Today’s CD rates still hover well above the national average. The Federal Reserve reduced its target interest rate three times in 2024 and three times in 2025. This has a ripple effect on deposit account rates, which means now could be your last chance to lock in today's high rates with a certificate of deposit (CD). Here’s a look at today’s best CD rates and where you can find the best offers. Best CD rates today As of January 5, 2026, the highest CD rate is 4.1% APY. This rate is offered by LendingClub ...

Core Insights - Money market accounts (MMAs) are highlighted as a favorable option for storing cash due to their relatively high interest rates and liquidity [1] - MMAs typically offer better returns than traditional savings accounts and may include check-writing privileges and debit card access, making them suitable for long-term savings with easy access [2] Interest Rates Overview - Despite a general decline in rates over recent months, some MMAs still offer rates exceeding 4% APY [3] - Historical fluctuations in MMA rates are largely attributed to changes in the Federal Reserve's target interest rate [4] - Following the 2008 financial crisis, MMA rates were low, averaging between 0.10% to 0.50% due to the Fed's near-zero federal funds rate [5] - The COVID-19 pandemic prompted another drop in MMA rates as the Fed cut rates to combat economic fallout [6] - Starting in 2022, aggressive interest rate hikes by the Fed led to historically high deposit rates, with many MMAs offering rates of 4% or higher by late 2023 [7] - As of 2025, MMA rates remain elevated compared to historical standards but are on a downward trend following recent Fed rate cuts [8] Considerations for Choosing MMAs - When selecting a money market account, factors beyond interest rates, such as minimum balance requirements, fees, and withdrawal limits, should be considered [9] - Some MMAs may require a minimum balance of $5,000 or more to earn the highest advertised rates, and monthly maintenance fees can reduce interest earnings [10] - There are competitive MMAs available without balance requirements or fees, emphasizing the importance of comparing options [10] - It is crucial to ensure that the chosen account is insured by the FDIC or NCUA, which protects deposits up to $250,000 per institution, per depositor [11] Current Market Rates - The national average interest rate for money market accounts is currently 0.58%, while the best rates are around 4% to 4.50% APY, comparable to high-yield savings accounts [12] - For example, depositing $50,000 in an MMA with a 4.5% APY would yield approximately $2,303 in interest over one year [13] - Currently, no MMAs offer a 5% APY, but some high-yield savings accounts from online banks do [14]

Mortgage Rate Trends - The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage increased to 6.22% from 6.19% last week, compared to 6.6% a year ago [1] - The average rate on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages rose to 5.54% from 5.44% last week, down from 5.84% a year ago [2] Influencing Factors - Mortgage rates are influenced by the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy, bond market expectations for the economy and inflation, and generally follow the 10-year Treasury yield, which is currently at 4.12% [3] - The Federal Reserve recently cut its main interest rate for the third time this year, indicating another potential cut in 2026, but this does not directly dictate mortgage rates [4] Historical Context - Following the Fed's previous rate cuts, mortgage rates increased instead of decreasing, peaking above 7% in January, while the 10-year Treasury yield was approaching 5% [5] - A decline in mortgage rates over the summer led to an increase in sales of previously occupied U.S. homes for four consecutive months in October [6] Market Challenges - Affordability remains a significant challenge for many potential homeowners, particularly first-time buyers lacking equity from existing homes [6] - Economic and job market uncertainties are causing many prospective buyers to hesitate in making purchases [6]

