An investment, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is “the commitment of funds with a view to minimizing risk and safeguarding capital while earning a return”. Generally speaking, investments are made for the “long haul”, with the belief that the value of the investment vehicle of choice will increase in value. When you say investment to most people in the United States, the first “vehicle” of choice in their minds is the Stock Market, with Mutual Funds in second place, followed more recently by property in third place, and Bonds in a distant fourth. Commodities and currency trading are rarely considered investments because of the speculative nature of those markets. Speculation, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is the “assumption of unusual business risk in hopes of obtaining commensurate gain”.
A quick review of the definitions of “investment” and “speculation” immediately highlights the “inherent amount of risk” as the major difference between both practices. If you were to survey all those people who “invested” their life savings in the Stock Market and Mutual Funds just prior to the market crash of September 2000, do you think that they would agree that the Stock Market and Mutual Funds still fit the definition of a safe investment? Bonds in reality are extremely low risk trading vehicles and are therefore considered “investments”. While bonds were also affected in the market correction, they are still primarily an institutional trading vehicle and did not affect individual investors as broadly. While the ownership of private property seems to have escaped the dark shadow of a high risk investment, recent market forces and speculation in private property have eroded the quality of this investment. As of today, the housing boom in the United States has apparently run its’ course due to rising interest rates and increased inventory of discounted properties due to default and foreclosure. Many of the “paper millionaires” which this market has created will soon feel the pinch of paying off properties mortgaged much higher than their present values. And to all those owners of property which has long been paid for, you are in possession of a wasting asset against the forces of inflation and the intentional devaluation of the dollar.