Why are investments in marketable securities usually regarded as current assets?

Answer 1

Current assets are assets that can be easily converted to cash in under a year. Usually listed in order of liquidity so cash if first the down to things like A/R. If a shareholder owes the company money it is current because the IRS assumes it will be repaid the moment the company needs the money.

Answer 2

Investments in marketable securities are usually classified as held for trading and are generally expected to be sold off within 90 days of their acquisition resulting in them being classified as current assets most of the itme.