Investments are assets or items acquired for the purpose of generating interest payments, income, or appreciation in value. Real estate, stocks, bonds, options, annuities, mutual funds, cryptocurrencies, artwork, and collectibles are common examples of investments.
In Maine, as in other states, investments encompass a wide range of assets acquired with the expectation of earning returns through interest, income, or capital appreciation. These can include tangible assets like real estate and collectibles, as well as financial instruments such as stocks, bonds, options, annuities, and mutual funds. Cryptocurrencies are a newer class of investments that are also recognized. The regulation of these investments falls under both state and federal law. The Maine Office of Securities administers state laws governing securities, which are designed to protect investors from fraud and ensure fair dealing. At the federal level, agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) regulate securities and commodities markets, respectively. Investors in Maine must comply with relevant state statutes, such as the Maine Uniform Securities Act, as well as applicable federal laws and regulations.