Final answer:
True, short-term secured loans are often secured by assets such as accounts receivable or inventory, providing lenders with collateral in case of default.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that accounts receivable or inventory usually secures short-term secured loans is True. When a firm borrows money through short-term loans, these loans can indeed be secured by accounts receivable or the firm's inventory. This means that the lender has the right to take possession of the specified assets—accounts receivable or inventory—if the firm fails to repay the loan as agreed. Banks may also secure loans with other types of assets such as equipment or real estate, depending on the terms of the loan and the borrowing needs of the company.