What does the term "speculate" refer to in investing?

The term "speculate" in investing specifically refers to predicting the price of an investment based on various market factors, including trends, news, economic indicators, and overall market sentiment. Speculation involves making informed guesses about how these factors will influence an asset's future value. Investors who engage in speculation are typically looking for opportunities to buy low and sell high, often within a shorter time frame, compared to a more passive investing strategy. This approach carries a higher risk because the prices can be volatile and unpredictable based on external conditions.

In contrast, investing in guaranteed stocks pertains to relatively safer investments, selling stocks in a panic indicates an emotional response to market conditions, and keeping all investments within one sector can lead to a lack of diversification, which generally isn't associated with speculation. Each of these alternatives represents different investment strategies or emotional reactions rather than the active assessment and prediction involved in speculation.