Financial asset
What is it?
A financial asset is an instrument or contract that represents an ownership right or a debt. It may include stocks, bonds, deposits, or investment fund shares, among others. These assets are fundamental in the economic and financial spheres, as they allow the transfer of resources between economic agents and facilitate investment and saving.
Financial assets are mainly divided into two categories:
Fixed-income instruments: Such as bonds and promissory notes, which offer pre-established periodic payments and carry a lower level of risk.
Variable-income instruments: Such as stocks, whose returns depend on the performance of the issuing company, implying higher risk but also greater return opportunities.
In addition, financial assets can be classified based on their liquidity, that is, how easily they can be converted into cash without losing value. For example, deposits are usually less liquid than publicly traded stocks or bonds.
Key aspects to consider
Financial assets play a key role in the economy by channeling resources from savers to productive sectors. Their value depends on factors such as interest rates, overall economic conditions, and the issuer’s credit quality.
It is important to carefully assess the characteristics of each financial asset before investing. Aspects such as expected return, risk level, and investment time horizon are critical for making informed decisions. Moreover, understanding how different types of assets interact within a portfolio helps diversify risk and optimize returns.