Tag: interestrates

Holding Foreign Currencies To Get a Higher Interest Rate: Should You Do It?

Post author By Edward Mills
Post date 22 April 2024
No Comments on Holding Foreign Currencies To Get a Higher Interest Rate: Should You Do It?

Holding Foreign Currencies To Get a Higher Interest Rate: Should You Do It?

“Volatility gets you in the gut. There’s no question that when prices are jumping around, you feel different from when they’re stable” ― Peter Bernstein

4 min read

Holding Foreign Currencies To Get a Higher Interest Rate: Should You Do It?

“Volatility gets you in the gut. There’s no question that when prices are jumping around, you feel different from when they’re stable” ― Peter Bernstein

4 min read

We all want to get the most out of our money, especially when it comes to earning interest on our cash.

Sometimes, it may seem like the grass is greener on the other side, with foreign currency accounts offering higher interest rates than what is available in your home currency.

But is it really as good as it sounds?

It may seem obvious to gravitate towards the higher interest rates and receive more money each year. However, there may be more risks involved than you think.

Today, we are going to explore the ins and outs of foreign currency interest rates, and weigh the benefits and risks to help you make informed decisions about whether a foreign currency interest rate is right for you, or not.

Is Holding Cash in Foreign Currencies a Good Idea?

Opening an account in a foreign currency to capitalise on higher interest rates may seem appealing at first glance, especially if the rates offered are significantly higher than those available domestically.

However, whilst higher interest rates may enhance the potential returns on your cash, at least in terms of the actual figures you will see on your statement, they also come with increased currency risk.

Exchange rate fluctuations can significantly impact the overall return you receive, and could actually cause you to experience a reduction in purchasing power (i.e. lose money!).

Put simply, when placing funds in a currency other than the one in which you intend to spend the funds, you are making a bet that the foreign currency you choose will not lose value against your domestic currency by the difference of the increased interest rate you will receive.

Currency exchange costs, foreign transaction fees, and regulatory differences can all affect the net return, too. Moreover, navigating the regulatory landscape and tax implications of foreign investments may require specialised knowledge or professional advice, adding to the overall complexity and potential costs associated with utilising foreign currency accounts.

So, is it a good idea to utilise foreign currency accounts to get a better interest rate? Ultimately, it depends.

It depends on whether you are willing to accept increased risk, what your investment objectives are, and the broader economic environment at the time.

Whatever your decision, you should definitely be aware of a theory known as ‘Interest Rate Parity’.

What is Interest Rate Parity?

Interest rate parity is a concept in finance that relates to the relationship between interest rates and exchange rates in different countries.

Essentially, it states that the difference in interest rates between two countries should equal the expected change in exchange rates between their currencies.

In other words, if one country offers higher interest rates than another, its currency should depreciate relative to the currency of the country with lower interest rates to maintain equilibrium.

What this is saying is that your purchasing power won’t benefit from a higher interest rate in a foreign currency.

This principle is based on the idea of arbitrage, where people seek to exploit differences in interest rates and exchange rates to make risk-free profits.

If interest rate parity did not hold, it would be possible to borrow in a currency with low-interest rates, convert it to a currency with higher interest rates, invest at the higher rate, and then convert the returns back to the original currency, profiting from the interest rate differential.

Interest rate parity helps prevent such opportunities for risk-free profit, ensuring that currency markets remain efficient and prices reflect all available information.

Whilst interest rate parity provides a useful framework for understanding the relationship between interest rates and exchange rates, it is not in itself a perfect predictor of currency movements.

Various factors, such as economic conditions, inflation expectations, geopolitical events, and central bank policies, can influence exchange rates independently of interest rate differentials.

However, interest rate parity remains an important concept to know as, frankly, it’s saying there is no such thing as a free lunch!

Are Exchange Rates Really That Important?

In short, yes!

The volatility of currency exchange is not to be ignored. This refers to the degree of fluctuations or variability in the exchange rates between different currencies.

Currency exchange rates are typically highly volatile, fluxuating all the time.

Why? Well, the fluxuations are influenced by a myriad of factors, such as those mentioned for interest rates above, and present risks that you may not have considered.

