Carnegie Investment Counsel Blog

What Are the Pros and Cons of Low Interest Rates?

Posted by Raz Pounardjian on Feb 11, 2015 12:28:23 PM

financial planning 1

You may have heard about low interest rates in the newspaper, online or on TV, but what do low interest rates really mean for the general public?

Interest rates are based primarily upon the supply and demand for money. What are some of the positives and negatives of low interest rates? Watch our video or continue reading below. 



Positives of Low Interest Rates

Business may be able to borrow more easily to expand

Low interest rates allow businesses to borrow more cheaply to buy equipment, hire employees, make acquisitions, pay dividends and buy back shares. These actions benefit the overall economy.

Mortgage payments may be lower

Mortgage rates are based on long-term U.S. Treasury yields. Today, in 2019, mortgage rates are still near historic lows. Low interest rates on mortgages encourage first-time homebuyers to purchase a home. They also encourage current homeowners to refinance mortgages at a cheaper rate. This saves them money on their monthly mortgage payments.

Consumers may be able to finance items more easily

Interest rates for cars, appliances and student loans become very attractive in a low-interest rate environment. Instead of paying off these loans at once, it may be better to borrow at a low rate and invest in equities for a higher rate of return.

Negatives of Low Interest Rates

Savers may make less on interest bearing accounts

Low interest rates provide lower interest amounts to savers whose main focus is the preservation of capital and income. This is because yields on bonds, CD’s and money market instruments are very low.


Some assets may be artificially inflated

Asset prices could be artificially inflated because many investors may turn to higher-yield assets such as Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs). Investors may make more risky investments in search of higher yields.

 

Worried you may outlive your retirement funds? Grab our easy guide that puts  the 20 components you need in place.


Banks and lending institutions may make lower returns

Banks and insurance companies are also negatively affected by low interest rates. Insurance companies invest their assets long-term with the assumption of higher rates on their capital. Banks can suffer as their “net interest” margin, or the spread between the rate at which they lend funds and interest they must pay on deposits is compressed.


Takeaway: For 2019, many experts feel that interest rates will continue to be low. The takeaway is to avoid risky investments, stay the course of your financial plan and talk to your advisor when worried.


Let Carnegie Investment Counsel be your guide when it comes to investing in a low interest rate environment.

Schedule a No-Obligation Appointment Today!

 

Raz Pounardjian

Research Analyst/Portfolio Management Assistant

 

Topics: Investing

Raz Pounardjian

Written by Raz Pounardjian

Razmig Pounardjian serves as Portfolio Manager; managing custom portfolios for select clients. Raz genuinely cares about his clients’ well-being, and they know that they have an advocate who is there to help guide and manage their investments through their careers and into retirement.

  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

carnegie top 4 things 2021 version-1

Looking to hire a Financial Advisor?

Enclosed in our eBook are four questions we recommend you ask any prospective group you review. Plus, you'll learn: 

  • The difference between fiduciary and suitability standards
  • Learn how some advisors may not be required to work in your best interest
  • Be aware of various types of hidden costs
  • The importance of third party custodians
  • The difference between fee-based and fee-only

Download Now, It's Free

Recent Posts

Subscribe here for monthly blog updates!