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Where Your Cash Can Still Earn 3%–5% Right Now
Investopedia· 2026-02-07 01:00
Core Insights - The Federal Reserve's current stance suggests that cash yields will remain stable in the near term, with safe cash options offering attractive returns [2][3] - Various cash products, including savings accounts, CDs, brokerage cash options, and U.S. Treasuries, provide yields ranging from the low-3% to 5%, allowing for solid returns without stock market risk [3][9] - A comprehensive chart has been created to compare the best-paying options across major cash categories, highlighting standout rates for high-yield savings accounts and competitive returns from CDs and Treasuries [4][12] Cash Yield Analysis - Cash options are delivering competitive yields in the 3%–5% range, with the best accounts providing strong returns with minimal risk [9][10] - For a $10,000 deposit, interest earnings can vary significantly based on the chosen account's APY, with potential earnings of $198 at a 4% rate over six months [7][8] - The table illustrates earnings for different balances ($10K, $25K, $50K) at various APYs, showing that higher rates can substantially increase earnings [8][10] Product Categories - The top cash options fall into three main categories: bank and credit union products (savings accounts, MMAs, CDs), brokerage and robo-advisor products (money market funds, cash management accounts), and U.S. Treasury products (T-bills, notes, bonds) [12][16] - Each category has different trade-offs regarding yield stability and flexibility, allowing investors to choose based on their goals and timelines [12][13] - Current rates from federally insured banks and credit unions are analyzed, providing insights into the best available APYs [14]
Where Your $10K, $25K, or $50K Earns the Most Right Now—Without Stock-Market Stress
Investopedia· 2026-01-31 01:00
Core Insights - The Federal Reserve's decision to maintain interest rates has led to stable cash yields, encouraging savers to explore competitive options for their cash holdings [2][3] - Current yields across various cash products, including savings accounts, CDs, brokerage cash options, and U.S. Treasuries, range from approximately 3% to 5%, allowing for meaningful returns without stock market exposure [3][9] - A comprehensive chart has been created to compare the best-paying options across major cash categories, highlighting standout rates in high-yield savings accounts and CDs [4][5] Cash Yield Analysis - Cash options are delivering competitive yields, with the potential to earn significant interest on deposits, such as $200 in six months from a $10,000 deposit at a 4% account [7][9] - The earnings potential varies by account type, with specific examples showing earnings for different balances at various annual percentage yields (APYs) [8] - The best savings accounts, CDs, Treasuries, and some brokerage cash options provide strong returns with minimal risk, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right cash management strategy [9][10] Product Categories - The top cash options fall into three main categories: bank and credit union products, brokerage and robo-advisor products, and U.S. Treasury products, each with unique characteristics and yield structures [11][15] - Bank and credit union products include savings accounts, money market accounts, and CDs, while brokerage options consist of money market funds and cash management accounts [13][14] - U.S. Treasury products, such as T-bills, notes, and inflation-protected I bonds, offer fixed interest rates and can be purchased directly or through secondary markets [14][15]
Today’s Top Cash Rates, Before the Fed Decides
Investopedia· 2026-01-24 01:01
Core Insights - The Federal Reserve is expected to maintain current interest rates, leading to stable cash rates in the near term, which are projected to remain competitive, ranging from low-3% to around 5% [2][3][9] Cash Options Overview - Various cash management options, including high-yield savings accounts, CDs, brokerage cash options, and U.S. Treasuries, are highlighted as offering solid yields without market risk [4][9] - The best high-yield savings accounts and CDs allow for locking in strong returns, while brokerage options and Treasuries provide a balance of flexibility and stability [4][12] Earnings Potential - Different cash balances can generate significant earnings over six months, with examples showing how $10,000, $25,000, and $50,000 can earn between $20 to $1,235 depending on the APY chosen [7][10] - For instance, at a 5.00% APY, $10,000 could earn $247, $25,000 could earn $617, and $50,000 could earn $1,235 over six months [10] Rate Variability - The rates for savings accounts and money market accounts are variable and can change over time, while CDs and Treasuries allow for locking in rates for a specified period [11][12] Current Rate Analysis - The article provides a breakdown of current rates across different cash categories, including bank and credit union products, brokerage and robo-advisor products, and U.S. Treasury products [14][16]
