Which of the following is a characteristic of short-term investments?

Short-term investments are defined by their duration, which typically lasts for less than a year. This characteristic is crucial because it reflects the investor's intention to maintain liquidity and quickly access funds. Investors often seek short-term investments for immediate financial needs, for placing excess cash to work, or for minimizing exposure to market fluctuations. Since these investments are held for a shorter period, they usually align with strategies focusing on capital preservation and quick turnover rather than long-term growth.

The other options present characteristics that do not align with the definition of short-term investments. A lengthy commitment of funds would contradict the essence of short-term investments, which emphasize brief holding periods. High-risk nature is more commonly associated with certain equity investments rather than the more conservative approach typically associated with short-term instruments. Similarly, long-term bonds are characterized by their extended maturity periods, which would not fall under the short-term investment category. Therefore, the defining attribute of short-term investments is succinctly captured by their duration of less than a year.