Understanding Rate of Return: How Inflation Affects Your Investments

What is Inflation? Inflation is the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services rises, reducing the purchasing power of money. Simply put, over time, the same amount of money buys fewer things. For example, if the inflation rate is 5%, something that costs ₹100 today will cost ₹105 next year. This is why understanding inflation is crucial when evaluating investment returns. The Importance of Rate of Return The rate of return (RoR) measures the gain or loss of an investment over time, expressed as a percentage. People often look at the nominal return (the return before adjusting for inflation), but the real return (after adjusting for inflation) is what truly matters. How Inflation Impacts Your Investments Many investors overlook inflation when calculating their returns. If an investment gives a 7% return, but inflation is 5%, the actual return is only 2%. Understanding this can help you make smarter financial decisions. Formula to Calculate Real Rate of Retu...