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Liquidity Thinning

Definition

Liquidity thinning describes a reduction in the availability of assets for immediate trading at stable prices within a market. This condition manifests as lower trading volumes, wider bid-ask spreads, and decreased order book depth. When liquidity thins, even relatively small trades can cause significant price movements, leading to increased market volatility. It often occurs during periods of economic uncertainty, regulatory shifts, or decreased investor confidence. This situation can present challenges for large institutional participants seeking to execute substantial orders without market impact.