paper gain


Paper gain (loss)

Unrealized capital gain (loss) on securities held in a portfolio based on a comparison of current market price to original cost.

Paper Gain

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 back down. A paper gain represents an increase in one's net worth, but it may or may not affect one's lifestyle. See also: Paper loss.

paper gain

See unrealized gain.