Future value is the value of a current sum of money or stream of cash flows at a specified date in the future, given an assumed rate of return or interest rate. It reflects the time value of money, which holds that a sum of money has different value at different points in time because it can earn a return if invested.
In finance and economics, future value is used to express how much a present present amount will grow when it earns simple interest or compound interest, and to compare different investment or borrowing options.
Overview
The idea of future value is closely related to the time value of money. It reflects the fact that a sum of money available today is usually worth more than the same nominal amount received in the future, because money held now can be invested to earn interest or another return.
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