First and foremost, this is a process of preserving, rather than multiplying, existing material values. This process allows one to earn profit based on established regulatory and legal documents. These documents outline the obligations and responsibilities of the parties involved. The market value and the changes of the given asset are generally not subject to legal regulation. Essentially, the acquired asset can be both a subject of speculation and a subject of investment.

For example, a stock can be purchased with the expectation of receiving dividends, in which case it serves as an investment. However, if you acquire a stock with the goal of changing its market price, this is a speculative interest, as there are no regulatory documents governing the change in its market value.