Reserves definition

Reserves are the liquid assets set aside for future use by an individual, central bank or business. Usually they are in the form of currency or a commodity, such as gold. For traders, reserves will usually be kept as cash that can be accessed quickly.

Companies keep cash reserves by retaining earnings, in order to insure against any unforeseen problems in their day-to-day business. In the case of banks, this is usually a requirement set out by their governing body.

Governments will also keep cash reserves in the form of foreign exchange and gold, or other commodities that can be liquidated quickly.

Oil reserves

Oil reserves are the amount of currently accessible oil remaining in a particular economy or group of economies. As oil drilling technology improves, more oil becomes classified as accessible.