What term describes items of value owned by an individual, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate?

The term that describes items of value owned by an individual, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate, is "assets." Assets encompass a wide range of valuable items, including cash, property, investments, and any other resources that hold economic value.

In real estate and finance, understanding assets is crucial because they represent ownership and can contribute to an individual's net worth. For example, a person's home is considered a real estate asset, while stocks and bonds fall under financial assets. Freely trading and appreciating assets can be leveraged for borrowing or can generate income, making them foundational to wealth management.

The other terms, such as liabilities, refer to debts or obligations that an individual owes, and equities relate to ownership interests in a company, often involving stocks. Investments, while they can be assets, are more specifically focused on an individual's commitment of capital in hopes of generating a return, distinguishing them from the broader category of all owned items of value.