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A term deposit, also known as a certificate of deposit (CD) or time deposit, is a low-risk, interest-bearing savings account. In most cases, term deposit holders place their funds into an account with a bank or financial institution and agree not to withdraw the funds until the maturity date (the end of the term). The funds can earn interest calculated based on the amount deposited and the term.

This guide explains what a term deposit is in more detail, including:

•   How term deposits work

•   What a time deposit is

•   Different types of term deposits

•   How to open and close a term deposit

•   The pros and cons of terms deposits.

What Is a Term Deposit or Time Deposit?

Time deposit, term deposit, or certificate of deposit (CD) are all words that refer to a particular kind of deposit account. It’s an amount of money paid into a savings account with a bank or other financial institution. The principal can earn interest over a period that can vary from a month to years. There is usually a minimum amount for the deposit, and the earned interest and principal are paid when the term ends.

One factor to consider is that the account holder usually agrees not to withdraw the funds before the term is over. However, if they do, the bank will likely charge a penalty. Yes, that’s a downside, but consider the overall picture: Term deposits typically offer higher interest rates than other savings accounts where the account holder can withdraw money at any time without penalties.

Compared to stocks and other alternative investments, term deposits are considered low-risk (they’re typically insured by the FDIC or NCUA), and the returns are correspondingly conservative.

How Does a Bank Use Term Deposits?

Banks and financial institutions can make money through financing. For example, they likely earn a profit by issuing home, car, and personal loans and charging interest on those financial products. Thus, banks are often in need of capital to fund the loans. Term deposits can provide locked-in capital for lending institutions.

Here’s how many bank accounts work: When a customer places funds in a term deposit, it’s similar to a loan to the bank. The bank will hold the funds for a set time and can use them to invest elsewhere to make a return. Let’s say the bank gives the initial depositor a return of 2% for the use of funds in a term deposit. The bank can then use the money on deposit for a loan to a customer, charging a 6% interest rate for a net margin of 4%. Term deposits can help keep their financial operation running.

Banks want to maximize their net interest margin (net return) by offering lower interest for term deposits and charging high interest rates for loans. However, borrowers may choose a lender with the lowest interest rate, while CD account holders probably seek the highest rate of return. This dynamic keeps banks competitive.

Recommended: Breaking Down the Different Types of Bank Accounts

How Interest Rates Affect Term Deposits

Term deposits and saving accounts in general tend to be popular when interest rates are high. That’s because account holders can earn a high return just by stashing their money with a financial institution. When market interest rates are low, though, people are more inclined to borrow money and spend on items like homes and cars. They may know they’ll pay less interest on loans, keeping their monthly costs in check. This can stimulate the economy.

When interest rates are low (as checking account interest rates typically are), the demand for term deposits usually decreases because there are alternative investments that pay a higher return. For example, stocks, real estate, precious metals, or cryptocurrency might seem more appealing, although these are also higher risk.

The interest rate paid on a term deposit usually depends on the amount deposited and the time until maturity. So, a CD of $10,000 with a maturity date of six months might pay 0.05% annual percentage yield (APY), while a certificate of deposit of $10,000 with a maturity date of five years might pay 0.15% APY. Also, if you have a larger deposit with which to open a CD, you will likely have more options; these may include higher APY earning.

Types of Term Deposits

There are two main types of term deposits: fixed deposits and recurring deposits. Here’s a closer look.

Fixed Deposits

Fixed deposits are a one-time deposit into a savings account. The funds cannot be accessed until the maturity date, and interest is paid only on maturity.

Recurring Deposits

With a recurring deposit, the account holder deposits a set amount in regular intervals until the maturity date. For example, the account holder might deposit $100 monthly for five months. Each deposit will earn less interest than the previous installment because the bank holds it for a shorter period.

In addition to these two types, you may see banks promoting different kinds of CDs, whether they vary by term length or by features (such as penalty-free, meaning you aren’t charged if you withdraw funds early).

Opening a Term Deposit

To open a term deposit account, search online for the best interest rates, keeping in mind how much you want to deposit, how often, and for how long. Most banks will ask you to fill in an online application. Make sure you read and agree to the terms of the agreement. For example, check the penalties that apply if you decide to withdraw your funds early as well as the minimum amount required to earn a certain interest rate.

