Are CDs worth investing in 2023?
The Federal Reserve's inflation-busting rate hikes pushed annual percentage yields (APYs) on some CDs upwards of 5% in 2023. But with the central bank poised to pull back and cut interest rates, time may be running out for investors to take advantage of those exceptional APYs.
Thanks to the Fed's rate hikes over the past year, CD rates rose like a tidal wave over the past year and a half. Between June 2022 and December 2023, 1-year CD rates rose more than 700%.
A look at CD rates since June 2022
Higher rates have big benefits for savers. Savings account and CD APYs tend to rise alongside the federal funds rate. If you're in a position to save in today's higher interest rate environment, investments like CDs could help accelerate your savings.
The Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes have boosted CD rates. The Fed opted to pause interest rates three times in a row, and it's indicated that rate cuts could be in store for 2024. Since rate cuts could result in lower CD rates, now's a good time to lock in a higher rate for a lengthy period of time.
CD drawbacks
Lower returns: If you're looking for a way to build wealth, CDs may offer only limited benefits. You could get better returns for your money by putting it into the market and buying stocks, mutual funds, or other investments instead.
Top Nationwide Rate (APY) | Total Earnings | |
---|---|---|
6 months | 5.76% | $ 288 |
1 year | 6.18% | $ 618 |
18 months | 5.80% | $ 887 |
2 year | 5.60% | $ 1,151 |
The average yield on a one-year CD in December 2023 was 1.86%, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), while a 60-month CD was 1.40%. While those rates aren't exactly robust, they're well above recent levels.
CD rates tend to lag behind rising inflation and drop more quickly than inflation on the way down. Because of that likelihood, investing in CDs carries the danger that your money will lose its purchasing power over time as your interest gains are overtaken by inflation.
While it's unlikely, a certificate of deposit (CD) could lose money if you withdraw funds before you've earned enough interest to cover the penalty charged. Typically, CDs are safe time deposits that guarantee an interest rate for the term that you agree to keep money at a financial institution.
There's no getting around paying tax on the interest, unless the CD is purchased in a tax-advantaged account, such as an individual retirement account (IRA) or a 401(k) plan. In this case, the same rules of tax deferral that apply to an IRA are applied to the CD.
Why you should deposit $5,000 in CD now?
The bottom line
In today's financial climate, where uncertainty looms and market conditions can change rapidly, putting $5,000 in a 6-month CD is a smart move for many investors. The higher interest rates, liquidity, low risk, diversification benefits and predictable returns make it a compelling option.
CD rate forecast: 2024
The Fed kept its rate the same after its first meeting of 2024 on Jan. 30-31. Projections suggest that we may see no rate increases in 2024, and that the Fed might start dropping its rate as soon as March, according to the CME FedWatch Tool on Jan. 31.
Is a 12-Month CD Worth It? A 12-month CD can be a worthwhile investment if you're seeking guaranteed growth and are able to keep your money invested for a year. Before investing, be sure you're getting the best one-year CD rates by shopping around and comparing rates from different banks.
Market Crashes and CDs
Even if the market crashes, your CD is still safe. Your interest rate won't change, and your money is still insured. But, keep an eye on interest rates. After your CD term ends, you might find that new CDs have lower rates if the economy is still struggling.
Having multiple CDs can be a great way to diversify your portfolio without sacrificing as much liquidity. Risk is low, and CDs provide steady returns. Just know that owning too many CDs could cut you off from other high-return investments. Investing is one part of the financial journey.
CDs offer higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts, guaranteed returns and a safe place to keep your money. But it can be costly to withdraw funds early, and CDs have less long-term earning potential than certain other investments.
You'll earn $850.50 for a total of $15,850.50 after one year when you open a $15,000 1-year CD with Popular Direct when calculating the returns at current rates. A 1-year CD at LendingClub Bank or CIBC Bank USA will produce $847.50 or $843.00 in returns, respectively. Lock in strong returns with a one-year CD today.
Interest rates for short-term CDs are very high right now – but they might start to go down soon. Putting $10,000 into a short-term CD right offers solid – if perhaps not spectacular – returns for virtually no risk. If you have money you don't think you'll need to access imminently, a short-term CD is a great choice.
A few local credit unions have CDs paying 6% APY or more. To open a 6% APY CD, you may need to meet certain eligibility requirements. There are also banks and credit unions with CDs paying over 5% APY, which are available nationwide.
Which bank gives 7% interest on a savings account? There are not any banks offering 7% interest on a savings account right now. However, two financial institutions are paying at least 7% APY on checking accounts: Landmark Credit Union Premium Checking Account, and OnPath Rewards High-Yield Checking.
Will CDs go down in 2024?
CD Rates Forecast 2024
While the federal funds rate had been steadily climbing for a couple of years, the CME FedWatch Tool, which measures market expectations for the fed fund rate changes, shows that most expect rates to fall between 4% and 4.75% by the end of 2024.
Top CD Rates Since October 2021 - As of June 23, 2023
After 10 Fed hikes between March 2022 and May 2023, the top rates have surged to a range of 4.77% to 5.65% APY. Every business day, Investopedia tracks the rate data of more than 200 banks and credit unions that offer CDs to customers nationwide.
- High-yield savings accounts.
- Certificates of deposit (CDs)
- Bonds.
- Funds.
- Stocks.
- Alternative investments and cryptocurrencies.
- Real estate.
In many cases, stock investments are a better bet. "Looking back on the last six instances where we hit peak CD rates, the following 12 months have seen stocks and bonds outperform CDs," says Spinelli.
Key Takeaways. Both certificates of deposit (CDs) and bonds are considered safe-haven investments with modest returns and low risk. When interest rates are high, a CD may yield a better return than a bond. When interest rates are low, a bond may be the higher-paying investment.
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