Which term describes the amount still owed on an investment?

The term that describes the amount still owed on an investment is equity. Equity represents the ownership interest in an asset after accounting for any liabilities associated with it. In the context of an investment, equity is the difference between the value of the investment and any debt or obligations that are tied to that investment. This means that if you have an investment property, for instance, the equity would be the current market value of the property minus any mortgage or loan balance still owed on it.

In contrast, while principal refers to the original sum of money invested or loaned, and liabilities are obligations that a person or company owes to creditors, equity specifically highlights the ownership stake without the encumbrance of debt. Assets, on the other hand, are resources owned by an individual or entity that have economic value, but they do not specifically convey the remaining balance owed. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in personal financial management.