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How Do I Understand Profit and Total Returns on US Stocks?
That βTotal Returnβ is your PROFIT (or loss). Yes. Simple as that. Let Me Explain With a Simple Story Mama Ngozi buys tomatoes for β¦10,000. After one week, the tomatoes are now worth β¦11,500. What is her gain? β¦11,500 β β¦10,000 = β¦1,500 profit That β¦1,500 is her return Oyaβ¦ Relax Let Me Explain WhatRead more
That βTotal Returnβ is your PROFIT (or loss).
Yes.
Simple as that.
Let Me Explain With a Simple Story
Mama Ngozi buys tomatoes for β¦10,000.
After one week, the tomatoes are now worth β¦11,500.
What is her gain?
β¦11,500 β β¦10,000 = β¦1,500 profit
That β¦1,500 is her return
Oya⦠Relax Let Me Explain
What βTotal Returnβ Means
When your app shows:
β’ +$1.50
β’ +$3.70
β’ +$4.17
It means:
π That is how much profit you have made on each stock
Example Breakdown
Stock A
You invested maybe:
β’ $50
Now it is worth:
β’ $51.50
π Total return = +$1.50
Stock B
You invested:
β’ $100
Now:
β’ $103.70
π Return = +$3.70
Stock C
You invested:
β’ $80
Now:
β’ $84.17
π Return = +$4.17
Important Thing You Must Know
This return comes from:
1. Price Increase
If the stock price goes up:
β your return increases
2. Dividends (if any)
If the company pays dividend:
β it adds to your return
Let Me Be Honest With You
That number is:
β not yet your money in hand
Why?
Because:
π You have NOT sold the stock yet
So It Is Called:
β Unrealized profit
When Does It Become Real Money?
Only when you:
π SELL the stock
Simple Truth
β’ Before selling β profit on screen
β’ After selling β profit in your pocket
Final Truth
Those numbers you are seeing mean:
π Your investment is currently growing
Let Me Leave You With This
Donβt rush to sell just because you see small profit.
Ask yourself:
β’ Am I investing long-term?
β’ Do I believe in this company?
Because real wealth is not built from:
β small quick gains
But from:
β patience and growth over time
Rose Ejituru
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