by 
In an economic context marked by uncertainty, inflation and the digital evolution of markets, investors are increasingly looking for short-term investment strategies that combine liquidity, rapid returns and risk control. Far from traditional long-term formulas, these options make it possible to take advantage of immediate opportunities without committing capital for years.
Are you interested in a more flexible investment, with visible returns in less than 12 or 24 months? In this article we present the best strategies for 2025 if you are looking for liquidity and controlled returns.
What is meant by short-term investment?
Before going into detail, it is worth clarifying what is considered a short-term investment. In general, we are talking about instruments with a duration of less than 24 months, and often even less than one year. These investments:
- They offer high liquidity or the possibility of recovering capital quickly.
- They have a clear and predefined time horizon.
- They are looking for a quick return, albeit with moderate expectations compared to the long term.
It is not just about speed, but about finding a good balance between risk, profitability and availability of money.
You can read more about this approach in this guide to short-term investing.
1. Interest-bearing accounts and time deposits
✅ Best for: Conservative investors
In 2025, traditional and digital banks continue to offer interest-bearing accounts that allow you to earn interest without locking up your money. There are also term deposits with maturities of 3, 6 or 12 months and fixed rates.
Advantages:
- Low risk.
- Immediate liquidity (in accounts) or known liquidity (in deposits).
- No active management.
Disadvantages:
- Limited returns, around 2% or 3%.
- They do not protect against inflation.
2. Short-term Treasury bills and sovereign bonds
✅ Best for: those looking for institutional security
In times of inflation or high interest rates, short-term government bond products can be particularly attractive. In 2025, many European countries are still issuing bills with maturities of 3, 6 or 12 months, with gross yields that can exceed 3%.
Advantages:
- High security (backed by the State).
- Competitive profitability without high exposure to market risk.
Disadvantages:
- Possible penalty for early redemption.
- Low net profitability after taxes.
3. Short-term fixed-income mutual funds
✅ Best for: those who want diversification without complexity.
Money market or short-term fixed income funds invest in assets such as treasury bills, commercial paper or low-duration corporate bonds. In 2025, some such funds are taking advantage of interest rate movements to generate moderate returns with low volatility.
Advantages:
- Professional management.
- Automatic diversification.
- Good liquidity (usually daily).
Disadvantages:
- Variable returns.
- Commissions that may reduce net income.
4. Short-term real estate crowdfunding
✅ Best for: Investors seeking superior returns without buying real estate.
A growing trend in 2025 is collective investment in short-term real estate projects, such as bridge loans or stock financing. These are operations where terms can range from 6 to 18 months, with expected annual returns between 7% and 10%.
Advantages:
- Defined deadlines.
- Attractive profitability.
- Diversified projects.
Disadvantages:
- Risk associated with each project.
- Limited liquidity during the committed term.
This type of investment may be ideal for intermediate profiles, willing to assume a certain controlled risk in exchange for higher returns than in banking products.
5. Trading and crypto-assets (with caution)
✅ Best for: Experienced and active investors.
Trading stocks, currencies or cryptocurrencies can generate significant profits in short periods of time. However, it requires training, daily market monitoring and active risk management.
Advantages:
- High profitability potential.
- High liquidity.
Disadvantages:
- High volatility.
- Real possibility of losses if not well managed.
In 2025, the regulatory environment and maturity of certain digital assets has improved, but it remains an option for more advanced profiles.
Tips for choosing the best strategy
- Define your risk profile: How much are you willing to lose? Do you need the money available soon?
- Set a specific time frame: 3 months? 1 year? Until a better opportunity arises?
- Diversify: do not put all your capital in a single product or instrument.
- Compare real products: do not rely on advertising promises; look for historical returns, redemption conditions, taxation and associated risks.
- Consult reliable sources and, if necessary, seek professional advice.
Conclusion
Short-term investment strategies in 2025 are many and varied. From conservative options such as deposits or Treasury bills, to more dynamic instruments such as real estate crowdfunding, there is a wide range for all types of investors.
The key is to combine profitability and security with good planning. Because in the investment world, speed is not incompatible with financial intelligence.
Find out today which short-term investment option fits your goals, your risk level and your financial horizon. Choose wisely and make your money work from day one.
