Final answer:
Choose D: When manufacturers invest in short-term marketable securities, the priority is usually on risk avoidance to ensure capital protection and liquidity. These securities have short maturities and are intended to balance the tradeoffs between risk and return.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a manufacturer invests in short-term marketable securities, risk avoidance is of great importance (D). This is because the goal with short-term investments is often to protect capital while earning a return that is safer than aggressive, high-risk investments. These marketable securities typically have a maturity date that is less than a year, unlike long-term securities which have a maturity date more than a year in the future. While the potential return on these short-term investments might be lower than more volatile investments, the reduced risk makes them suitable for many companies that require liquidity and capital preservation.
The intent is to balance the tradeoffs between risk and return, which are important considerations for investors at different stages of life. For example, a person nearing retirement may prefer such low-risk investments for stability, while a younger individual may opt for higher-risk stocks with the potential for greater long-term returns.