What term is used for the increase in value of an asset that is not recognized until sale?

The term used for the increase in value of an asset that is not recognized until the asset is sold is capital gain. Capital gains refer specifically to the profit made from the sale of investments or assets when they are sold for a higher price than the purchase price. This concept is essential in the fields of finance and investments, as it indicates a realized profit that can be subject to taxation upon sale.

Understanding capital gains helps investors strategize when to sell their assets, take advantage of the increase in value, and meet tax obligations. This is distinct from other terms like asset appreciation, which is more general and does not imply realization through sale, or investment return, which encompasses all forms of income generated from an investment, including interest or dividends over time. Value increment could describe increases in value but lacks the specificity associated with realized gains through sales.