With rates ‘higher for longer’, savers are well placed to explore investing

SAVERS have been spoilt for choice over the last couple of years. Adoption of money market funds and other alternative cash instruments flourished as interest rates rose. Banks responded with eye-watering headline savings rates to woo customers back.

But with the US Federal Reserve indicating rate cuts once inflation comes under control, and with many Singapore banks already trimming savings rates, the party for savers seems to be coming to an end.

The big question is when. A recent poll found that two-thirds of economists expect two rate cuts this year, starting in September, but the Fed will keep rates in the “higher for longer” default until it sees inflation targets being met. The good news is that markets cannot fully price in lower interest rates without more certainty, so for now there are some very attractive investment options available.