Liquidity

Plain-English definition

The ability to turn an asset into cash promptly without a substantial price concession. Company funding liquidity is a related but different question: can obligations be paid when due?

Why it matters

A quoted price does not ensure that a large position can be sold at that price.

Example

A hypothetical thinly traded security may require a lower selling price to attract enough buyers.

How income investors use it

Distinguish market liquidity from a REIT's or BDC's access to cash and funding. Neither is the same as accounting profit.

This material is general education, not individualized investment, tax, or legal advice.