Definition: Real holding gains and losses account

Category: ESA 1995

Real holding gains and losses measure the difference between nominal holding gains and losses and neutral holding gains and losses. 

If the nominal holding gains net of the nominal holding losses on a given asset exceed the neutral holding gains net of the neutral holding losses, there is a real holding gain on the asset for the unit holding it. This gain reflects the fact that the actual price of the asset has, on average, risen faster than the general price level. Conversely, a drop in the relative price of the asset produces a real holding loss for the unit holding it. 

By the same token, a rise in the relative price of a liability produces a real holding loss on liabilities, while a drop in the relative price of a liability generates a real holding gain on liabilities. http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/product?code=CA-15-96-001&mode=view