Tag Archives: money

Market Analysis

Find Better Yields With Money Market Accounts

If you’re tired of earning next to nothing with your cash parked in a bank savings account, you should consider a money market account instead. Money market accounts almost always yield more than a savings account for several reasons, and are considered to be just as safe.

Safety

Money market accounts are insured by the FDIC. This is an agency within the federal government that operates completely independently, and reimburses you if the bank you have funds deposited in should fail. The FDIC came into existence during the Great Depression to restore public confidence in banks. Ever since its creation, not a single depositor has lost a single penny from a bank failure. The FDIC has always made good on its insurance promise. The FDIC pays depositors out of a special insurance fund, that is contributed to by the banks it insures, and from interest on its own portfolio of US Treasury securities.

Yield Correlates to Safety

The safer an investment is, the lower a yield it will offer. The way risk-reward is naturally structured is that in order to convince an investor to place his or her funds in a very risky investment, he will require a higher yield to be enticed to take on that risk. If the risk is very low, then the investor will not require a lot of convincing to invest in the proposition. However, just because an investment carries no risk at all, like money market accounts, that doesn’t mean the yield will be zero. The investor has to be offered something to place his or her funds in the deal.

Yield Correlates to Interest Rates

The biggest driver of money market yields, however, is interest rates. As interest rates rise, the yields on money market investments also rise. It has become costlier for the government to borrow money, which drives up Treasury yields. Corporations must raise the yields they pay on commercial paper to compete with other investments — such as bank savings accounts. The more interest a corporation must pay on a debt, the higher the risk that they may not be able to pay. That risk, again, is minimal. Nevertheless, it is a risk, so that boosts the yield.

Account Restrictions

There is a trade-off for enjoying the higher yields that money market accounts offer, but they are not at all significant. Many have a minimum balance requirement, which could be anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500. This contrasts with a regular bank passbook savings account, which can often be opened with just a few dollars. It’s important to note that this is an ongoing minimum balance requirement, not a minimum deposit requirement. A bank will often assess a fee if you fall below that minimum, so always be certain to check your balance before making a withdrawal.

Speaking of withdrawals, there are also restrictions placed on the number of withdrawals within any given statement cycle, usually around six. Generally speaking, these withdrawals can be automated or done via the telephone, and sometimes with a check.

Putting It All Together

There’s no better place to hunt down the highest money market rates than the internet. You can compare rates side by side in many cases. Bankrate.com lists average money market account rates, based on the amount you invest in the account. With the averages known, you’ll be able to find out if your bank is beating that average.

However, be careful. Don’t just go with the highest interest rate you find. Be sure the fund you choose has a long history. Make sure the bank offers the ability to write checks on the account. Having the equivalent of a cash account without the ability to draw from it easily will cause more problems than it’s worth.

Market Analysis

How to Analyze Money Market Rates

A money market account combines the thrill of a short-term, high-yield investment with the security of a savings account, which often intrigues new investors. Much like a savings account, this type of account is accessible – meaning you can transfer money from your checking and savings accounts to it, and you can even write checks against this account. Yet it still offers higher interest – or money market rates – than a standard savings account. If you’re considering this investment tactic, you’ll want to be sure you comprehend the basics about rates on money market accounts:

Understand why money market accounts offer higher rates. This is because unlike with a savings account, the financial institution you’re partnering with is able to use your funds to invest in its own capital. Although you’re in a low-risk situation, the banks may wager your money in higher-risk gambits, such as federal securities and bonds. The bank owes you only the money market rates discussed on top of your initial investment, regardless of how much money it makes (or loses) in this time. Because you give the bank the chance to make money for itself with your money, in turn it pays favorable interest rates for this type of account.

Compare an array of rates from top banks. You’ll want to assess at least five banks’ rates to be sure you’re getting a competitive rate that accurately reflects the current market. Most sites offer calculators that can help you determine how much money you stand to make during the length of an agreement – typically about a year – given the current money market rates.

Know the money market rates are not the bottom line. In addition to figuring out the best annual yield (with compounded interest over time, if the length of term allows it) and how much money you’ll walk away with, there are other factors to compare. For example, some banks require a higher original deposit than others. Or you may need to sustain a certain minimal balance at all times. Some may have steeper fees if you need to cancel your account or if you accidentally withdraw more times than allowed per term (typically 3-6 per month). Start-up fees may simply be higher at some banks, negating the high money market rates offered. Look at the big picture and total costs before settling for what seems like the best money market account offer.

Market Analysis

Accounts With High Money Market Rates Offer Top Benefits

Money market accounts combine the benefits of checking and savings accounts, giving you the flexibility to write checks from the money you’re investing. To get the most benefits from your investment account, you’ll need to find a bank that offers great interest rates. Your bank won’t always have control over the rates they can offer, as money market rates are determined largely by the interest rates set by the Federal Reserve. However, with a bit of research, you can enjoy a money market account that offers great rates and other benefits.

Watch Your Savings Grow with Higher Interest Rates
Money market rates change frequently and are subject to the state of the economy. You might not be able to count on a set rate like you would with other types of investment accounts. But you can earn higher interest rates when the market is performing well. With a higher rate on your investments, your savings will grow more quickly. To qualify for higher rates, you should plan your investment carefully and research offers from different banks. Investing a large amount at the right time can help you become eligible for better rates.

