What would have been the effect on the statement of financial position if the inventories had been sold on 7 March for £2,000 rather than £4,500?

The statement of financial position on 7 March would then have been:

Cosmos Traders Statement of financial position as at 7 March

ASSETS	£
Cash at bank (15,000 + 2,000)	17,000
Equipment	8,000
Inventories (4,500 – 4,500)	–
Total assets	25,000

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES	£
Equity (20,000 + (2,000 – 4,500))	17,500
Liabilities – borrowing	5,000
Liabilities – trade payable	2,500
Total equity and liabilities	25,000

As we can see, the inventories (£4,500) will disappear from the statement of financial position, but the cash at bank will rise by only £2,000. This will mean a net reduction in assets of £2,500. This reduction represents a loss arising from trading and will be reflected in a reduction in the equity of the owners.