increment or decrement in the value of an asset or liability for an accounting period. They may be realized or unrealized depending upon whether the asset or liability has been exchanged or is still held. Realized gains or losses are recognized in the financial statements. Only in a few cases are unrealized losses recognized, such as with marketable securities and inventory applying the lower of cost or market value rule. However, permanent declines in the value of assets such as obsolete machinery should be reflected in the accounts. It should be noted that if current cost financial statements are prepared, holding gains and losses would be reflected.