The nominal rate of return is an important metric to consider when comparing investment options, as it provides an understanding of the return an investor would have received had fees and taxes not been deducted. For example, if an investment provided an immediate return of 10% and an after-tax return of 7%, then the nominal rate of return was 10%.

Since many investments are highly taxed, it is essential to compare the nominal rate of return of investments that have the same tax rate. Without taking into account the effects of taxation, analysis of the nominal rate of return can be misleading and potentially lead to erroneous conclusions of a particular investment's performance.

It is recommended to compare investments as if taxes were not taken into consideration, then to apply taxes after making the investment decision. This will make it easier to identify investments that will benefit from having the least amount of taxes incurred.

The nominal rate of return is a useful tool for investors, as it helps to determine if an investment is providing a sufficient return for the risk that is associated with it. This, in turn, helps investors to decide on the best individual investments to add to their portfolio and help balance risks against potential returns.

The nominal rate of return is also used to set expected returns for a portfolio or portfolios over a specific period of time. By setting a nominal rate of return goal, it allows investors to measure the performance of their investments and help them decide if they are achieving their desired return.

It is important to note that the nominal rate of return is a pre-tax return that does not take into account outside factors that can affect the return such as inflation, fees, and taxes. Therefore, the nominal rate of return should be used as a benchmark, not an absolute measure of success. Instead, investors should also consider the post-tax rate of return, which is the more realistic measure of performance. Additionally, it is important to take into account the impact of inflation when calculating the overall return of an investment, as investing in a fixed asset can lead to a loss of value over time.

Overall, the nominal rate of return is an essential metric that all investors should consider to evaluate their investments and determine the performance of their portfolio. Although it does not take all outside factors into account, it is still a crucial measurement in assessing the potential return of an investment and enabling investors to make informed decisions.