Closing a Term Deposit

A term deposit may close for two reasons — either the account reaches maturity or the account holder decides to end the term early. Each bank or financial institution will have different policies regarding the penalties imposed for breaking a term deposit. Read the fine print or ask a bank representative for full details.

When time deposit accounts mature, some banks automatically renew them (you may hear this worded as “rolled over” into a new account) at the current interest rate. It would be your choice to let that move ahead or indicate to the bank that you prefer to withdraw your money.

If you want to close a term deposit before the maturity date, contact your bank, and find out what you need to do and the penalties. The penalty will depend on the amount saved, the interest rate, and the term. The fee may involve the loss of some or all of interest earned.

Term Deposits and Inflation

Term deposits may not keep up with inflation. That is, if you lock into an account and interest rates rise over time, your money won’t earn more. You will likely still earn the same amount promised when you funded the account. Also, once tax is deducted from the interest income, returns on a fixed deposit may fall below the rate of inflation. So, while term deposits are safe investments, the interest earned can wind up being negligible. You might investigate whether high-yield accounts or stocks, for instance, are a better option.

Term Deposit Pros

What are a term deposit’s advantages versus regular high yield bank account and other investments? Here are some important benefits:

•   Term deposit accounts are low-risk.

•   CDs or time deposits usually pay a fixed rate of return higher than regular savings accounts.

•   The funds in a CD or deposit account are typically FDIC-insured.

•   Opening several accounts with different maturity dates can allow the account holder to withdraw funds at intervals over time, accessing money without paying any penalties. This system is called laddering.

•   Minimum deposit amounts are often low.

Term Deposit Cons

There are a few important disadvantages of term deposit accounts to note, including:

•   Term deposits can offer lower returns than other, riskier investments.

•   Term deposits and CDs usually have fixed interest rates that do not keep up with inflation.

•   Account holders likely do not have access to funds for the length of the term.

•   Account holders will usually pay a penalty to access funds before the maturity date.

•   A term deposit could be locked in at a low interest rate at a time when interest rates are rising.

Examples of Bank Term Deposits

Here’s an example of how time deposits can shape up. Bank of America is the second-largest consumer bank in the United States, according to the Federal Reserve. As of May 2022, the bank offered a Standard Term CD account and a Featured CD account.

•   The Standard Term CD: A 12-month CD with a minimum deposit of $1,000 pays 0.03%.

•   The Featured CD: A 12-month Featured CD with a minimum deposit of $10,000 pays 0.05%.

As you see, the premium account, with a significantly higher minimum deposit, earns almost twice as much interest as the regular version. Still, neither earns what might be deemed a high rate.

Recommended: How Do You Calculate Interest on a Savings Account?

The Takeaway

Term deposits, time deposits, or CDs are conservative ways to save. Account holders place a minimum amount of money into a bank account for a set term at a fixed interest rate.

The principal and interest earned can be withdrawn at maturity or rolled over into another account. If funds are withdrawn early, however, a penalty will likely be assessed.

While these accounts typically have a low interest rate, they may earn more than standard bank accounts. What’s more, their low-risk status can help some people reach their financial goals.

If you’re looking for security plus a great interest rate, see what SoFi offers. When opened with direct deposit, our Checking and Savings pays a competitve APY. What’s more, we don’t charge any fees, so your money can grow faster.

Better banking is here with up to 3.75% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

Can you lose money in a term deposit?

Most term deposits or CDs are FDIC-insured, which means your money is safe should the bank fail. However, if you withdraw funds early, you may have to pay a penalty. In a worst-case scenario, this could mean that you receive less money than you originally invested.

Are term deposits and fixed deposits the same?

There is usually no difference between a term deposit and a fixed deposit. They both describe low-risk, interest-bearing savings accounts with maturity dates.

Do you pay tax on term deposits?

