What does liquidity preference signify?

Liquidity preference refers to the desire to hold wealth in cash or cash-equivalent forms rather than investing it in illiquid assets or long-term investments. This concept illustrates how individuals and businesses prioritize having readily accessible funds that can be used for immediate transactions or to meet unforeseen expenses. The demand for liquidity often increases during times of uncertainty or economic downturns, as people prefer to keep their resources in a form that allows for quick use rather than tying them up in investments that cannot be quickly converted back to cash.

The other options presented focus on different aspects of financial behavior, such as investing in assets, immediate spending, or not saving for the future, which do not align with the fundamental concept of liquidity preference.