment?
The return on investment (ROI) is an important indicator of investment efficiency and is used to assess the relative return on investment to investment costs. ROI = (Property / Cost) x 100%. The higher the RIO is, the more efficient the investment is, but usually the higher the risk.
Why should the return on investment be calculated?
- Assessing the effectiveness of investments: The RIO allows an objective assessment of whether an investment has been successful or achieved.
- Compare investment choices: The choice is for higher investments in ROI, compared to multiple investment opportunities.
- Developing investment strategies: Develop a sound asset allocation strategy based on ROI for different assets.
- Investment issues identified: Low ROI may be a precursor to inappropriate investment choices or changes in the market environment.
- Optimizing investment decisions: Quantitative analysis helps investors make rational, not emotional, investment decisions.
- Risk management: Understanding the return on investment helps balance risk with returns.
Detailed information on key investment return indicators
Total return on investment (ROI) : The total return over the investment period is measured without taking into account the time factor. Formula is (final value - initial investment) / initial investment x 100%。 This is the most basic indicator of return.
Annualized rate of return : Converting the total rate of return into an annual average growth rate to facilitate comparison of investments over different investment periods. Calculate formula as [(final value)/ Initial investment) ## (1/year) - 1] x 100 per cent. This indicator better reflects the actual annual performance of investments.
Capital gains : the return on the increase in the value of the investment itself, i.e. the difference between the final value and the initial investment. For investments such as equities, real estate and so forth, capital gains are the main source of income.
Loss of cash/interest income Cash gains earned during holding of investments, such as dividends, interest on bonds, rental of houses, etc. This part of the proceeds is available without the need to sell assets.
72 Code and investment multiplier
The 72 Code is a simple estimation tool: 72 divided by the annualized rate of return, which results in the number of years that investment needs to double. For example, the annualized rate of return is 8 per cent, and 72 ÷8 = 9 years, and it takes about nine years to double the investment. This law is useful for rapid assessment of investment growth.
Multiplier = final value/ Initial investments. If the multiplier is two, it means that the investment has doubled; If it was three, it would indicate a threefold increase in investment. This indicator provides a visual picture of the extent to which investment has grown.
Typical return on different investments
- Term deposits at banks: 1.5-2.5 per cent, safe but low returns.
- IMF: 1.5-3%, low risk, suitable for short-term idle funds.
- Bond funds: 3-6 per cent, medium risk, stable return.
- Equities fund: 8-15 per cent (long term), high volatility but high potential.
- Housing investment: 5-10 per cent (including rent and appreciation) and relatively stable.
- Investment in entrepreneurship: More than 20 per cent (potential), but the risks are extremely high and are prone to failure.
Common error areas for ROI calculations
- Ignore the time value: The efficiency of earning 20 per cent in three years and 20 per cent in one year is completely different and should be based on an annualized rate of return.
- No cost: Investment also includes hidden costs such as transaction costs, taxes and fees, which should be deducted from the proceeds.
- Dissociating total and net gains: The total proceeds are gross gains, which are net gains only after deduction of various costs.
- Neglect of risk factors: High ROI is usually high risk and benefits should be weighed against risks.
- Overextension: The high RIO in individual years does not represent average performance and should be seen in terms of long-term returns.
How to select a reasonable portfolio
The portfolio should be based on the individual ' s risk tolerance, investment duration and target returns. In general, young people can take higher risks and can be allocated higher returns; Those close to retirement should be allocated more low-risk investments to ensure the security of the principal. A balanced diversification of investments reduces risk.
Importance of long-term investments
Historical data show that the composite returns on long-term investments are clearly better than those on short-term investments. Even with an annualized rate of return of only 8 per cent, initial investment could increase tenfold through a 30-year compounding effect. This suggests that time is the strongest ally of investors and that long-term insistence is more important than pursuing short-term high returns.