With the exception of CDs put in an IRA, any earnings on term deposits or CDs are usually subject to federal and state income taxes. The percentage depends on your overall income and tax bracket. If penalties are paid due to early withdrawal of funds, these can probably be deducted from taxes if the CD or term deposit was purchased through a tax-advantaged individual retirement account (IRA) or 401(k).

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Photo credit: iStock/Olga Trofimova

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2022 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 3.75% annual percentage yield (APY) interest on Savings account balances (including Vaults) and up to 2.50% APY on Checking account balances. There is no minimum direct deposit amount required to qualify for these rates. Members without direct deposit will earn 1.20% APY on all account balances in Checking and Savings (including Vaults). Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/16/2022. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
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An Individual Development Account (or IDA) is a special type of matched savings account that’s designed to help lower-income individuals and households achieve their financial goals. IDA accounts were first introduced in the 1990s as part of a federal initiative to encourage wealth-building among financially-challenged populations.

The IDA account program is specifically designed to encourage saving toward one of four goals, including home ownership. There are certain requirements that must be met to qualify for an Individual Development Account.

Here, take a closer look at this topic, including:

•   What is an Individual Development Account (IDA)?

•   Who is eligible for an IDA?

•   How to open an IDA.

•   The pros and cons of an IDA.

What Is an Individual Development Account (IDA)?

An Individual Development Account is a bank account that allows lower-income Americans to set aside money to fund specific goals. Generally, money in an IDA account can be used for one of four purposes:

•   Buying a car

•   Purchasing a home

•   Starting a business or supporting an existing business

•   Paying for post-secondary education or training

Some programs may allow you to use the money for other things, like home repairs and improvements or retirement.

IDA accounts are matched savings accounts that are funded partially with grant money. The IDA program can also provide other benefits to participating savers, including financial literacy training and homebuyer education.

How Does an Individual Development Account Work?

Individual Development Accounts work by encouraging participants to save and then matching a percentage of those savings to fund specific financial goals. A sponsoring organization, which may be a non-profit or state government agency, partners with banks and other financial institutions to offer IDA accounts to underserved populations.

In terms of the matching component, IDA accounts are similar to 401(k) plans in that savers can essentially get free money for participating. The match is designed to act as an incentive to encourage account owners to save. The IDA savings match varies by program.

For example, you may be eligible for a 1:1 match, meaning you get $1 for every $1 you save. Other programs may offer a 5:1 match instead, so you get five times the matching contributions for every dollar you save (that means $5 to every dollar you tuck away). IDA programs can also cap the total maximum match allowed to a set dollar amount. In some cases, the cap will be in the $5,000 range, though higher and lower amounts are possible as well. These Individual Development Account programs typically last five years.

Once you reach your target savings amount, you can then use that money to fund your goals. So if you save $25,000, including your contributions and the match, you could then use that money to put a down payment on a home or start a business under the guidelines of the IDA program. Account minimum balance requirements and fees may be waived for IDA savers.

One word of caution: If you stop saving before you reach the goal amount or if you use the funds for a purpose other than described by the IDA, you may risk forfeiting the matching money.

History of Individual Development Accounts (IDAs)

The idea for IDA accounts was first proposed in 1991 by author Michael Sherraden. In his book, “Assets and the Poor: A New American Welfare Policy,” Sherraden proposed IDA accounts as a means of introducing real assets into the lives of poorer populations that might otherwise lack them. Specifically, the Individual Development Account was meant to be a tool for encouraging personal responsibility in building wealth.

In 1996, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act reformed welfare programs and included IDAs as an eligible use for federal funds. The Assets for Independent Act of 1998 authorized the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide nonprofits with grants to fund IDA programs in partnership with financial institutions and state, local, and tribal governments.

There are more than 600 Individual Development Account programs active in the U.S. today.

How to Open an Individual Development Account

If you’d like to open an Individual Development Account, the first step is locating programs in your area. The Administration for Children and Families offers an online mapping tool to help you locate IDA programs in each state.

Once you find an IDA program provider near you, you can contact them to find out the specific steps you need to take to open an account and which banks they partner with. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to meet the following eligibility requirements to have an Individual Development Account.