Market Overview - Asian shares exhibited mixed performance, with Japan's Nikkei 225 declining by 1.2% to 50,408.70, influenced by a 3.0% year-on-year drop in household spending for October, marking the sharpest decline since January 2024 [2][4] - The S&P 500 inched up by 0.1% to 6,857.12, remaining just 0.5% below its all-time high, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.1% to 47,850.94 [6][7] - South Korea's Kospi index rose by 1.1% to 4,074.00, with notable gains from LG Electronics (up 5.6%) and Hyundai Motors (up 7.2%) [4] Economic Indicators - U.S. futures were higher, while oil prices fell, with U.S. benchmark crude decreasing by 17 cents to $59.50 per barrel and Brent crude slipping by 11 cents to $63.15 per barrel [5][9] - The Reserve Bank of India cut its repo rate to 5.25% from 5.5%, citing weak price pressures and expectations for slowing economic growth [5] Federal Reserve and Interest Rates - Traders are cautious ahead of a key U.S. inflation report that could influence Federal Reserve policy, with expectations for a potential interest rate cut next week [3][7] - Recent reports indicated a stronger job market than expected, with fewer workers filing for unemployment, the lowest in over three years, and layoffs announced last month falling by more than half from October's surge [8][9]

Mortgage Rate Trends - The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage decreased to 6.19% from 6.23% last week, marking the lowest level since October 30, when it was 6.17% [1] - The average rate on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages also fell to 5.44% from 5.51% last week, down from 5.96% a year ago [2] Influencing Factors - Mortgage rates are influenced by the Federal Reserve's interest rate policies, bond market expectations for the economy and inflation, and generally follow the 10-year Treasury yield, which was at 4.1% [3] - The decline in mortgage rates enhances homebuyers' purchasing power [3] Market Impact - Easing mortgage rates contributed to an increase in sales of previously occupied U.S. homes in October for the fourth consecutive month, although affordability remains a challenge for many potential buyers [4] - Economic growth appears solid, but sluggish hiring and a rising unemployment rate are causing uncertainty among potential homebuyers [4] Federal Reserve Actions - Mortgage rates began to decline following the Federal Reserve's decision to cut its main interest rate in September, with another cut in October expected [5] - The central bank does not directly set mortgage rates, and cuts in short-term rates do not guarantee a decline in home loan rates [6]

Core Insights - The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage has decreased to 6.23% from 6.26% last week, marking a decline from 6.81% a year ago, ending a three-week streak of increases [1] - The average rate on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages also fell to 5.51% from 5.54% last week, down from 6.10% a year ago [2] - The decline in mortgage rates is influenced by the Federal Reserve's interest rate policies and the bond market, particularly the 10-year Treasury yield, which is currently at 4.01% [3] Market Trends - Easing mortgage rates have contributed to a rise in sales of previously occupied U.S. homes for the fourth consecutive month on an annual basis, although affordability remains a significant challenge for many potential buyers [4] - Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes have remained around a 4-million annual pace in 2023, compared to a historical average of approximately 5.2 million [5] Federal Reserve Influence - Mortgage rates began to decline this summer following the Federal Reserve's decision to cut its main interest rate in September, with another cut occurring last month amid signs of a slowing labor market [6] - Speculation is growing that the Federal Reserve may cut interest rates again in December, with Wall Street traders estimating an 83% probability of a cut, although this may not lead to a significant drop in mortgage rates [7]

Mortgage Rates Overview - The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage increased to 6.26% from 6.24% last week, compared to 6.84% a year ago, marking the third consecutive week of rising rates [1][2] - The average rate on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages also rose to 5.54% from 5.49% last week, down from 6.02% a year ago [2] Impact on Housing Market - Rising mortgage rates have reduced homebuyers' purchasing power, with the 30-year mortgage rate remaining above 6% since September 2022, which has contributed to stagnant sales of previously occupied U.S. homes at around a 4-million annual pace [2][3] - Despite sluggish sales, there was a boost in activity this fall as mortgage rates eased, with sales accelerating to their fastest pace since February [3] Influencing Factors - Mortgage rates are influenced by the Federal Reserve's interest rate policies and bond market expectations regarding the economy and inflation, typically following the trajectory of the 10-year Treasury yield [4] - The 10-year Treasury yield was at 4.10%, slightly down from the previous week but up from around 3.95% on October 22 [4] Federal Reserve Actions - Mortgage rates began to decline this summer following the Federal Reserve's decision to cut its main interest rate in September amid signs of a slowing labor market [5] - The Fed lowered its key interest rate again last month, although further cuts are not guaranteed according to Fed Chair Jerome Powell [5] Market Expectations - Wall Street traders have reduced expectations for a Fed rate cut at the next meeting in December to approximately 44%, down from nearly 70% a couple of weeks ago [6] - The central bank does not directly set mortgage rates, and cuts in short-term rates do not necessarily lead to declines in home loan rates [6]