Where to Put $10K—or More—Right Now for a Solid, Low-Risk Return
Investopedia· 2026-01-10 01:00
Core Insights - Current cash management options are providing competitive yields, with rates ranging from low-3% to around 5%, allowing savers to earn returns without market risk [3][9] - A comprehensive chart has been created to compare the best-paying options across various cash categories, including high-yield savings accounts, CDs, brokerage cash options, and U.S. Treasuries [4][12] - The right account choice can significantly impact earnings on liquid savings, with potential earnings on a $10,000 deposit reaching approximately $200 in six months at a 4% interest rate [7][8] Cash Management Options - High-yield savings accounts, CDs, brokerage options, and U.S. Treasuries are highlighted as the top choices for earning solid returns without market exposure [9][10] - The best savings accounts and CDs allow for locking in high yields for a specified period, while brokerage cash options and Treasuries offer flexibility and stability [4][11] Earnings Potential - A breakdown of potential earnings on different balances over six months shows that at a 5% APY, a $10,000 deposit could yield $247, while a $25,000 deposit could yield $617 [8] - The analysis indicates that even cautious savers can achieve meaningful earnings by selecting the right accounts [6][9] Rate Variability - The rates for savings accounts and money market accounts are variable and can change over time, while CDs and Treasuries provide fixed yields for a set duration [10][14] - The report emphasizes the importance of being aware of current rates across different cash management products to maximize earnings [12][13]
The Best Yields for Your Cash Before the Fed’s Likely Cut
Investopedia· 2025-12-06 13:00
Core Insights - The article discusses the current landscape of cash yields in light of an expected Federal Reserve rate cut, highlighting that safe cash options still offer strong returns despite a potential decrease in yields [2][10]. Group 1: Current Cash Yield Landscape - High-yield savings accounts can offer rates up to 5.00% under certain conditions, while no-strings-attached accounts yield around 4.50% [4][10]. - Certificates of Deposit (CDs) are currently offering the best nationwide rate of 4.50%, while brokerage accounts and U.S. Treasuries provide attractive returns in the mid-3% to mid-4% range [4][10]. - The article emphasizes that even with a Federal Reserve rate cut, cash yields remain historically high, making it an opportune time for savers to invest idle cash [3][10]. Group 2: Earnings Potential - A lump-sum deposit of $5,000, $10,000, or $25,000 can generate significant interest over six months, with potential earnings ranging from $87 to $617 depending on the annual percentage yield (APY) [8][9]. - The article provides a detailed breakdown of earnings based on various APYs, illustrating how different balances can yield different returns [9]. Group 3: Types of Cash Products - The article categorizes cash options into three main types: bank and credit union products (savings accounts, money market accounts, CDs), brokerage and robo-advisor products (money market funds, cash management accounts), and U.S. Treasury products (T-bills, notes, bonds) [12][16]. - Each category has its own yield characteristics and trade-offs, allowing savers to choose based on their goals and timelines [12][13].
The Safest Places To Park $5K, $10K, or $25K While Markets Slide
Investopedia· 2025-11-15 05:00
Core Insights - Current cash savings options offer yields ranging from 4% to 5%, providing attractive returns without market risk [2][3][6] - The Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cuts have not significantly impacted the high yields available for cash savings, making it a favorable time for savers [3][6] Cash Savings Options - High-yield savings accounts can yield up to 5.00% with certain requirements, while no-strings-attached accounts offer mid-4% returns [3][6] - The best nationwide Certificate of Deposit (CD) rate is currently 4.50% [3][6] - Brokerage and robo-advisor cash accounts are providing competitive yields in the upper-3% range, and U.S. Treasuries are offering rates up to 4.74% [6][10] Earnings Potential - A deposit of $5,000, $10,000, or $25,000 can generate significant interest over six months, depending on the chosen account's annual percentage yield (APY) [7][8] - For example, at a 5.00% APY, a $25,000 deposit could earn $617 in six months [8] Rate Variability - The rates for savings accounts and money market accounts are variable and may decrease with further Federal Reserve rate cuts, while CDs and Treasuries allow for locking in yields for a set period [9][10] Summary of Top Rates - The article provides a summary of the highest-paying options for savings accounts, CDs, brokerage accounts, and U.S. Treasuries, highlighting the importance of knowing current rates [10][14]