An asset or merchandise that can’t be readily transformed into money or its equal with out vital loss in worth or intensive delay is usually described as illiquid. This time period signifies the issue to find a purchaser prepared to buy the asset at a value near its intrinsic value in a well timed method. Actual property in a depressed market, extremely specialised gear, or obscure artwork items regularly function examples. The defining attribute is the absence of a available market or the presence of situations that impede a swift and equitable sale.
The presence of property with this attribute in a portfolio or monetary establishment can pose challenges. In periods of monetary stress, the shortcoming to rapidly convert such holdings into money can restrict flexibility and probably result in monetary instability. Understanding the character and proportion of those holdings is due to this fact essential for sound monetary administration and threat evaluation. Traditionally, insufficient appreciation of asset liquidity has contributed to monetary crises, underscoring the importance of recognizing and managing this issue.