Cash equivalent

A cash equivalent, also known as "cash and equivalents," are one of the three main asset classes, along with stocks and bonds. Cash equivalents are investments securities that are for short-term investing, and they have high credit quality and are highly liquid.

Types of securities
These securities have a low-risk, low-return profile. The follow types are examples of cash equivalants:
 * Treasury bills
 * Money market funds
 * Certificate of deposit
 * Bankers acceptance
 * Commercial paper