Basics

Nominal Return

Nominal return is the raw percentage gain or loss on an investment before adjusting for inflation. It's what you see in statements. Real return subtracts inflation to show true purchasing power change.

Example

A stock that gains 12% has a 12% nominal return; with 3% inflation, real return is 9%.

Get investing tips in your inbox

Subscribe for simple financial insights and product updates. No spam, ever.

No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.

Nominal Return — Definition & Example | Investors Lab | Investors Lab