Currency volatility adds an additional layer of uncertainty, so you may have thought you can get 2.00% interest for 1-year in your home country, and 5.00% for 1-year using foreign currencies and that’s great, right?

Well, if your domestic currency increases in value by 10% against that foreign currency, you actually have made a loss of 7.00% if you then convert it back into your home currency to spend.

The problem is, no matter what the past performance of a currency has been, the future is not known and the unexpected can happen!

Knowledge is Power, But What's The Answer?

There are two sides to every coin.

In this case, on the one side you make a loss from adverse currency fluctuations, and on the other side you make a profit from advantageous currency fluctuations.

If it goes your way, that would be great. The truth is, there is just no way of knowing.

This is why it is mentioned above that whether or not it is right for you really depends on your risk appetite, capacity for loss and personal circumstances.

Importantly, holding cash is investing, and this is even more true for those holding cash in a currency other than that in which those funds will be spent.

The key to success is that you need not make these important decisions alone.

Patterson Mills is here to guide you every step of the way and assist you in making the decision that is right for you and your financial future.

Get in touch with us today and book your initial, no-cost and no-obligation meeting.

Send us an e-mail to contactus@pattersonmills.ch or call us direct at +41 21 801 36 84 and we shall be pleased to assist you.

Please note that all content within this article has been prepared for information purposes only. This article does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Always ensure you speak to a regulated Financial Adviser before making any financial decisions.

Tags bank, bankaccounts, currency, finance, finances, financetips, financialadvice, financialadviser, financialplanning, fixedterm, foreigncurrency, foreignexchange, fx, independentfinancialadvice, interest, interestrates

Investments

Why Invest During High Interest Rates

Post author By Charles Mills
Post date 25 October 2023
No Comments on Why Invest During High Interest Rates

Worried young Caucasian couple going over their bills and home finances in the morning in the kitchen

Why Invest During High Interest Rates

“A regulator is supposed to create and enforce a standard” ― Travis Kalanick

3 min read

Why Invest During High Interest Rates

“A regulator is supposed to create and enforce a standard” ― Travis Kalanick

3 min read

Investment decisions are often influenced by the prevailing economic conditions. One critical factor that can significantly impact investment strategies is the interest rate environment. Interest rates, set by central banks and influenced by various economic factors, play a pivotal role in shaping the investment world. As interest rates rise, fall, or remain stable, investors must adapt to the changing financial climate. In this article, we will explore the reasons why one might consider investing in a high interest rate environment.

Understanding the High-Interest Rate Environment

It’s essential to first grasp the concept of interest rates and how they are determined. In essence, an interest rate represents the cost of borrowing money or the return on investment for lending or saving. Central banks, like the Swiss National Bank in Switzerland, Federal Reserve in the United States or the European Central Bank in Europe, set interest rates as part of their monetary policy tools. These rates directly impact the cost of credit, the attractiveness of savings, and the overall flow of money in the economy.

Why Invest in a High-Interest Rate Environment

Now, let’s explore why investing in a high interest rate environment can be an attractive proposition:

Enhanced Fixed-Income Returns: In a high interest rate environment, fixed-income investments, such as bonds or certificates of deposit (CDs), tend to offer more attractive yields. This can provide investors with a stable and predictable source of income, making it particularly appealing for retirees and income-focused investors.
Favourable Economic Conditions: A high interest rate environment often corresponds to strong (potentially ‘too strong’) economic conditions, low unemployment, and robust growth. This can translate into higher consumer spending, increased business investment, and a generally healthier investment environment. By investing in assets that benefit from these conditions, you can diversify your portfolio, reducing risk.
Hedging Against Inflation: High interest rates can act as a hedge against inflation, preserving the purchasing power of your investments. In times of rising prices, the returns from high-yield investments can outpace the erosion of your money’s value.
Wealth Accumulation: For long-term investors, high-interest rates can contribute to more substantial wealth accumulation over time.
Safe Haven for Capital: Investors often flock to assets like government bonds during high-interest rate periods. These investments are considered safer, and their demand can increase, making them a haven for capital preservation. This is because newly issued bonds tend to offer more attractive yields. Investors can lock in these higher interest rates, leading to increased income from their bond investments.

