Purchase price is the amount paid for an asset, often denoted in monetary terms. In the realm of investment, purchase price is most commonly used when referring to stocks and bonds, since these are both often bought and sold at a certain price. A purchase price can also refer to the amount paid for other items such as a house, a car, or a piece of jewelry.

The purchase price is an important number for businesses and investors as it's used in determining the value of the asset. Investors use the purchase price as one factor in determining a company's market capitalization, which is a measure of the company's value based on its stock price. In addition, companies that issue stocks or bonds will often use the purchase price to calculate dividends, or payments to shareholders.

The purchase price of an asset is affected by several factors, including market conditions, the asset’s availability, and investor sentiment. The asset’s location, historical performance, and age can also play a role in setting the purchase price.

When it comes to making decisions about investment opportunities, retail investors should consider the purchase price in comparison to the asset’s potential selling price. If the potential selling price is greater than the purchase price, an investor may consider the asset an attractive investment opportunity. On the other hand, if the potential selling price is lower than the purchase price, then the investment may not be worth the risk.

Overall, understanding the purchase price of an asset is essential for any investor, regardless of the type of asset being bought or sold. This can help investors make informed decisions about their investment portfolio and also provide insight into the current market conditions for the asset. It’s important to remember that the purchase price of an asset tends to fluctuate over time, so it’s important to be aware of these changing trends when evaluating investment opportunities.