← Back to glossary

Liquidity

Liquidity is how quickly you can sell an asset for close to its current market price.

Why this matters

Low-liquidity assets can force you to accept worse prices when you need cash quickly.

Simple example

A large ETF is usually more liquid than a thinly traded micro-cap stock.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming every listed asset can be sold instantly at fair value.
  • Holding only illiquid assets with no cash buffer.
  • Ignoring bid-ask spreads in low-volume markets.

Related terms

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Liquidity mean?

Liquidity is how quickly you can sell an asset for close to its current market price.

Why does Liquidity matter?

Low-liquidity assets can force you to accept worse prices when you need cash quickly.

What is a simple example of Liquidity?

A large ETF is usually more liquid than a thinly traded micro-cap stock.

What is a common mistake with Liquidity?

Common mistakes include: Assuming every listed asset can be sold instantly at fair value. Holding only illiquid assets with no cash buffer. Ignoring bid-ask spreads in low-volume markets.