What does the term 'income' refer to in economics?

In economics, 'income' specifically refers to the flow of money earned by an individual or entity over a period of time. This includes wages, salaries, dividends, interest, and other forms of monetary compensation or revenue that accumulate over time. The concept emphasizes that income represents an ongoing stream of earnings rather than a static amount, distinguishing it from wealth, which can be seen as a stock of tangible and intangible assets owned at a specific point in time. In this context, income is critical as it affects consumption patterns, savings behavior, and overall economic wellbeing.

The other options reflect different financial concepts and do not accurately describe income as defined in economic terms, focusing instead on aspects of wealth, one-time transactions, or expenditures.