Core Insights - The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage has increased to 6.24%, up from 6.22% last week, but remains lower than the 6.78% average from a year ago [1] - The average rate on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages has decreased to 5.49%, down from 5.5% last week, compared to 5.99% a year ago [2] Mortgage Rate Influences - Mortgage rates are affected by the Federal Reserve's interest rate policies, bond market expectations, and the 10-year Treasury yield, which is currently at 4.10% [3] - The average 30-year mortgage rate has been above 6% since September 2022, contributing to a slump in the housing market [4] Market Activity - Home sales have been sluggish but saw an acceleration in September, attributed to easing mortgage rates [4] - Applications for home purchase loans increased nearly 6% last week, marking the strongest pace since September, despite rising mortgage rates [6] Federal Reserve Actions - The Federal Reserve cut its main interest rate in September and again last month, but further cuts are not guaranteed [7] - Wall Street traders have reduced expectations for a rate cut at the next Fed meeting in December, now estimating a 53% chance, down from nearly 70% [8] Affordability Challenges - Despite a pullback in mortgage rates, affordability remains a significant issue for potential homeowners due to rising home prices [10]

Mortgage Rate Trends - The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage increased to 6.24% from 6.22% last week, compared to 6.78% a year ago, indicating a slight upward trend [1] - The average rate on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages decreased to 5.49% from 5.5% last week, down from 5.99% a year ago [2] Influencing Factors - Mortgage rates are influenced by the Federal Reserve's interest rate policies, bond market expectations for the economy and inflation, and generally follow the 10-year Treasury yield, which is currently at 4.10% [3] - The average 30-year mortgage rate has remained above 6% since September 2022, contributing to a slump in the housing market [4] Market Activity - Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes reached their lowest level in nearly three decades last year, but showed signs of recovery with an acceleration in September as mortgage rates eased [4] - Applications for home purchase loans increased nearly 6% last week, indicating a potential uptick in market activity despite rising mortgage rates [5] Refinancing Trends - The recent decline in mortgage rates has encouraged homeowners to refinance, with refinancing applications accounting for about 56% of all mortgage applications last week [6] Federal Reserve Actions - The Federal Reserve cut its main interest rate in September and again last month, but further cuts are not guaranteed according to Fed Chair Jerome Powell [7] - Wall Street traders have reduced expectations for a rate cut at the Fed's next meeting in December, now estimating a 53% chance, down from nearly 70% a week ago [8]

Core Insights - The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage increased to 6.22% from 6.17%, marking the first rise in five weeks after reaching its lowest level in over a year at 6.12% [1][4] - The average rate on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages also rose to 5.5% from 5.41%, compared to 6% a year ago [2] - Mortgage rates are influenced by the Federal Reserve's interest rate policies, bond market expectations, and the trajectory of the 10-year Treasury yield, which was at 4.09% [3][7] Mortgage Market Dynamics - Lower mortgage rates enhance homebuyers' purchasing power and assist homeowners in refinancing [4] - The housing market has been sluggish since mortgage rates began climbing above 6% in September 2022, with sales of previously occupied homes hitting their lowest level in nearly three decades last year [4][5] - Sales accelerated in September to the fastest pace since February as mortgage rates eased, following a decline that began in July [5] Federal Reserve Actions - The Federal Reserve lowered its key interest rate to support the job market, but there is uncertainty regarding future cuts [6] - Higher inflation could lead to increased yields on the 10-year Treasury note, which may push mortgage rates higher [7] - Historical context shows that after the Fed's rate cut last fall, mortgage rates rose above 7% in January, indicating a complex relationship between Fed actions and mortgage rates [8]