Earn Less Than 200% of Federal Poverty Level

Income is a key eligibility requirement for IDA accounts. Your income has to be below 200% of the federal poverty level for your household size. These levels are set by the federal government and are also used to determine eligibility for other benefits, like Medicaid. You can use an online federal poverty calculator to determine whether your income falls within the guidelines.

Have a Paying Job

A paying job is another requirement for opening an Individual Development Account. If you’re planning to buy a home, for instance, the government wants reassurance that you’ll be able to save money now and make your payments later. There are, however, no specifications on what kind of job you need to have.

Cannot Have More Than $10,000 Worth of Assets, Excluding One Home and One Car

The IDA program assumes that participants aren’t starting out with significant wealth. So another condition for eligibility is a $10,000 cap on assets. You can, however, exclude the value of one home and one car from this total.

Must Take Free Financial Literacy Courses

Financial literacy and education courses are typically provided and required by IDA programs. These courses are designed to educate participants about financial basics, such as budgeting, saving, and debt. A participant might learn financial hacks, such as how a parent can set up a kids’ savings account for a child, even though the minimum age to open a bank account in one’s own name is 18. This can give a kid a head start on accumulating money. Or perhaps the class would illuminate the value of creating an emergency-fund savings account to achieve greater financial stability.

Programs can also offer additional topic-specific classes on concepts like home buying and business planning. The idea here is that an IDA isn’t just helping you build wealth, it’s also teaching you how to manage it wisely.

Pros and Cons of an Individual Development Account (IDA)

Individual Development Accounts are designed to help people who participate in them to build wealth and get ahead financially. Those are among the upsides of these accounts. There are, however, some disadvantages to weigh against the potential benefits. Here’s a closer look:

Pros	Cons
•   Matched savings can help you fund your goals more quickly •   The money you receive in matching contributions isn’t taxable to you •   Financial literacy courses can help to make you more knowledgeable about money	•   IDA accounts have limited flexibility since they can only be used to fund specific goals •   Not everyone is eligible to open and contribute to an IDA account •   Saving money in an IDA isn’t guaranteed to improve your financial outlook •   You may risk forfeiting the matching money if you can’t meet your goal or if you use the funds for something other than approved expenditures

Alternatives to an Individual Development Account (IDA)

An IDA account isn’t the only way to save money toward your financial goals. Some of the other possibilities for saving money include:

•   Establishing a money market account

•   Opening a brokerage account

•   Setting up one or more high-yield savings accounts

•   Contributing to a 401(k) or IRA

•   Building a CD ladder with multiple certificates of deposit

Each savings option has pros and cons, and you may need to spend a little time learning about each one. If you don’t know how a money market account works, for example, that could make it more difficult to choose the best account for your savings.

And in terms of whether an IRA vs. 401(k) is better for retirement saving, the answer depends on your goals and tax situation. In addition, not everyone has access to a 401(k) account and may need to find other ways (like an IRA) to save for their future.

Another important bit of advice: If you choose to open a savings account, keep in mind that you have options. Your decision may determine the interest rate you earn and the fees you pay. For example, a college student bank account (if you are eligible for one) might charge fewer fees than a traditional savings account.

You may also be debating whether to open a joint vs. separate bank account if you’re married and want to save for a goal like a down payment on a house. Having a joint account for shared savings goals or expenses and separate accounts for individual goals could help you to strike the right balance. But again, do your research to find the option that best suits your financial style and goals.

The Takeaway

An Individual Development Account was created to help lower-income individuals secure financial stability. Thanks to matching funds, it can accelerate a person’s saving towards such expenses as buying a home. However, not everyone is eligible for these accounts, and the funds, once saved, can only be used on certain expenses. Still, it’s an opportunity to possibly snag some free money and definitely worth consideration for many people who qualify.

Another way to boost your financial wellness is by partnering with a top-notch financial institution like SoFi for your bank account. We offer Checking and Savings in one convenient place. When you join with direct deposit, you can earn a competitive APY, avoid bank fees, and get paid up to two days early.

Better banking is here with up to 3.75% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

How do I get an IDA account?

To open an Individual Development Account, you’ll need to meet the eligibility requirements. Assuming that you’re eligible, you can then contact an IDA program near you to learn what steps are necessary to open an account.

