Standard accounting practices typically prioritize historical cost over market value for several reasons:

Objectivity: Historical cost is relatively objective and verifiable. It is based on actual transactions and is less prone to manipulation or subjectivity compared to market value, which can fluctuate based on subjective assessments and market conditions.

Conservatism: Historical cost tends to be a more conservative measure of value. It reflects the amount actually paid for an asset at the time of acquisition, rather than potentially volatile market fluctuations. This conservatism helps to prevent overstatement of assets and understatement of liabilities.

Stability: Historical cost provides stability and consistency in financial reporting. It allows for easier comparison of financial statements over time, as the values remain relatively constant unless there are significant changes in the business environment or accounting standards.

Prudence: Using historical cost encourages prudence in financial decision-making. It prevents overestimation of the value of assets, which could lead to excessive risk-taking or inflated company valuations.

Transaction-based: Historical cost aligns with the transaction-based nature of accounting. It reflects the actual cash outflow or liability incurred at the time of acquisition, which is essential for recording and reporting financial transactions accurately.

While market value can provide valuable insights into the current worth of assets and liabilities, relying solely on it for financial reporting can introduce volatility and subjectivity into the process. Therefore, standard accounting practice emphasizes historical cost as a more reliable and conservative measure for preparing balance sheets.