(2) Appreciation in the money value of assets Explanation: A capital gain is a profit that results from a disposition of a capital asset, such as stock, bond or real estate, where the amount realized on the disposition exceeds the purchase price. The gain is the difference between a higher selling price and a lower purchase price. Capital gains may refer to "investment income" that arises in relation to real assets. In other words, a capital gain represents an appreciation in value accruing over a prescribed period of time on the asset.