Definition ∞ Short-term maturity describes an asset or debt instrument that becomes due for repayment or redemption within a brief period, typically under one year. In financial markets, including those involving digital assets, instruments with short-term maturity are often considered less susceptible to interest rate fluctuations. They provide liquidity and predictable returns over a limited timeframe. Examples include short-duration bonds or certain money market instruments.
Context ∞ The concept of short-term maturity is relevant in discussions surrounding stablecoins and other low-volatility digital assets that aim to preserve capital. News often covers how reserves backing stablecoins are managed, with a preference for highly liquid, short-term maturity assets to ensure stability. Regulatory bodies are increasingly scrutinizing the composition of these reserves to mitigate potential risks to financial stability.