In 2022, the European Central Bank increased the key interest rate in the fight against inflation for the first time in eleven years. This is now at 2.75 %.
According to forecasts, however, the key interest rate is likely to decrease. As a result, loans would be cheaper again, but at the same time saving is worth less.
Therefore, the question now arises which investment is the most return. Where can I really benefit from high interest? We introduce you to some investment options and discuss which scenario is worth it.
Reading tip:
When interest rates rise: these investments make sense
Do you go fromrising interest ratesfrom, flexible investment options are best. These offer themselves to be able to react quickly in search of the best interest. That would be withMoney market funds or overnight accountsthe case.
Overnight account
It is a safe way to do its money on oneOvernight accountto park. Various banks still offer attractive interest rates for overnight accounts.
At the Consorsbank! There are currently 3.15 % PA with a 3-month interest rate guarantee for new customers (as of February 2025). Suresse Direct Bank offers an interest of 3.05 % PA 4-month interest guarantee for new customers.
Money market funds
A money market fund shows the key interest rate of the ECB. These are relatively short bonds that are comparable to the overnight money. In the end, the money market fund has to be sold again to get the money you invested. In contrast to the overnight money, money market funds are affected by price fluctuations and they are not secured by statutory deposit insurance.
When interest rates fall: these investments make sense
If one assumes that interest rates will fall in the future, it makes more sense to secure the current interest rate. Fixed deposits and bonds are recommended here in any case. This includes classic bonds with a long term as well as bonds ETFs and of course solid -fuel bonds ETFs.
Also read:
Bonds
A possible investment are classicBonds. Here you buy a bond with a specified term. The interest rate, on the other hand, is not fixed. As with shares, there are course fluctuations that depend on your profit.
After the runtime has expired, you will receive the bond back. Before you get your bond back, your bonds will be traded on the stock exchange. Accordingly, the return is also affected by the price fluctuations. In contrast to stock purchases, you do not benefit from the success of the company in the event of a bond. If the interest falls, you benefit from rising bond courses. However, if the interest rates, the bond courses fall.
Bonds ETFs
ABonds ETFForms a bond index. While regular ETFs invest in shares, you invest in bonds in the event of a bond. Bonds ETFs also fluctuate in the course and are therefore risky like classic bonds. There are long -term and short -running bonds ETFs. To get the money you invested, you have to sell the ETF bonds again.
To differentiate from this must be fixed for fixed -interest bonds.
Most fixed bonds ETFs
In the case of the most fixed bonds ETFs, there is a fixed term and a fixed interest rate. Bonds are kept until repayment. There are also course fluctuations here, which do not affect you. The risk here depends entirely on the type of bond. For example, if it is a government bond, the return can be calculated. However, there are far more risky fixed -interest bonds ETFs.
Fixed deposit
You can of course create your money on a fixed deposit account. You are on the safe side because you put your money on a predetermined interest rate and a fixed term.
You know exactly when you will get your money back and are not affected by price fluctuations. Maybe you don't achieve the highest return, but you are on the safe side and do not occur.
Also read:
It is not predictable whether interest rates rise or fall.Looking at the past, even during the years of low interest rate policy, some experts assumed that interest rates will drop again, which only happened 11 years later. Nobody could predict that interest is then raised at such a speed.
In general, you should make your investment dependent on your financial goals and not on interest forecast. Not only can you be influenced by which investment you may currently achieve the highest return, but rather how much money you need when.
For example, if you want to buy a property in the next three years, you should of course not invest your money for 5 years. On the other hand, if you are sure that you will not need your money in the next 5 years, things look very different again.
Sources:
