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What are Investment Securities?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Investment securities are any type of investments that are purchased with the intention of holding onto the securities for the purposes of generating revenue. This is in contrast to securities that are bought with the intent to resell the investments within a short period of time. The idea is to acquire securities that are capable of providing some sort of steady return that can be used as a source of income for business operations or similar purposes.

One of the most common examples of investment securities is found with commercial and investment banks. Along with the revenue generated from loans, securities of this type typically constitute one of the main sources of revenue that is used to fund the ongoing operation of the institution. This means that not every type of investment opportunity is ideal for this purpose, since some investments are not capable of generating a consistent return that is considered within an acceptable range. This means that investment banks that are looking to acquire investment securities will tend to steer clear of securities that carry a level of volatility outside of what the institution considers an acceptable range.

Investment securities often introduce income to an investment portfolio.
Investment securities often introduce income to an investment portfolio.

Investment securities are selected based on their ability to generate an ongoing source of revenue that the investment bank can utilize for funding the day to day operations of the bank, such as providing cash to customers and writing new loans. The exact nature of the assets used for this purpose will vary, depending on the condition of the marketplace. In many nations, holdings of this type are considered acceptable as collateral for any type of business deal that the bank engages in, since the assets do have a proven value and a record of generating returns.

One of the most common examples of investment securities is found with commercial and investment banks.
One of the most common examples of investment securities is found with commercial and investment banks.

There are several common examples of investment securities that just about any investment bank will include in an investment portfolio. Government-issued securities such as bonds are often considered ideal for this type of investment strategy. Along with the government-issued bonds, an investment bank would also consider any type of debt securities issued by national, state or even municipal government entities to be worthy of consideration. Generally, corporate securities are not held as a means of generating steady returns that are used as operating income. In some nations, there are laws that prevent investment banks from making investments in any equity securities that are associated with non-financial businesses, creating a situation where banks often invest in other banks as a means of generating an ongoing revenue stream.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including SmartCapitalMind, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including SmartCapitalMind, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

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Discussion Comments

Warhawk

@GroundGold, your right, preferred stocks do guarantee revenue like a bond and some portfolios will contain preferred stock for the long term generation of revenue. However, they are generally not as secure as a bond because they can often be called back by the company if the market rate drops past the point where the amount of dividends paid to investors starts becoming unprofitable. This is the reason why preferred stock is often at a higher premium than bonds and also why it often isn't seen as "secure" compared to bonds and other government issued securities.

GroundGold

Why isn't preferred stock listed as an investment security? They guaranteed a monthly dividend just like a bond.

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    • Investment securities often introduce income to an investment portfolio.
      By: Anna
      Investment securities often introduce income to an investment portfolio.
    • One of the most common examples of investment securities is found with commercial and investment banks.
      By: Vladislav Kochelaevs
      One of the most common examples of investment securities is found with commercial and investment banks.
    • Investment securities may be used as a source of income for some businesses.
      By: silent_47
      Investment securities may be used as a source of income for some businesses.