What does liquidity risk refer to?

Liquidity risk specifically pertains to the potential difficulty of selling an asset in a timely manner without suffering a significant loss in value. This concept is crucial in financial markets, as it directly affects an investor's ability to convert assets into cash when needed. If an asset is illiquid, it might take longer to sell, or it might need to be sold at a lower price than anticipated, leading to losses.

For example, during times of financial stress or in markets for less-traded securities, the liquidity of an asset can diminish, meaning that finding a buyer might be challenging. This risk highlights the importance of understanding the market demand for an asset and its turnover rate, as these factors influence how quickly and efficiently an investor can exit a position. In contrast, the other options presented do not accurately capture the essence of liquidity risk.