What does the term 'current assets' refer to?

The term 'current assets' refers to assets that are expected to be converted into cash within a year. This includes items such as cash, accounts receivable, inventory, and other assets that are anticipated to be liquidated or utilized in the company's operations within a short time frame, typically within one operating cycle of the business.

Understanding current assets is crucial for assessing a company’s short-term financial health, as it indicates the liquid resources available to meet immediate obligations. The conversion of these assets into cash is essential for day-to-day operations and maintaining liquidity, which in turn plays a significant role in financial planning and management.

The other options describe different aspects of assets. For example, selling assets within a year might imply a different type of classification, while assets that are permanently held by the business refer to non-current assets like property and equipment, which are not typically converted into cash quickly. Lastly, the mention of assets depreciating over time is most relevant to fixed or long-term assets, rather than current assets.