Shorter-Term GICs
Consider shorter-term GICs, such as one-year, three-year or less-than-a-year options. This avoids locking in your money for five years. These GICs offer more flexibility but generally have lower interest rates than five-year GICs. A common strategy is to pursue GIC laddering, which blends the benefits of flexibility and higher interest rates. Short-term GICs are also generally CDIC insured, protecting up to $100,000 per financial institution.
High-Interest Savings Accounts (HISA)
A High-Interest Savings Account (HISA) offers the most withdrawal flexibility. You can withdraw whenever desired, though frequent monthly transactions can incur fees. In exchange, you’ll generally receive a lower interest rate than committing to a GIC. Many HISAs are CDIC-insured, protecting your deposits up to $100,000. However, this availability varies across institutions.
Related: Best High Interest Savings Accounts
Bond Products
Bonds are debt securities. They pay interest installments (coupons) to investors until they mature, at which point the initial sum is returned. Bonds can offer higher returns than GICs but also carry more risk. While a GIC return is somewhat guaranteed, bond returns fluctuate with the Bank of Canada rate.
An interest rate hike will decrease the value of your investment, with a more pronounced effect for bonds with longer maturities. Additionally, you’ll face company-specific risk in the event of default.
The Stock Market
Investing in stocks is a popular option for long-term investors. Stocks offer the potential for higher returns compared to GICs but also come with more risk. The value of stocks can be volatile and is not guaranteed. If you invest in the stock market, consider diversifying your portfolio to manage risk. Many market-linked GICs provide stock market exposure with a minimum guaranteed return. However, your upside will be constrained.
Crypto Staking (Stablecoin)
Like investing in a GIC, crypto staking involves locking up funds at an institution. You can generally earn more than investing in a GIC, though it takes considerable research to ensure safety. You can stake various crypto assets, though stablecoin is the least risky option.
A stablecoin is a cryptocurrency pegged to an underlying asset, such as the U.S. dollar, gold, or silver. Many options maintain a 1:1 ratio between deposits and reserve assets. For example, a U.S. dollar stablecoin holds 1:1 cash equivalents such as dollars and treasury bills.
It’s a GIC alternative to be aware of. However, it’s crucial to understand the risk. This includes deposit institution risk, protocol risk, regulatory risk and the possibility of the stablecoin peg breaking. It’s essential to thoroughly research and understand the risks before investing in crypto staking.
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