The goal of any investor is to diversify their portfolio. Some people tend to be savers while others are wanting to make money to invest in other projects. No matter where a person falls on the investment spectrum, everyone gets a little antsy when the interest rates are on the rise. Have no fear because there is still much profit to be made regardless of where the interest rate stands. However, both investors and savers should be wary of a few pitfalls and avoid them at all costs.
The Involvement of the Federal Open Market Committee
Anyone that has paid attention to the housing market has noticed that the interest rates are slowly creeping back up. Gone are the days of getting a home with a two or three percent rate. The hike is all part of a plan guided by the Federal Open Market Committee.
Investors worry that these rates help when it comes to money market savings accounts and certificate of deposits, but will it hurt the housing market? The good news is that the housing market is doing great. It’s unlikely that a crash like 2008 will ever be repeated. So the market can take a bit of a shift and remain unscathed.
The Difference in a Savers/Investors Approach
Just how much has the interest rate increased? The most recent increase happened in September of 2018. The rate rose 2.25 percent. In December of 2019, the rate is set to grow another three percent. Lastly, the FOMC says that the interest rate remains steady into 2020 and will then level off. Investing cash into savings accounts, money market mutual funds, and other accounts that are affected by interest rates can undoubtedly benefit savers. While savers may be elated by the news of the rates, investors are concerned.
Savers should know that present-day rates are not like days gone by where one couldn’t find a decent rate. Anyone that holds a bond will face a mixed bag. When the interest rates are on the rise, the value of existing bonds decrease. Part of the reason for the decline is that these older bonds must vie with newer ones that offer higher yields. It’s advisable to keep bonds maturities for a short while until the rates plateau. Any dividends made from the old bonds can then be used to invest in new, more profitable, ones.
Making Wise Investment Decisions
Investors are concerned because the stock market has taken a bumpy ride this year and the increase in September only added fuel to the fire. An excellent place to invest is in commercial mortgage securities. The rising rates cause mortgage REITs to increase dividends. Be careful about pulling money out of the market to quickly invest it into a savings account that may ultimately lose money because of inflation. Stay the course and keep the investment portfolio in line with risk tolerance and age.
