#Liquidity101 What Is Liquidity?

When an asset can be efficiently converted into ready cash without affecting its market value, it is considered a liquid asset. The ability to convert it quickly and efficiently is called liquidity. Consequently, the availability of cash to make such conversions is the biggest influence on whether a market can move efficiently.

The more liquid an asset is, the easier and more efficient it is to turn it back into cash. Less liquid assets take more time and may have a higher cost.