Final answer:
Investors expect a return on bonds and stocks, which includes compensation for delaying consumption, adjustments for inflation, and a risk premium reflecting borrower risk. Stock investors might additionally earn through dividends or capital gains.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an investor purchases a bond or stocks, they are essentially providing financial capital expecting to earn a rate of return. This expected return is multifaceted, incorporating several key components: compensation for delaying consumption, an adjustment for inflation, and a risk premium based on the borrower's risk profile. Additionally, when investing in stocks, dividends and capital gains come into play; shareholders might receive regular dividends or could earn returns through appreciation of the stock's value, selling it for more than the purchase price.