In general, appreciation is the increase in value of an asset over time. The increase may be caused by a variety of factors, such as increased demand or a weakening supply, or by fluctuations in inflation or interest rates. This is opposite of depreciation, which is a gradual decrease in value.
Appreciation and Appreciation Rate

Appreciation is increase in the property's value over a period of time. This is in contrast to depreciation, which reduces the value of an asset over its useful life.The appreciation rate is the rate by which the value of an asset increases. Currency appreciation refers to the increase in value of one currency relative to another on the foreign exchange markets.

How Appreciation Works

The term "appreciation" can be used to describe the increase in value of any asset, including stocks, bonds, currencies, and real estate. Capital appreciation, for instance, refers to an increase in the worth of financial assets such as stocks, which can occur for reasons such as the company's improved financial performance.

Even if the value of an asset increases, its owner may not necessarily realize the increase. This represents a realization of the increase if the owner revalues the asset at the higher price on their financial statements.

Currency appreciation is another type of appreciation. A country's currency can appreciate or depreciate in relation to other currencies over time.

A capital gain is the profit realized from the sale of an asset whose value has increased.

How to Calculate the Appreciation Rate

The rate of appreciation is almost identical to the compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Therefore, you divide the ending value by the beginning value, then multiply the resulting fraction by the number of holding periods (e.g. years). Lastly, one is subtracted from the result.

To calculate the appreciation rate, it is necessary to know both the initial value and the future value of the investment. You must also determine the duration of the asset's appreciation.

In 2016, Ericka purchases a home for $200,000. The value has increased to $250,000 in 2021. During the past five years, the home has appreciated by 25% [($250,000 - $200,000) / $200,000]. The growth rate (or compound annual growth rate) is 4.6% [($250,000 / $200,000)(1/5) - 1].

Appreciation vs. Depreciation

In accounting, appreciation refers to an upward adjustment of the value of an asset recorded on a company's accounting books. In accounting, depreciation is typically the most frequent downward adjustment to an asset's value.

Certain assets tend to appreciate over time, while others tend to depreciate. In general, assets with a finite useful life depreciate rather than increase in value.

Typically, depreciation is performed as an asset loses economic value due to use, such as a piece of machinery over its useful life. Although asset appreciation is less common in accounting, assets such as trademarks may experience an upward value revision due to increased brand recognition.

Real estate, stocks, and precious metals are examples of assets purchased with the expectation that their value will increase in the future. In contrast, automobiles, computers, and physical equipment gradually lose value as their useful lives progress.

Example of Capital Appreciation

An investor pays $10 for a share of stock that pays an annual dividend of $1, resulting in a dividend yield of 10%. A year later, the stock is trading at $15 per share, and the dividend has been paid to the investor.

The investor received a return of $5 from capital appreciation, as the stock's price rose from $10 at the time of purchase or cost basis to $15 at the present market price. The stock price increase resulted in a 50% return on capital appreciation, expressed as a percentage. The dividend income return is $1, which corresponds to a 10% return in accordance with the initial dividend yield. The combination of the return from capital appreciation and the return from dividends results in a total return on the stock of $6, or 60%.

Example of Currency Appreciation

The yuan's exchange rate has fluctuated in tandem with China's emergence as a major economic power on the international stage. Beginning in 1981, the value of the yuan rose steadily against the dollar until 1996, when it stabilized at 8.28 yuan per dollar until 2005. During this time period, the dollar was relatively strong. It meant cheaper manufacturing costs and labor for American businesses, which migrated in droves to the country.

It also meant that American goods were competitive on the international stage, as well as in the United States, due to the low cost of labor and production. In 2005, however, the value of the Chinese yuan increased 33% against the dollar. As of May 2021, it is still trading close to that retraced level, at 6.4 yuan.

FAQ for Appreciation

What Is Appreciating Asset?

An appreciating asset is one whose value increases over time. Real estate, stocks, bonds, and currency are some examples of appreciating assets.

What Is an Appreciation Rate?

Growth rate is another term for appreciation rate. The appreciation rate is the rate by which the value of an asset increases.

What is Considered as the Good Home Appreciation Rate?

A good appreciation rate is proportional to the asset's risk. Given the risk involved, what constitutes a good appreciation rate for real estate differs from what constitutes a good appreciation rate for a particular currency.

What Is Capital Appreciation Means?

An asset's capital appreciation is the increase in its value or price. This can include stocks, real estate, and similar investments.

The Bottom Line

Appreciation is the rise in the value of an asset, including such currency or real estate. It is the opposite of depreciation, which decreases an asset's value over its useful life. Changes in the interest rate, changes in supply and demand, and other factors can contribute to price increases.