Total return

The whole gain or loss over the period, as a percentage of the starting value.

Formula

Total return = Ending value ÷ Starting value − 1

How to read it

Not annualized: a 50% total return over ten years and over one year are very different results. See CAGR.

How to use it

The plain answer to 'how much did it make'.

Also called: total return.

Related terms

The whole glossary · Investing tools