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 Rhode Island, as in other states, investments encompass a wide range of assets acquired with the expectation of earning a return. This return can come in the form of interest, dividends, or capital gains from the appreciation of the investment's value over time. Common types of investments include real estate, stocks, bonds, options, annuities, mutual funds, cryptocurrencies, artwork, and collectibles. The regulation of these investments falls under both state and federal law. At the federal level, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) oversees securities markets and protects investors. In Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation's Securities Division is responsible for enforcing state securities laws, which include the Rhode Island Uniform Securities Act. This Act regulates the offer and sale of securities in the state to protect investors from fraud and ensure fair dealing. Investors in Rhode Island are also subject to federal and state tax laws regarding the income and capital gains generated by their investments.