Investopedia

Average Cost Basis Method

Filed Under »
Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Average Cost Basis Method'

A way of calculating cost basis when figuring out gains or losses from a sale of mutual fund shares. This is done by adding up the number of shares owned as well as the total dollar amount of the shares; the dollar amount is divided by the number of shares. This number (the average cost basis) is then multiplied by the number of shares sold and compared to the actual sale amount to compute a gain or loss.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Average Cost Basis Method'

Many mutual fund companies include an average basis number on the confirmation statement, which is mailed to the client whenever shares are purchased or redeemed. The shareholder is not required to use this method.

Articles Of Interest

  1. Dividend Facts You May Not Know

    Discover the issues that complicate these payouts for investors.
  2. The Basics Of REIT Taxation

    The unique tax advantages offered by these investments can translate into superior yields.
  3. Using Tax Lots: A Way To Minimize Taxes

    The method of identifying cost basis can help you to get the most out of reduced tax rates.
  4. That's A (Mutual Fund) Wrap!

    These advisory programs offer professional supervision and other handy tools for building a diversified portfolio.
  5. Solutions For Concentrated Positions

    Learn various tactics for divesting your overexposure to any one stock.
  6. How do I figure out my cost basis on a stock investment?

    The cost basis of any investment is the original value of an asset adjusted for stock splits, dividends and capital distributions. It is used to calculate the capital gain or loss on an investment ...
  7. How do you calculate the cost basis for a mutual fund over an extended time period?

    Investors must pay taxes on any investment gains they realize. Subsequently, any capital gain realized by an investor over the course of a year must be identified when they file their income ...
  8. How do I calculate my gains and/or losses when I sell a stock?

    To begin, you need to know your cost basis, or the price you paid for the stock. If you did not record this information, you should have an order execution confirmation and/or an account statement ...
  9. Women: Invest In Your Financial Literacy

    Learning about money may seem intimidating, but it's not as hard as it looks.
  10. 4 Behavioral Biases And How To Avoid Them

    Here are four common common behavioral biases for traders and how to minimize their effects on your portoflio.
comments powered by Disqus
Marketplace
Hot Definitions
  1. Disaster Loss

    A special type of tax-deductible loss, similar to a casualty loss, where a loss has been incurred by taxpayers who reside in an area that has been designated as a federal disaster area by the President.
  2. Fool In The Shower

    The notion that changes or policies designed to alter the course of the economy should be done slowly, rather than all at once.
  3. Pattern Day Trader

    An SEC designation for traders who trade the same security four or more times per day (buys and sells) over a five-day period, and for whom same-day trades make up at least 6% of their activity for that period.
  4. Cost-Push Inflation

    A phenomenon in which the general price levels rise (inflation) due to increases in the cost of wages and raw materials.
  5. Happiness Economics

    The formal academic study of the relationship between individual satisfaction and economic issues, such as employment and wealth.
  6. Affluenza

    A social condition arising from the desire to be more wealthy, successful or to "keep up with the Joneses." Affluenza is symptomatic of a culture that holds up financial success as one of the highest achievements.
Trading Center