CD’s VS Treasury Yields (WHO WILL WIN)

March 22, 2023 Uncategorized

Certificates of Deposit (CDs) and Treasury yields are two common types of fixed-income investments that investors can choose from. These investment options offer low-risk investment opportunities with guaranteed returns. In this analysis, we will explore the pros and cons of CDs and Treasury yields to help investors make informed investment decisions.

Pros of CDs

  1. Guaranteed Returns: CDs offer a guaranteed return on your investment. This means that you know the exact amount of money you will earn on your investment, which is especially beneficial for investors who are risk-averse and want to avoid market volatility.
  2. Low Risk: CDs are considered low-risk investments since they are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor per insured bank. This means that even if the bank fails, you will still get your principal investment back.
  3. Flexible Terms: CDs come with different term lengths, ranging from a few months to several years. This makes them a flexible investment option for investors who want to earn a guaranteed return for a specific period.
  4. Predictable Income Stream: CDs offer a predictable income stream, which can be helpful for investors who want to plan their cash flows and budget accordingly.

Cons of CDs

  1. Lower Returns: CDs typically offer lower returns than other types of investments, such as stocks or mutual funds. This means that investors may miss out on potentially higher returns by choosing to invest in CDs.
  2. Lack of Liquidity: CDs come with early withdrawal penalties if you need to access your money before the CD matures. This can be a drawback for investors who may need access to their money in case of an emergency.
  3. Limited Growth Potential: CDs have limited growth potential since their interest rates are fixed, which means that investors may miss out on potential higher returns if interest rates rise.

Pros of Treasury Yields

  1. Guaranteed by the Government: Treasury yields are backed by the U.S. government, which means that they are considered very safe investments since the government has never defaulted on its debt obligations.
  2. Low Risk: Treasury yields are considered low-risk investments since they are backed by the U.S. government.
  3. Liquidity: Treasury yields can be bought and sold on the open market, which makes them a liquid investment option.
  4. Competitive Returns: Treasury yields offer competitive returns compared to other low-risk investments, such as CDs and money market funds.

Cons of Treasury Yields

  1. Interest Rate Risk: Treasury yields are subject to interest rate risk. If interest rates rise, the value of Treasury yields may decrease.
  2. Inflation Risk: Treasury yields may not keep up with inflation, which can erode the purchasing power of your investment over time.
  3. Market Volatility: Treasury yields are subject to market volatility and may experience price fluctuations due to changes in market conditions.
  4. Limited Growth Potential: Treasury yields have limited growth potential since their interest rates are fixed, which means that investors may miss out on potential higher returns if interest rates rise.

In conclusion, both CDs and Treasury yields offer low-risk investment options with guaranteed returns. CDs are a good option for investors who want a predictable income stream and a low-risk investment, while Treasury yields are a good option for investors who want a government-backed investment with competitive returns. Ultimately, the choice between CDs and Treasury yields depends on an investor’s investment goals, risk tolerance, and personal circumstances. It’s important to carefully consider the pros and cons of each investment option before making any investment decisions.

 

Our Opinion:

Treasury yields are the winner at this time as they are offering more certainty (govt-backed) and if not equal, but higher returns then CD’s. Remember CD’s are bank-backed; in this time of uncertainty imposed on us by the Silicon Valley Bank and Credit Suisse, we are not interested in bank backed. The US govt is a better choice to have your back at this time. Also, the treasury yield interest you accrue, (yield at end) is only taxable on the federal level saving you on state income tax. Its a win-win.