Capital gains
The profit you make when you sell an investment for more than you paid for it.
A capital gain arises only when you actually sell. Until then the rise is on paper and is not taxed. Gains are usually split into short-term and long-term depending on how long you held the investment, and the two are taxed differently. The holding periods and rates differ by asset and are revised from time to time, so check the current position before you plan around them. A capital loss is the same thing in reverse.
One money lesson, in your inbox
A short, plain money lesson built from real news. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.
We will never spam you or sell your details.