Which term describes the amount an investor can readily convert into cash?

Liquidity is the term that describes the ease with which an investor can convert an asset into cash without significantly affecting its market price. This concept is crucial in finance because it determines how quickly investments can be accessed or utilized, especially in situations requiring immediate funds. High liquidity indicates that an asset can be sold quickly with minimal loss in value, which is essential for investors who may need to access their funds promptly.

In contrast, equity refers to ownership in an asset, usually associated with stocks and real estate. Volatility measures the price fluctuations of an asset over time, which does not directly relate to cash conversion. Maturity pertains to the duration until a financial obligation or investment reaches its due date, affecting the timing of cash flows but not the ability to convert an asset to cash. Understanding liquidity is essential for effective financial planning and investment management.