In high interest rate environments, it’s important to keep in mind that markets can be unpredictable in the short term, much like many other aspects of life. Attempting to trade headlines and make hasty decisions can be risky, as numerous examples have demonstrated in the past. Make sure you make informed decisions or consult your Financial Adviser.

Your Investing Partner

Investing in a high interest rate environment can be a strategic move for investors seeking to capitalise on the unique opportunities presented by rising rates. The potential for higher yields, income generation, capital preservation, and diversification makes it easy to try and trade headlines to attractive asset classes in such conditions. However, it’s essential to approach high interest rate environments with a well-thought-out investment strategy that aligns with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.

If you wish to learn more about how you could invest in a high-interest rate environment, get in touch with Patterson Mills today and book your initial, no-cost and no-obligation meeting to ensure your strategy is as effective as it could, and should, be. Send us an e-mail to info@pattersonmills.ch or call us direct at +41 21 801 36 84 and we shall be pleased to assist you.

Please note that all information within this article has been prepared for informational purposes only. This article does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Always ensure you speak to a regulated Financial Adviser before making any financial decisions.

Tags financetips, financialadvice, financialadviser, financialplanning, highinterest, interestrates

Investments

The Dance of Bonds and Interest Rates

Post author By Charles Mills
Post date 20 October 2023
No Comments on The Dance of Bonds and Interest Rates

Pair of dancers dancing ballroom on sky background

The Dance of Bonds and Interest Rates

“It’s sort of like a teeter-totter; when interest rates go down, prices go up” ― Bill Gross

4 min read

The Dance of Bonds and Interest Rates

“It’s sort of like a teeter-totter; when interest rates go down, prices go up” ― Bill Gross

4 min read

Bonds and interest rates stand as two pillars influencing economic tides and individual investments. These financial instruments are inextricably linked, creating a complex relationship that shapes the financial decisions of nations and individuals alike. The relationship between the two can seem complex at first, but we’ll break it down and let you konw their impact on financial markets so that you can understand this connection and make more informed investment choices.

The Basics of Bonds and Interest Rates

Let’s first clarify the fundamentals of bonds and interest rates. Bonds are essentially debt securities issued by governments, municipalities, or corporations to raise capital. You can find out exactly what a bond is in our previous article by clicking here. The interest payments on a bond, known as the coupon, are calculated as a percentage of the bond’s face value.

On the other hand, interest rates, often referred to as the cost of borrowing or the return on investment, represent the price of money. In a broader economic context, interest rates are determined by central banks and are vital tools for regulating economic conditions. Interest rates play a pivotal role in determining the opportunity cost of tying up money in bonds versus investing it elsewhere.

Understanding the Relationship

The relationship between bonds and interest rates is best encapsulated by a seesaw effect: as interest rates rise, bond prices fall, and vice versa. This inverse relationship forms the basis for many financial decisions. Let’s break down how it works and why it matters.

When interest rates rise, newly issued bonds come with more attractive yields. Suppose you own an older bond with a fixed interest rate (set when the bond was issued). In this scenario, your bond’s fixed coupon payment becomes less appealing to investors compared to newer bonds with higher coupon rates. Consequently, the value of your existing bond in the secondary market falls to make it more competitive with newer issues. This decline in bond prices due to rising interest rates is known as interest rate risk. The longer the duration of the bond, the more susceptible to interest rate risk it will be.

On the flip side, when interest rates fall, older bonds with their higher fixed coupon rates become more attractive to investors. The result is an increase in the value of your bond investments. This phenomenon is particularly evident during periods of economic uncertainty, prompting investors to seek the safety and stability offered by bonds, driving up demand and prices.

It’s crucial to recognise that different types of bonds exhibit varying degrees of sensitivity to interest rate changes. This sensitivity is measured by a bond’s duration, a concept that quantifies how much a bond’s price will change for each percentage point shift in interest rates. Generally, the longer the duration, the more sensitive the bond’s price is to interest rate movements. This is a key factor for investors to consider when building a diversified portfolio.

The Impact on Financial Markets

The relationship between bonds and interest rates ripples through the entire financial market. It’s often likened to a heartbeat, influencing the health and performance of financial instruments across the board.

