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The Global Insight

What is a paper gain?

Author

John Hall

Updated on February 09, 2026

A gain on an investment that has not yet been realized. That is, a paper gain occurs when the current price of a security is higher than the price the holder paid for it, but the holder still owns the security.

What is a paper gain loss?

A paper profit or loss is an unrealized capital gain (or capital loss) in an investment. For a purchased long investment, it is the difference between the current price and the purchase price. Paper profits or losses only become realized, or actual money profits or losses, when the investment position is closed.

What do you mean by the term risk in the context of investing in securities?

In finance, risk refers to the degree of uncertainty and/or potential financial loss inherent in an investment decision. In general, as investment risks rise, investors seek higher returns to compensate themselves for taking such risks. Every saving and investment product has different risks and returns.

What is risk as pertains to investing?

Definition: Investment risk can be defined as the probability or likelihood of occurrence of losses relative to the expected return on any particular investment. Description: Stating simply, it is a measure of the level of uncertainty of achieving the returns as per the expectations of the investor.

Do I pay taxes on unrealized gains?

unrealized gains. Gains that are “on paper” only are called “unrealized gains.” For example, if you bought a share for $10 and it’s now worth $12, you have an unrealized gain of $2. You won’t pay any taxes until you sell the share.

What is a risk in risk management?

Risk is defined as the probability of an event and its consequences. Risk management focuses on identifying what could go wrong, evaluating which risks should be dealt with and implementing strategies to deal with those risks.

When do you have a paper gain on an investment?

A gain on an investment that has not yet been realized. That is, a paper gain occurs when the current price of a security is higher than the price the holder paid for it, but the holder still owns the security. As a result, there is the possibility that the paper gain might be erased if the price goes down.

What is the difference between a paper loss and a paper profit?

What is a Paper Profit (Paper Loss) A paper profit (or paper loss) is an unrealized capital gain (or capital loss) in an investment. For a purchased long investment, it is the difference between the current price and the purchase price.

What happens to a paper gain when the price goes down?

As a result, there is the possibility that the paper gain might be erased if the price goes back down. A paper gain represents an increase in one’s net worth, but it may or may not affect one’s lifestyle.

When does a gain on an investment occur?