Investment return refers to the profit or loss generated from an investment over a specific period. It is typically expressed as a percentage of the initial amount invested. Investors use this measure to evaluate the performance of their investments, helping them make informed decisions about where to allocate their money. There are various types of investment returns, including capital gains, which arise from selling an asset for more than its purchase price, and dividends, which are payments made to shareholders from a company's profits. Understanding these returns is essential for assessing the overall success of an investment strategy.