What type of assets are defined as marketable securities?

Marketable securities are defined as investments in stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments that are intended to be sold or converted into cash within a year. They are typically purchased for short-term investment purposes and can easily be liquidated on the stock market or other exchanges. The key characteristic of marketable securities is their liquidity, enabling businesses to access cash quickly if needed.

The option that identifies these investments correctly focuses on the intent of holding such securities for a short duration, which aligns with the definition of marketable securities. In contrast, investments to be held for more than a year refer to long-term investments, which do not meet the criteria for marketable securities due to their longer holding period. Physical assets for business operations and equipment and vehicles pertain to tangible assets used in the production of goods or services and are not classified as marketable securities. Therefore, the emphasis on short-term financial instruments in the correct choice captures the essence of what marketable securities are in accounting terms.