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AP MacroeconomicsMoney, Banking & Finance

Present Value

Present value is what a future sum of money is worth today, after discounting for the interest that could be earned in the meantime.

Because money available now can earn interest, a dollar today is worth more than a dollar in the future. Present value is used to compare investments and value bonds. A higher interest rate lowers present value.

Formula / Example

Present value = Future value ÷ (1 + r)ⁿ.

Related terms

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