Stock Market Dynamics: Whilst bonds tend to offer fixed interest payments and are considered ‘safer’ (or ‘less risky’) investments than stocks, their relationship with interest rates indirectly impacts the stock market. When interest rates rise, bond yields become more attractive, potentially leading to a shift of investment capital from stocks to bonds. This can place downward pressure on stock prices.
Central Bank Policies: Interest rates are vital tools for central banks, used to control inflation, promote economic growth, and manage the money supply. Decisions regarding interest rates influence the behavior of both investors and consumers, with consequences that echo throughout the entire financial ecosystem.
Homeownership and Real Estate: Fluctuating interest rates also impact the real estate market. Mortgage rates, which often follow the lead of government bond yields, affect the affordability of homes and the overall health of the real estate sector. Higher interest rates can lead to reduced demand for homes and, consequently, lower property values.
Corporate Bonds and Borrowing Costs: The cost of borrowing for businesses is directly influenced by interest rates. When rates rise, it becomes more expensive for corporations to raise funds through bond issuances. This, in turn, affects business expansion, investments, and profitability.
Global Markets: The interconnected nature of global financial markets means that bond and interest rate movements in one part of the world can send ripples across the globe. International investors are constantly evaluating relative interest rates and bond yields when allocating their capital.

Bond Yield Curves

A bond yield curve, often simply referred to as a “yield curve,” is a graphical representation of the yields on bonds with different maturities. It shows the relationship between the interest rates (yields) and the time to maturity of bonds. The yield curve is a fundamental tool in finance and economics, providing insights into the expectations for interest rates, economic conditions, and investor sentiment. Understanding its movements is essential for investors.

Here are some key points about the bond yield curve:

Yield and Maturity: The vertical axis of the yield curve represents the yield or interest rate, whilst the horizontal axis represents the time to maturity of bonds. Short-term bonds are on the left, and long-term bonds are on the right.
Normal Yield Curve: In a normal yield curve, longer-term bonds have higher yields compared to shorter-term bonds. This suggests that investors expect higher interest rates in the future due to economic growth and inflation. It’s the typical shape of the yield curve during stable economic conditions.
Inverted Yield Curve: An inverted yield curve is the opposite, with short-term bonds having higher yields than long-term bonds. This phenomenon is often seen as a warning sign of an impending economic downturn. Investors may be seeking the safety of long-term bonds, anticipating lower interest rates ahead.
Flat Yield Curve: A flat yield curve occurs when the yields on short- and long-term bonds are relatively close. It can signal uncertainty or a lack of consensus among investors regarding future interest rate movements.
Steep Yield Curve: A steep yield curve indicates that long-term yields are significantly higher than short-term yields. This scenario may suggest that investors expect robust economic growth and higher inflation in the future.
Factors Influencing Yield Curves: Several factors influence the shape of the yield curve, including central bank policies (such as changes in interest rates), inflation expectations, economic data, and global events. Changes in any of these factors can lead to shifts in the yield curve.
Yield Curve as a Predictor: The yield curve is often used as an economic indicator. In particular, an inverted yield curve, with short-term yields higher than long-term yields, has historically preceded economic recessions. This is because investors are buying long-term bonds due to expectations of lower interest rates in the future.
Practical Use: Investors and financial institutions use the yield curve for various purposes, including bond pricing, investment decisions, and risk management. It’s also a tool used by central banks to make monetary policy decisions.

Your Partner in Finance

Every investor, from beginners to seasoned professionals, should grasp the relationship between bonds and interest rates. The easiest way is to remember they are negatively correlated, so when interest rates go up, bond investments tend to go down. By acknowledging the seesaw effect between bond prices and interest rates, you can navigate various market scenarios and adapt your investment strategy accordingly. Remember, bonds and interest rates are part of a multifaceted financial system, and understanding their dynamics empowers you to make informed decisions, protect your capital, and seize opportunities when they arise.

Patterson Mills provide guidance and insight to help you navigate the ever-changing financial landscape so be sure to get in touch with Patterson Mills today and book your initial, no-cost and no-obligation meeting and we will guide you every step of the way. Send us an e-mail to info@pattersonmills.ch or call us direct at +41 21 801 36 84 and we shall be pleased to assist you.

Tags bonds, financetips, financialadvice, financialadviser, financialplanning, interestrates