Prelims 2013 · Economy · Question 24
Consider the following liquid assets:<br/>1. Demand deposits with the banks<br/>2. Time deposits with the banks<br/>3. Savings deposits with the banks<br/>4. Currency<br/><br/>The correct sequence of these assets in the decreasing order of liquidity is
Answer
4-1-3-2
Liquidity order: asset that can be used for payment immediately is more liquid.
- Currency – Most liquid because it is legal tender and can be used directly for transactions. So, it must come first.
- Demand deposits – Withdrawable on demand, usually by cheque/transfer, so highly liquid but slightly less than currency. Comes after currency.
- Savings deposits – They are a form of demand deposit, but withdrawals are relatively less free than current/demand deposits used for transactions. Less liquid than demand deposits.
- Time deposits – Locked in for a fixed period; premature withdrawal may face restrictions/penalty. Least liquid.
Therefore, the decreasing order of liquidity is 4-1-3-2.