The correct answer is: A. Equity shares
Equity shares are the most common type of marketable security. They represent ownership in a company and entitle the holder to a share of the company’s profits. Equity shares are also known as common shares or ordinary shares.
Preference shares are a type of equity share that has a higher claim on a company’s profits and assets than ordinary shares. Preference shareholders are entitled to a fixed dividend, which is paid before any dividends are paid to ordinary shareholders.
Fixed deposits with companies are a type of debt investment. They represent a loan that is made to a company and are repaid with interest. Fixed deposits are typically for a fixed period of time, such as one year or three years.
Short-term debt investments are a type of debt investment that has a maturity of less than one year. They include Treasury bills, commercial paper, and certificates of deposit.
Equity shares are the most common type of marketable security because they offer the potential for higher returns than other types of securities. However, they also carry the most risk, as the value of equity shares can fluctuate significantly.