Articles

Janet Yellen's nomination to be the Chairwoman of the Federal Reserve means the Fed's low rate policy will remain in place into the future.

Cash is always the safest place to put your money in a crisis. Against the prospect of a dramatic slowdown in the economy stemming from a sovereign default, cash again seems like a safe haven. A US default will lead to real stock and bond market declines and almost certainly a drop of commodity and real estate values.

Many Massachusetts-based banks now offer competitive online savings accounts. Can depositors rely on the Commonwealth's Depositors Insurance Fund and deposit amounts over FDIC limits in these banks?

Duke Energy has begun to advertise an unsecured commercial paper program. While the company is offering yields that are as high as 1.51%, these notes are uninsured, and hence represent an inappropriate place to stash cash for most.

Custodial savings accounts are bank accounts set up by a parent for a child that can contain either savings accounts, CDs, or a combination of both. Using them as a savings vehicle present several advantages and disadvantages.

New best online savings rate, savings and cd averages continue to fall, forecast continues to foresee rates falling for the next 10-16 months.

Salem Five Direct lowered their online savings account rate from 1.25% to 1.00% APY. It had been the highest online savings rate in the country.

Average bank rates trending down. Top savings account rate steady at 1.25% APY while top rewards checking at 3.51% APY.

Savings and CD rates continue to drop. Top national CD rate at 1.135% APY. Guess the top CD rate five years ago.

Belmont Savings Bank has broken ranks with the majority of banks and increased the rate of its PlatinumBlue Savings account from 1.10% APY to 1.15% APY. That's one of the best savings rates in the country.

In June 2011, ING Group agreed to sell ING DIRECT USA to Capital One for $9 billion. Since then, many ING Direct’s customers have feared that their beloved bank would change. Beginning February 2013, the bank will be known as Capital One 360, but what other changes will come in association with this merger?

With Obama's re-election to a second term, Bernanke's job as Chairman of the Fed is now safe. Akin to what Bernanke's been doing, the Fed will most likely continue to keep rates low and print more money.

Savings and CD rate trends, the impact of the fiscal cliff on savers, and my weekly rate forecast.

My weekly recap of savings and CD trends as well as news that might impact rates going forward. Happy Halloween.

The books have always told us the ideal macro story regarding how low rates bolster the economy by allowing borrowers to borrow and spend. But what’s the other not so ideal side of the story? If borrowers are the winners in this, then who are the losers?