What is a federal IDA?

The federal IDA program is a savings match program that’s designed to help underserved populations build wealth. Money in an IDA account can be used to buy a home, pay for higher education expenses, start a business, or even buy a car.

Can I take money out of my IDA?

Money in an IDA can be withdrawn to fund a specific goal. For example, if you’re ready to buy a home, you can take money from your account to pay for the down payment or closing costs. Or if you’re starting a business, you can withdraw IDA money to cover operating costs. However, if you take out the money for other purposes, you may forfeit the matching funds.

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Photo credit: iStock/HAKINMHAN

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2022 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 3.75% annual percentage yield (APY) interest on Savings account balances (including Vaults) and up to 2.50% APY on Checking account balances. There is no minimum direct deposit amount required to qualify for these rates. Members without direct deposit will earn 1.20% APY on all account balances in Checking and Savings (including Vaults). Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/16/2022. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
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With the CD barbell strategy, you invest in short-term and long-term certificates of deposit, and don’t invest any of your money in medium-term CDs — a strategy that can help maximize income and minimize risk.

CDs have different terms, and generally the longer the term, the higher the interest rate. When you invest money in a longer-term CD, you can take advantage of their higher rates. The downside with a long-term CD is that your money is tied up for a longer period of time. You have more liquidity with a short-term CD, but you will typically earn a lower return.

By splitting your money between short-term and long-term CDs, the idea is to capture the best of both worlds. Here’s how a barbell CD strategy works, and whether it makes sense for you.

What Is a Certificate of Deposit (CD)?

A certificate of deposit, or CD is a time deposit account that offers a guaranteed return that’s typically higher than a savings or money market account.

With a CD, you invest a lump sum upfront (called the principal). The bank promises a specified interest rate that you’ll earn for a specific period of time (known as the term). Most CDs are insured against loss by the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) or the NCUA (National Credit Union Association) for up to $250,000. Certificates of deposit are considered a type of cash equivalent.

CDs typically pay a higher rate than standard deposit accounts because the account holder agrees not to withdraw the funds until the CD matures. If you deposit $5,000 in a 5-year CD, you cannot withdraw the $5,000 (or the interest that you’ve earned) without incurring an early withdrawal penalty until the end of the five years.

If you do need access to your money before the end of the term, you might consider a certificate of deposit loan, where the bank gives you a loan with the money in the CD serving as collateral.

What Is the Certificate of Deposit (CD) Barbell Strategy?

The longer the term of the CD, the higher the interest rate you’ll earn, but the longer your money will be tied up. The CD barbell strategy is one way that you can attempt to get the benefits of both long- and short-term CDs. By dividing your money between long-term and short-term CDs, you will blend the higher interest rates from long-term CDs with the accessibility of short-term certificates of deposit.

In addition to the CD barbell strategy, there are a variety of different strategies for investing in CDs, including the bullet strategy and the CD ladder strategy. So if you’re wondering where to store short term savings, you have several different options to choose from.

Real Life Example of the CD Barbell Strategy

If you want to start investing in CDs and are interested in learning more about the CD barbell strategy, here is one example of how it could work. Say you have $10,000 that you want to invest using the CD barbell strategy.

•   You invest $5,000 in a 3-month CD earning 0.50%

•   You invest $5,000 in a 5-year CD earning 2.50%

Your total return would be 1.50% (the average of 0.5% and 2.5%). That’s less than you would get if you put all of your money in a long-term CD, but more than if you put it all in a short-term CD. Depending on your financial goals, you can adjust the terms of your CDs and the amount you put in each half of the barbell.

Typically with the CD barbell strategy, when your short-term CD expires, you’ll take the proceeds and reinvest it in a new short-term CD.

Benefits of the CD Barbell Strategy

Here are a few of the benefits of the CD barbell strategy:

Higher Returns Than Investing Only in Short-Term CDs

Because half of your money is invested in long-term CDs that pay a higher return, you’ll get a higher return than if you invested only in short-term CDs. This can make it a viable investment strategy if you need access to some of your money but also want higher returns.

