In what way does high-frequency trading impact market liquidity?

High-frequency trading (HFT) can indeed improve market liquidity by increasing the number of buy and sell orders in the market. HFT firms use advanced algorithms to execute orders at extremely high speeds, which allows them to quickly take advantage of price discrepancies and opportunities. This rapid execution of trades contributes to more frequent trading activity and can lead to tighter bid-ask spreads, as the presence of more market orders from HFT participants enhances the ability for other traders to transact without significant delays.

Consequently, this increased activity in trading creates a more liquid market environment. When buy and sell orders are consistently present, it becomes easier for investors to enter or exit positions without substantially affecting the prices of the assets involved. Thus, the correct answer reflects the positive influence that high-frequency trading has on market liquidity through the enhancement of order flow and reduced friction in trading operations.