Fixed Term Deposits

Term deposits offer one of the simplest methods to hold money and gain interest on savings. The investment may be subject to tax depending on a number of factors and after several post-recession sessions with zero interest rates on CDs, in the last few years, some improvement can be seen in the federal fund rates. 

These funds are held by banks or financial institutions where a fixed term refers to the savings made by an individual into accounts for the duration of more than three months. The sum can be given for a predefined term that pays over 2 per cent AER per annum. 

In the UK, it is considered a very safe low-risk investment.  Banks offering CDs provide insurance to them. Although the majority of institutions offer fixed yield, there are some offering variable rates. Mostly higher rates are offered by smaller institutions, or the ones offering insurance may pay the highest rates. The national average of CDs was at 0.33% APY in 2017 to 1.01% in May 2019(Bankrate data). Some analysts expect the rates to decline in the year 2019. 

Fixed yield allows the investors to earn on savings as the money is locked for the agreed duration. The general rule is to store funds away for higher proceeds. The interest rates for it can be attractive as the saver has to put money for a full term, at the same time as any withdrawals before the completion of the locked duration may result in a hefty penalty.