The Principal Theory
The principal theory is one of the foundational concepts of modern finance. It is based on the concept that the value of a financial instrument is primarily determined by the amount of principal invested into it. This means that when investing in a security, the principal is the only factor that affects the value at the time of purchase.
The principal theory is perhaps best illustrated by the example of a bond. A bond is a debt security, meaning that when you purchase it, you are essentially agreeing to lend money to the issuing company or institution. The principal is the amount of money you lend to them and it remains the same until the bond matures or is sold. As a result, the value of the bond is initially determined by the amount of principal invested. If the bond is sold or remains until maturity, it will then be valued at the amount of the principal that was invested plus the interest it has accrued.
The principal theory is also useful for understanding other financial instruments. For example, when purchasing stocks, the amount of principal typically determines the number of shares you receive and the total amount of your investment. If the stock rises in value, then the Principal Theory would apply, because the value of the security is solely determined by how much you initially invested.
The Principal Theory is not without some degree of controversy. Firstly, some financial experts believe that other factors, such as market conditions, should also be taken into account when valuing a financial instrument. This means that even if the amount of principal stays the same, the value of the instrument could still change significantly due to outside influences.
Secondly, some people also argue that the Principal Theory overestimates the value of certain investments, especially those that are long-term. This is because the Principal Theory does not adequately account for the fact that the value of a security may decrease due to inflation or other factors over time.
In spite of its potential weaknesses, the Principal Theory is still an essential concept in modern finance. It has been around for many years and continues to provide a useful framework for assessing the worth of financial instruments. Its basic concepts are easy to understand, and it is applicable to a wide range of financial instruments. By understanding and applying the Principal Theory, investors can make more educated and informed decisions about their investments.