The term VALUABLE THING can be summarized as an ASSET, which is a five-letter word. An ASSET is something of value that can be owned or controlled to produce positive economic value. Assets are typically divided into two categories: tangible assets, such as land, buildings, and equipment; and intangible assets, such as intellectual property, copyrights, and patents. Assets can also include financial instruments, such as stocks, bonds, and derivatives. Assets are important for businesses because they can be used to generate income and increase the value of the company.