speculation
Definition
Deliberate assumption of above average (but analyzed, measured, and usually hedged) short-term risk of financial loss, in expectation of above average gain from an anticipated change in prices. Organized speculation (as conducted through commodity and stock exchanges) adds capital and liquidity to financial markets, and helps dampen wild fluctuations in prices in normal times. In times of speculative hysteria or economic/political crises, however, speculation exacerbates price swings and may swamp usual trading activity. In terms of degree of risk assumed, speculation (short-term acquisition of assets) falls between investment (long-term acquisition of assets for income and/or capital appreciation) and gambling (wagering on random outcomes without acquisition of assets). See also arbitrage.
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speculation is in the Commodities & Precious Metals Trading, Currency Trading, Investing and Securities & Futures Trading subjects.
speculation appears in the definitions of the following terms: gambling, futures market, investment, Glass-Steagall Act, going long, Great Depression, arbitrage and bubble
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