The Federal Reserve decided to keep the federal funds rate the same after its March 19-20 meeting, making this Fed meeting the fourth in a row to not result in a rate increase. There were 11 rate increases from March 2022 through July 2023, and the Fed rate is currently in the range of 5.25% to 5.50%, its highest point in more than 20 years.
The last increase of this rate, which is what commercial banks use to borrow and lend money to one another, occurred on July 26. That increase was 25 basis points, or 0.25 percentage point.
This rate doesn’t directly raise or lower rates on certificates of deposit, but it can affect them indirectly. When there’s a Fed rate increase, you might see higher CD rates. Here’s a closer look at how it works.
The most competitive rates on CDs for three-month to five-year terms remain above 4% annual percentage yields, with the best short-term CDs (six to 18-month terms) above 5%. CD rates haven’t been this high in years, and multiple Fed rate increases help explain how rates skyrocketed from being around 1% or lower in January 2022 to their current heights. The highest rates tend to be at online banks and credit unions. However, the high CD rates might not get any higher, and if the Fed decides to cut its rate, they may start to drop soon after.
As the U.S. central bank, the Federal Reserve tries to keep the economy steady using an important rate it can influence: the federal funds rate. This is roughly the cost of borrowing cash overnight between banks. Typically the Fed lowers its rate to help stimulate the economy and raises it to help curb inflation.
Banks generally follow the direction of the Fed funds rate in setting their rates on loans and savings accounts, including newly issued CDs. So a higher Fed rate can result in higher CD rates, but it’s not guaranteed and doesn’t happen instantly.
Rising CD rates might make CDs an option to consider if your current savings account rates are near 0% and not helping to fight inflation in any sense. Inflation, or the rate at which the price of goods and services increases, has changed the savings habits of about seven in 10 savers, according to NerdWallet’s 2022 report.
The short answer is no. Online banks and credit unions, which have some of the highest CD rates, have begun to incrementally lower their rates since January 2024, according to a NerdWallet analysis. See more about current CD rates.
For much of the banking industry, rates have slowed their upward climb that began in 2022. National average CD rates for one- to five-year terms remain above 1.30%, according to a NerdWallet analysis of rate data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Meanwhile, some of the largest U.S. banks have barely moved their standard CD rates for years, regardless of Fed rate changes.
CD rates have started to dip and may continue in that direction especially if the Fed decides to drop its rate. Learn why now might be the best time to get high CD rates, if they work for your savings goals.
CD rates have started to dip and may continue in that direction especially if the Fed decides to drop its rate. Learn why now might be the best time to get high CD rates, if they work for your savings goals.
The Federal Reserve has maintained the federal funds rate, marking the fourth consecutive meeting without a rate increase. Despite 11 rate increases from March 2022 to July 2023, the Fed rate currently stands at 5.25% to 5.50%, the highest in over 20 years. This decision impacts commercial banks’ borrowing and lending practices, affecting CD rates indirectly. While Fed rate hikes generally lead to higher CD rates, it’s not an immediate outcome. In the realm of rising CD rates, savers are reconsidering their savings methods due to inflationary pressures. As online banks and credit unions offer higher CD rates, individuals face choices in managing their savings effectively. The current landscape suggests that CD rates might decrease in the near future. Understanding the interplay between Fed rate changes and CD rates can assist in optimizing one’s savings strategy for the best outcomes.
Title: What Fed Rate Decisions in 2024 Mean for CDs
Introduction:
The Federal Reserve plays a pivotal role in the U.S. economy by setting monetary policy that impacts interest rates. For those looking to invest in Certificates of Deposit (CDs), the decisions made by the Fed can have significant implications. In this article, we will explore what the Fed rate decisions in 2024 mean for CDs and how investors can navigate the changing financial landscape.
Understanding the Federal Reserve and its Role:
Before we delve into the specifics of how Fed rate decisions affect CDs, it’s essential to understand the role of the Federal Reserve. The Fed is the central banking system of the United States, responsible for overseeing monetary policy and regulating the country’s financial institutions. One of the primary tools the Fed uses to influence the economy is setting the federal funds rate, the interest rate at which banks lend reserves to each other overnight.
Impact of Fed Rate Decisions on CDs:
When the Fed adjusts the federal funds rate, it has a ripple effect on interest rates across the board, including those offered on CDs. CDs are time deposits that pay a fixed interest rate for a specified term, typically ranging from three months to five years. The interest rates on CDs are closely tied to prevailing market rates, which are influenced by the Fed’s monetary policy decisions.
In a rising interest rate environment, as seen in 2024, the Fed might increase the federal funds rate to combat inflationary pressures. This leads to higher borrowing costs for banks, which, in turn, results in increased interest rates on savings products like CDs. As a result, investors can lock in higher yields on new CDs, making them a more attractive investment option.
Strategies for Maximizing CD Returns in 2024:
Given the changing interest rate environment in 2024, investors looking to maximize their returns on CDs can consider the following strategies:
1. Laddering CDs: Laddering involves spreading investments across multiple CDs with staggered maturity dates. This strategy allows investors to take advantage of rising interest rates while maintaining liquidity as CDs mature at regular intervals.
2. Monitoring Rate Trends: Keeping an eye on the Fed’s rate decisions and market trends can help investors make informed decisions about when to invest in CDs. By staying informed, investors can capitalize on optimal interest rates and maximize their returns.
3. Comparing Offers: Shopping around for the best CD rates from different financial institutions can help investors secure the highest yields. Online banks and credit unions often offer competitive rates, so it’s essential to explore all options before committing to a CD.
4. Considering Callable CDs: Callable CDs offer higher interest rates but come with the risk of being called back by the issuer before maturity. Investors should weigh the potential returns against the early withdrawal risks before investing in callable CDs.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Fed rate decisions in 2024 have a direct impact on the interest rates offered on CDs. As interest rates continue to rise, investors can take advantage of higher yields by strategically investing in CDs. By understanding the relationship between Fed rate decisions and CD returns, investors can make informed decisions to maximize their savings. With careful planning and a proactive approach, investors can navigate the changing financial landscape and make the most of their CD investments in 2024.
