Plain-English definitions, reviewed by an independent investor

Yield

Yield is the income return on an investment, usually as a percentage of its price.

Yield is the income return on an investment, usually as a percentage of its price.

Yield = Income ÷ Price × 100%

Why it matters

It is the income lens on stocks, bonds, and funds, separate from price gain.

Common confusion

Headline yield can mislead if the payout is unsustainable or price-distorted.

Definitions reviewed by the Investing Glossary editorial team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yield vs return?

Yield is income only; total return adds price change.

Why does yield rise when price falls?

Income is fixed, so a lower price means a bigger percentage.

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