Flexible Plan Allows You to Withdraw Funds
Spending from a money market account is generally much easier than withdrawing from a savings account. However, there is typically a limit to the number of checks you can write or withdrawals you can make in a single period. Though checking accounts have fewer restrictions, money market accounts allow you to earn interest on your savings while still giving you access to your funds.

Your Money is Protected from the Market
Whether the market reaches an all-time low or hits peak levels, investments in a money market account are always protected. Money market rates are still influenced by the state of the economy, so you will have to account for fluctuating rates. Interest levels can change, but the money you’ve deposited in your account will never be lost. When you’re trying to invest in an unpredictable economy, this is an important feature to consider. Your money is also FDIC-insured, so you’ll never have to worry about losing your investment to a market or bank crash.

More Reliable than a Money Market Fund
It’s important to understand the difference between a money market account and a money market fund, as people often confuse these investment vehicles. While they may sound similar, they actually offer significantly different investment strategies. Money market accounts protect your money in an uncertain market. Your interest rates might change, but your balance will never be affected. However, a money market fund actually invests your money into mutual funds. If the market crashes, you can lose everything you’ve invested. Money market funds are more similar to other investment vehicles, while money market accounts have more in common with standard checking and savings accounts. Before opening your new investment account, be careful to confirm which type of money market product you’re receiving.

Earn Higher Rates with a Higher Balance
When you open a new money market account, your interest rates are influenced by your initial deposit amount. Investing higher amounts can help you become eligible for better interest rates. Banks usually have a minimum deposit required for money market accounts, so you should be sure that you qualify for a high rate before setting up your investment. In some cases, it might be best to delay your investment until you have enough money to reach the next category. Once your account is already opened, you’ll become eligible for higher money market rates by maintaining a high balance and making additional deposits.

Market Analysis

Shopping For a Money Market Account Online – What to Look For

High yield money market accounts are growing in popularity these days – and it’s no surprise why. Everyone wants a safe place to store their money, while being able to access funds if they need to. Money market accounts give you the ideal combination of security and flexibility, with a strong incentive to save. Here’s what to look for when shopping and comparing money market accounts online.

Grow Your Savings with Better Interest Rates

While it’s important to look at money market rates as an indicator for how much of a return you can get on your investment, it’s not always just about the numbers. Most money market accounts require you to have a minimum balance, so you’ll want to look for one that’s reachable to avoid any monthly fees or account management fees. For example, www.aurorabankfsb.com offers a money market account with no monthly fees as long as you keep your account at $1,000 or above. It’s a great way to deposit your savings and watch them grow over time at competitive interest rates.

Compound Interest and Overdraft Protection

Another great benefit of money market accounts is compound interest. Compound interest is the interest that the bank pays you – on top of what they’ve already paid you. This amount is calculated each day and posted to your account every month, thereby helping you reach your savings goals even sooner than you might have expected. You should also look for a money market account which allows you to tie it into your checking account for overdraft protection.

Convenience and Security

One of the most important reasons why people turn to money market accounts is the excellent convenience they offer. Not only do you get paid interest depending on how much you deposit, but you can also make up to six withdrawals each statement cycle against the funds in your money market account.

Finally, make sure that any Bank you are considering is a member of the FDIC. The FDIC, or Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, is a government institution created after the Great Depression to help ensure that, in the unlikely event that the bank itself becomes insolvent, your money is safely deposited and guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. dollar. It’s worth noting that even in turbulent economic times, not a single banking institution backed by the FDIC has failed its customers.

A Summary of What to Look For

The bottom line on the best money market accounts is this: Look for accounts with a great variety of features that combine a competitive interest rate along with easy access and online banking benefits. Ask to ensure that the account is FDIC insured and find out how you can make withdrawals if you need to.

Getting started by opening a money market account is easy too – just go to www.aurorabankfsb.com bank’s website and look for the Open Account page. Convenient online banks should be able to walk you through the process of opening a money market account in an easy, straightforward and user-friendly way. When it comes to growing your savings at a competitive rate with added convenience and safety, there’s no better way to start than with a money market account.

General Investing

Making Money Investing in Silver And Gold

Investing in precious metals has always proved to be profitable financially as they showed great appreciation over a period of time and also offered security to the investor’s capital even during the most volatile times that hit the markets. The same holds very much valid for silver and gold. If the investor has a long term perspective and has an eye to invest in precious metals, silver investing and gold investing seem to pay off the maximum returns. A closer look at the past performances of these two metals would only elucidate and reaffirm the fact that they have paid off the investor lucrative profits over their investment.

Silver and gold have reached unimaginable peaks and all those who have invested in these two metals even during the beginning of this year are thoroughly rewarded with great returns. APMEX, the American Precious Metals Exchange gives the investors to trade in precious metals and a whole range of 3500 high demand and high value products round the clock and that too seven days in a week.

APMEX is a highly reliable online provider that gives the investor an opportunity to seriously consider gold investing and silver investing. Gold and silver are available in the form of gold bars and silver bars in different denominations. The Better Business Bureau has accredited APMEX with an ‘A+’ rating and also has given it the power to buy precious metals straight from the United States Mint.

The financial imbroglio that exists in the world markets today has spurred off such demand for the precious metals and many investors are open to buy a gold bar or a silver bar rather than invest in the volatile stock markets. APMEX gives you an opportunity to buy gold and silver at even more attractive prices through coupons, coupon codes and promo codes that it offers at regular intervals of time thereby saving more money while investing yet drawing the same profits when the metal appreciates.

Given the current global financial and economic situation, silver investing and gold investing through a trusted partner like APMEX is found to be a good proposition.