[lɒŋ pəˈzɪʃn]
A long position refers to the ownership of an asset, such as a stock, commodity, or currency, with the expectation that its value will increase over time.
What is Long Position?
To take a long position in finance and investing means to buy an asset, which could be a stock, commodity, or currency, with the anticipation that its value will appreciate in the future. Investors who take a long position hold onto the asset for an extended period, hoping to sell it at a higher price than the purchase price.
Taking a long position can be contrasted with taking a short position, where an investor sells an asset with the expectation that its value will decrease, and plans to buy it back at a lower price in the future.
Key Takeaways
- Opportunity for Profit: The primary reason for taking a long position is to generate a profit by buying an asset at a lower price and selling it at a higher price in the future.
- Long-Term Investment: Long positions are usually taken with a long-term view, meaning that investors expect the asset's value to increase over a prolonged period.
- Exposure to Market Risks: Taking a long position exposes investors to market risks, such as the risk of the asset's value decreasing, which could result in a loss.
- Diversification: Long positions can be part of a well-diversified portfolio, helping to balance risk and returns.
- Potential for Passive Income: Some long positions, such as dividend-paying stocks, can provide passive income to investors.
Example of Long Position
An investor is interested in buying shares of XYZ Company, a tech firm that they believe has strong growth potential in the coming years. The investor purchases 100 shares of XYZ Company at $50 per share, for a total investment of $5,000. The investor takes a long position, intending to hold onto the shares for several years.
Over the next two years, the investor's expectations are realized, and XYZ Company's stock price increases to $80 per share. The investor sells their 100 shares of the company for $8,000, generating a profit of $3,000 ($8,000 – $5,000).
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