What does 'total return' measure?

Total return is a comprehensive measure of an investment's performance, encompassing all forms of returns earned over a specified period. This includes growth in share price, which refers to the increase in the market value of the investment; dividends, which are the earnings distributed to shareholders; and capital gains, which represent the profit made from selling an asset for more than its purchase price.

When evaluating an investment, it's crucial to consider all these components to understand its overall return potential. For example, even if the share price stagnates, consistent dividend payments can still provide a substantial return. Additionally, capital gains become relevant when an investor sells the asset. By factoring in these elements, total return gives a more holistic view of how well an investment has performed, comparing it to other investments or benchmarks effectively.

In contrast, the other choices focus on just one aspect of return. Some only assess price appreciation while others limit their view to income generation or capital gains alone, failing to provide a full picture of the investment's performance.