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The discount rate is indeed defined as the rate used to discount future cash flows to determine their present value (PV). This concept is crucial in finance and investments as it helps investors assess the value of an investment based on its future cash flows, allowing them to make informed decisions.

Using the discount rate, investors can determine how much future money is worth today, given the expected rate of return and other factors. Essentially, it expresses the time value of money, reflecting the idea that money available today is worth more than the same amount in the future due to its potential earning capacity.

This approach to valuing investments can apply to various financial instruments, including stocks and bonds, as it helps in assessing fair value, making investment choices, and evaluating projects in capital budgeting contexts. It plays a key role in investment analysis and is a fundamental concept in finance.