The number of CD options paying 5.50% or more has increased to 30, double the number available at the beginning of August, with the highest rate being 5.85% APY on a jumbo certificate.
Interest rates on CDs are currently high, and with the expectation of further rate increases, it may be advantageous to open a CD now to secure a higher rate, although there is a risk that rates could go higher or that you may need access to the funds before the CD term ends, in which case a high-yield savings account may be a better option.
Not all CDs are created equal, as today's top CDs offer rates nearly four times higher than the national average, allowing investors to maximize their returns and get the most for their savings.
Investors now have the opportunity to earn high interest rates on their cash deposits, with some potentially earning as much as 5% or more, marking the highest rates in 15 years, prompting financial advisors to urge savers to shop around for the best rates and avoid holding too much cash.
Despite the current rise in interest rates, experts predict that CD rates will remain relatively stable in 2023, with the possibility of a slight increase, but a downward trend is expected for 2024.
Investopedia has raised the bar for their elite nationwide CD rate to 5.65% APY, with 15 CDs in their ranking currently meeting the new threshold, while the highest APY for jumbo CDs is 5.85% for a 6-month certificate with a $100,000 deposit.
The Federal Savings Bank now offers a 5.80% APY on a 1-year certificate, surpassing the previous industry-leading rate of 5.75% APY, while the top rate for 2-year CDs has decreased from 5.55% to 5.50% APY.
Opening a CD now can allow savers to earn a higher interest rate before inflation drops and interest rates decrease.
Despite the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain interest rates, banks and credit unions are still increasing the rates offered on certificates of deposit (CDs), with the number of nationally available CDs offering rates of 5.65% or higher rising from 15 to 21 in just one week.
CDs and money market accounts are both savings options that offer higher interest rates, but they have different advantages: CDs are best for disciplined savers who want higher yields and don't plan to touch their money, while money market accounts are better for savers who want easy access to their funds and slightly higher returns than a standard savings account.
Many financial advisors warn that relying too heavily on high-yield savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs) instead of investing in the stock market can result in missed opportunities for higher returns, as well as the negative effects of inflation and potential tax disadvantages.
The recent pause in rate hikes by the Fed suggests that savings rates have reached their peak and are unlikely to go much higher, making it a good time to lock in a CD term and diversify short- and long-term savings.
Summary: Opening a 1-year CD account now could be beneficial for savers due to the high interest rates, locked rates, and predictability it offers.
Summary: Putting $5,000 into a 1-year CD account can be a wise financial move due to high interest rates, safety, predictability, and minimal effort required, although individual financial goals and risk tolerance should be considered before making the decision.
The top nationally available CD rate is 6.00% APY for a term of 12-17 months, and there are several other CDs paying 5.75% APY or better, while a regional offer in five states allows for a rate of 6.25% APY; the Federal Reserve's rate hold in September does not indicate that the rate-hike campaign is necessarily over, and there may be further increases in the future.
As seniors living on a fixed income, the reader's inclination to invest in CDs is valid, but they should also consider diversifying their portfolio with dividend-paying equities and bonds to fight off inflation and ensure their savings last through retirement.
If you're looking for guaranteed returns on your savings, short-term certificates of deposit (CDs) with high annual percentage yields (APYs) are currently offering some of the highest rates available.
Financial Partners Credit Union is offering a new CD with a top rate of 6.50% for an eight-month term, the highest rate among all tracked CDs, but with a $5,000 maximum deposit.
