noun
speculation
Investing at risk to profit from price changes.
The rapid price swings encourage speculation in the market.
Etymology
Observing and considering possibilities developed into conjecture about future events. Financial speculation acts on such forecasts in hopes of profiting from changing prices.
More examples
- He lost money through speculation.
- The company restricted currency speculation.
- Their risky speculations depended on rising prices.
Forms
speculation · speculations
speculate verb — form ideas or invest without certainty
Similar words
- investment
- Can prioritize steady returns rather than risky price movements.
- gambling
- Usually involves wagering rather than acquiring an asset.