Asked by Stephanie Moldenhauer on May 10, 2024

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Is it possible for a capital loss to be worse than -100%? Explain or give an example.

Capital Loss

A reduction in the value of an investment relative to its purchase price.

  • Understand the mathematical relationship between investment losses and gains across different time periods.
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AP
Ashley PantazopoulosMay 14, 2024
Final Answer :
True
Explanation :
Suppose, for example, you bought a $160,000 condominium as an investment property using $40,000 of your own money and $120,000 borrowed on a mortgage loan. Subsequently, the condo's market value fell to $100,000 because "leaky condo" problems were discovered in the building. At that point, you have lost more than 100% of your initial $40,000 investment because the condo's market value is less than the amount owed on the mortgage loan. You must still repay the balance on the loan after the proceeds of the sale are applied to the loan.