As highlighted in our Outlook event in January, interest rates and savings yields tend to take the stairs up and the elevator down through a full rate hiking and rate cutting cycle. Savings vehicles such as Certificates of Deposit (CDs) and Money Market Funds (MMFs) begin to reduce the rates offered in anticipation of expected rate cuts by the Fed.
As seen in Chart 5 below, during the three most recent rate cutting cycles, the blue circles highlight short-term market yields (income earned on investments) dropping sooner (green line) and swifter than the Federal Funds Effective Rates (red line), which is the policy rate controlled by the Federal Reserve. While we are expecting interest rate cuts in the future, the likelihood of them returning to near zero is slim. Though it is expected that cash and cash equivalent investments will continue to offer higher interest rates than seen in the last decade, we estimate the future prospective total returns from both stocks and bonds will outweigh the income earned in the near-term. We encourage a review of the allocation of cash in your overall investment strategy with your financial advisor and to create or reaffirm your plan for cash needs that is in alignment with your future goals.
Investments may fluctuate in value. Investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
This material contains an assessment of the market and economic environment at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, or a guarantee of future results. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources.