Pääomankulutus

Pääomankulutus, also known as capital consumption, refers to the decrease in the value of capital assets over time. This decline can occur due to wear and tear, obsolescence, or accidental damage. In economic terms, it represents the portion of a firm's or an economy's capital stock that is used up in the production process during a given period.

Depreciation is the most common form of pääomankulutus. It is the systematic allocation of the cost of a tangible asset over its useful life. For example, a machine used in a factory loses some of its value each year it operates. This loss in value is recognized as an expense in accounting, reducing a company's reported profits.

Obsolescence, on the other hand, refers to the loss of value of an asset because it has been superseded by newer, more efficient technology. A computer that is several years old may still function, but its value diminishes significantly as newer models with greater capabilities become available.

Pääomankulutus is an important concept for both businesses and policymakers. Businesses must account for it to accurately assess profitability and plan for asset replacement. Economists use measures of capital consumption to calculate net investment and understand the true rate of capital accumulation within an economy. Subtracting depreciation from gross investment yields net investment, which represents the actual increase in the capital stock. Understanding pääomankulutus is crucial for evaluating long-term economic growth potential.