Definition ∞ A Liquidity Crunch describes a severe shortage of readily available cash or easily convertible assets in a market or within a financial institution. This condition arises when participants struggle to sell assets quickly without significantly impacting their price, leading to difficulties in meeting short-term financial obligations. It often signals underlying stress in the financial system or a specific market segment. Such events can trigger a cascade of financial instability.
Context ∞ In the digital asset markets, liquidity crunches can severely affect cryptocurrency exchanges, lending platforms, and stablecoins, often triggered by rapid price declines or large-scale withdrawals. Crypto news frequently reports on instances where platforms face difficulties processing withdrawals, highlighting the fragility of certain market structures. Understanding liquidity dynamics is crucial for assessing the stability and operational risks within the decentralized finance ecosystem.
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