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# Monied Interest

## Definition

The economic sector composed of those who lend capital at interest rather than employing it directly in trade, manufacturing, or land ownership. This interest is distinct from landed and trading/manufacturing interests because the owners of capital in this sector derive revenue without personally managing the productive use of their funds.

## Source Chapter

Book II, Chapter 4

## Context

Smith introduces this concept while explaining how the quantity of stock available for lending is determined not by the amount of money in circulation but by the portion of annual produce destined for capital replacement that owners choose not to employ themselves. The monied interest represents a third economic sector alongside landed and trading/manufacturing interests.

## Economic Domain

Accumulation

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