SCIENCE OF WEALTH
·
SUBSCRIBERS

Equities vs ‘guaranteed’ fixed deposits

When interest rates were 5% or higher in the past, global equities consistently performed better than US Treasury bills by a significant margin

    • Investing with a longer time horizon will yield rewards. However, investors need the patience, discipline and the stomach to tolerate volatility.
    • Investing with a longer time horizon will yield rewards. However, investors need the patience, discipline and the stomach to tolerate volatility. PHOTO: PIXABAY
    Published Mon, Dec 4, 2023 · 08:06 PM

    DINNER conversations have changed quite a bit this year. Friends, who two years ago would not stop talking about hot stocks, coins and NFTs (non-fungible tokens), are now talking about the amazingly high “guaranteed” fixed deposit rates they are getting at their banks.

    Indeed, fixed deposit rates are high – higher than they have been for a while. But should we park our money accordingly, just because rates are high?

    Year to date, global equities are up 18 per cent (represented by the MSCI World Index in USD as at Nov 30). Those sitting in fixed deposits have been comfortable but have missed out, and history does not paint too different a picture.

    Share with us your feedback on BT's products and services