<P> A store of value is the function of an asset that can be saved, retrieved and exchanged at a later time, and be predictably useful when retrieved . More generally, a store of value is anything that retains purchasing power into the future . </P> <P> The most common store of value in modern times has been money, currency, or a commodity like a precious metal or financial capital . The point of any store of value is risk management due to a stable demand for the underlying asset . Money is one of the best stores of value because of its liquidity, that is, it can easily be exchanged for other goods and services . An individual's wealth is the total of all stores of value including both monetary and nonmonetary assets . </P>

The store of value function is defined as