With the collapse of so many financial institutions looming in the US, and the Fed stepping in with $100 billion+ dollars of prop-up funding, one has to be very worried. The US is already running yearly deficits close to $500 billion, so this extra prop-up cash has to be coming from the printing presses (ie. from out of thin air) and/or via loans from other countries such as China. The Fed did not cut interest rates this week, so that tells me that they're likely worried about the printing presses fueling inflation.
Some people may see these times as a great buying opportunity, but I don't recommend trying to catch a falling knife. Wait until things settle out, and cross your fingers that they do. If you're looking for a decent GIC rate, ING Direct just came out with a 1.5 year GIC at 4%. I think it's a time limited promotional rate since it beats the rates on all their other GICs except for the 5 year which also has the same 4% rate.
Custom Search
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I got the same deal at my own bank about 7 months ago ( GIC, 1.5 yr term thingie at 4%). I am kinda freaked as I have a few investments ( not mega cash lol) but still...it's supposed to be for my retirement and if things continue like they are for several years, I will have maybe enough to get a few coffees at Starbucks once in a while livin' on the streets as a bag lady lmao...
Care to share which bank? Most regular banks have really crappy GIC rates. PC Financial has good rates though.
Also worth a look are bond ishares from Barclay's. Namely XGB (government bonds), XSB (short term bonds) amongst others. With bonds, however, your capital is at some risk albeit fairly low if the average term of the bonds held isn't very long.
Post a Comment