Fixed-income investments are a lower-risk way to save and grow your money. But lower risks can mean slower growth.
What are fixed-income investments?
Fixed-income investments, also known as fixed-interest, can offer consistent returns over a set time period. This type of investment is designed to avoid high stock market risk and preserve your money. On the downside, the returns won’t be as high as investing in high-growth stocks and ETFs. Common fixed-income assets include:
Bonds
Government or corporate bonds
Certificates of deposit (CD)
Mutual funds and ETFs
Real estate investment trusts (REITs)
Bonds
The most popular kind of fixed-interest investments are bonds. A bond is basically a loan to a business or the government. In return, the organization promises to pay you back on a specific date with interest at a fixed rate.
Where to buy them: Through some brokerage accounts or directly from the US Treasury.
Pros: Fixed interest rate payments, plus principal when the loan is fully repaid. It often comes with higher yields than savings accounts, and it is relatively low-risk.
Cons: Depending on the bond, it could have low liquidity, meaning you won’t be able to sell it whenever you want.
Certificate of deposit (CDs)
A certificate of deposit is an investment product banks or credit unions offer. You deposit a specific amount in the bank for a set time frame and earn interest on your deposit.
Where to find them: Banks, credit unions or brokerage accounts.
Pros: Guaranteed returns and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per person or more.
Cons: You’ll likely pay a fee if you withdraw your funds before the agreement expires.
Fixed-income funds
Today, many mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer fixed-income investments. The way this works is the fund invests in bonds or debts. As an investor in these funds, you get to earn fixed income on your invested money.
Where to find them: Brokerage accounts or mutual fund issuers.
Pros: Many investment options, including high-risk/high-reward junk bonds.
Cons: There’s often an annual fee. Depending on the funds you invest in, there could be a higher risk too.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs)
REITs are companies that own, operate or finance real estate. These companies create trusts in which others can invest. Most REITs rent their real estate, and the income is distributed as a percentage to investors.
Where to find them: Through a brokerage account or directly with the REIT.
Pros: Access to real estate investing. Also, investing in REITs typically comes with higher interest than investing in CDs.
Cons: It takes years to make your investment worthwhile. Also, there are often fees if you want to withdraw your funds in fewer than five years.
How to invest in fixed-income investments
This largely depends on what you want to invest in. Most popular brokers offer access to bonds directly, as well as indirectly through bond ETFs. Also, some REITs are traded on the stock market and you can buy them the way you’d buy any other stock.
Compare platforms to invest in fixed-income instruments
If you don’t have an account with a trading platform yet, consider one that doesn’t charge commissions on stocks and ETFs.
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1 in 5 taking advantage of CDs
What form of savings do you use?
Response
% of Americans
Standard savings account
64%
Other/Investment accounts
4%
Money market savings account
15%
High-yield savings account
17%
Certificate of deposit (CD)
12%
Source: Finder survey by Qualtrics of 2,033 Americans
Trying to make the most out of your savings? CDs (12%) are almost as with Americans money market accounts (15%).
Bottom line
If you’re looking for a low-risk way to invest, choosing an option with a fixed interest rate may be for you. But if you’re looking for a balanced portfolio with both high- and low-risk investments, compare other investment options to learn more about which combination best suits you.
Kliment Dukovski is a personal finance writer at Finder, specializing in investments and cryptocurrency. He's written more than 700 articles to help readers compare the best trading platforms, understand complex investment terms and find the best credit cards for their needs. His expert commentary has been featured in such digital publications as Fox Business, MSN Money and MediaFeed. He’s also well-versed in money transfers, home loans and more — breaking down these topics into simple concepts anyone can understand. In another life, Kliment ghostwrote guides and articles on foreign exchange, stock market trading and cryptocurrencies.
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