Difference Between Investment and Speculation (with Comparison Chart)

In financial jargon, the terms investment and speculation are overlapping and used synonymously. In investment, the time horizon is relatively longer, generally spanning at least one year while in speculation, the term may extend up to a half year only.

As per Benjamin Graham, an American economist, and professional investor, investment is an activity, which upon complete analysis assures the safety of the amount invested and adequate return. Conversely, speculation is an activity which does not satisfy these requirements.

The basic distinguishing point amidst these two is that income in the investment is consistent, but in the case of speculation is inconsistent. So this article makes an attempt to clear the differences between investment and speculation. Have a look.

Comparison Chart

Basis for Comparison	Investment	Speculation
Meaning	The purchase of an asset with the hope of getting returns is called investment.	Speculation is an act of conducting a risky financial transaction, in the hope of substantial profit.
Basis for decision	Fundamental factors, i.e. performance of the company.	Hearsay, technical charts and market psychology.
Time horizon	Longer term	Short term
Risk involved	Moderate risk	High risk
Intent to profit	Changes in value	Changes in prices
Expected rate of return	Modest rate of return	High rate of return
Funds	An investor uses his own funds.	A speculator uses borrowed funds.
Income	Stable	Uncertain and Erratic
Behavior of participants	Conservative and Cautious	Daring and Careless

Definition of Investment

Investment refers to the acquisition of the asset, in the expectation of generating income. In a wider sense, it refers to the sacrifice of present money or other resources for the benefits that will arise in future. The two main element of investment is time and risk

Nowadays, there is a range of investment options available in the market as you can deposit money in the bank account, or you can acquire property, or purchase shares of the company, or invest your money in government bonds or contribute in the funds like EPF or PPF.

Investments are majorly divided into two categories i.e. fixed income investment and variable income investment. In fixed income investment there is a pre-specified rate of return like bonds, preference shares, provident fund and fixed deposits while in variable income investment, the return is not fixed like equity shares or property.

Definition of Speculation

Speculation is a trading activity that involves engaging in a risky financial transaction, in expectation of making enormous profits, from fluctuations in the market value of financial assets. In speculation, there is a high risk of losing maximum or all initial outlay, but it is offset by the probability of significant profit. Although, the risk is taken by speculators is properly analysed and calculated.

Speculation ca be seen in markets where the high fluctuations in the price of securities such as the market for stocks, bonds, derivatives, currency, commodity futures, etc.

Key Differences Between Investment and Speculation

The basic difference between investment and speculation are mentioned in the points given below:

Investment refers to the purchase of an asset with the hope of getting returns. The term speculation denotes an act of conducting a risky financial transaction, in the hope of substantial profit.
In investment, the decisions are taken on the basis of fundamental analysis, i.e. performance of the company. On the other hand, in speculation decisions are based on hearsay, technical charts, and market psychology.
Investments are held for at least one year. Hence, it has a longer time horizon than speculation, where speculators hold assets for short term only.
The quantity of risk is moderate in investment and high in case of speculation.
The investors, expect profit from the change in the value of the asset. As opposed to speculators who expect profit from the change in the prices, due to demand and supply forces.
An investor expects the modest rate of return on the investment. On the contrary, a speculator expects higher profits from the speculation in exchange for the risk borne by him.
The investor uses his own funds for investment purposes. Conversely, speculator uses borrowed capital for speculation.
In speculation, the stability of income is absent it is uncertain and erratic which is not in the case of investment.
The psychological attitude of investors is conservative and cautious. In contrast, speculators are daring and careless.

Conclusion

At the end of this discussion, it can be said that both are different and should not be used interchangeably. Investors play a very crucial role in maintaining liquidity in the market but speculators too, play a major character in absorbing excessive risk and providing required liquidity, at the time when investors do not participate.