More Liquidity Than Investing Only in Long-Term CDs

Another benefit of the CD barbell strategy is that you have easier access to your money than if you invested only in long-term CDs. Half of your money is in short-term CDs, which means that if you need access to your money after a couple of months, you can withdraw the money in your short-term CD when it matures without penalty.

Drawbacks of the CD Barbell Strategy

Here are a few of the drawbacks of the CD barbell strategy:

Excludes Medium-Term CDs

The barbell CD strategy focuses solely on short-term and long-term CDs, excluding medium-term CDs. Depending on your financial situation, you might find it worthwhile to include medium-term CDs as part of your investment strategy.

Ties Up Some of Your Money

When you invest in a long-term CD that won’t mature for several years, you won’t have penalty-free access to that money until the end of the CD’s term. While long-term CDs do usually come with higher returns than CDs with shorter terms, you need to make sure that you won’t have a need for that money until the CD matures.

Barbell CD Strategy vs CD Laddering

Barbell CD Strategy	CD Laddering
Includes only short-term and long-term CDs	Uses short-term, medium-term, and long-term CDs
Insured by the FDIC or NCUA up to $250,000	Insured by the FDIC or NCUA up to $250,000
You’ll have access to some of your money each time your short-term CD expires	Access to your money varies depending on the terms of the CDs you ladder with

When Should I Use a Certificate of Deposit Strategy?

If you decide you need a long-term savings account, you might want to consider a certificate of deposit strategy like the CD barbell strategy.

CDs with different terms come with different interest rates, so there can be advantages to splitting up your money. Rather than putting all of your savings into one CD, you can distribute your money to a few different CDs as a way to diversify your risk and reward.

The Takeaway

CDs come with different lengths or terms, and the longer the term, usually the higher the interest rate that you’ll earn. A CD barbell might make sense if you want the benefit of having some of your money in a higher-interest CD, while keeping the rest of it more liquid (although at a lower rate) — hence the barbell analogy.

Using a CD strategy like the CD barbell strategy is one way to capture some of the higher returns with long-term CDs while still being able to access some of your money by using shorter-term CDs as well. You’ll also have your money tied up for a longer period of time, so there is a tradeoff that you’ll need to consider.

If you’re looking for better interest rates for your cash while maintaining easy access to your money, you might consider a SoFi high-yield bank account. Eligible account holders can earn a competitive APY if you sign up for direct deposit. Also, SoFi doesn’t charge account fees or management fees.

Open a SoFi Checking and Savings account today!

FAQ

Why is it called a barbell strategy?

The CD barbell strategy is so named because you are investing in CDs at either end of the spectrum of possible terms, with nothing in the middle. This is similar to the shape of a barbell that has weights on either end but nothing in the middle.

Does the CD barbell strategy make more money than CD laddering?

With CD laddering, you usually invest an equal amount of your money in CDs that mature each year. Which strategy makes more money will depend on exactly how you divide your money into different CD terms, as well as how interest rates change over the life of your CD strategy.

Does the CD barbell strategy make more money than the bullet CD strategy?

The bullet CD strategy is an investment strategy where you buy CDs that all mature at the same date. Which of these two CD strategies makes more money will depend on a couple of factors. The first is how interest rates change over time, and the second is exactly how you divide up your investments.

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SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2022 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 3.75% annual percentage yield (APY) interest on Savings account balances (including Vaults) and up to 2.50% APY on Checking account balances. There is no minimum direct deposit amount required to qualify for these rates. Members without direct deposit will earn 1.20% APY on all account balances in Checking and Savings (including Vaults). Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/16/2022. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Photo credit: iStock/hachiware
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It can be scary for investors to see their portfolios decline in value because of market turmoil. During periods of steep market declines, known as bear markets, it may seem like the best thing to do is sell to stop further losses. But by doing this, investors could miss out on potential gains if they utilized bear market investing strategies instead.

For investors with a long-term wealth-building goal, it’s important to remember that bear markets are often relatively short. Rather than panic, it can help to look for potential investment opportunities that may help your portfolio survive during bear market downturns.

What Is a Bear Market?

Investors and market watchers generally define a bear market as a drop of 20% or more from market highs. When investors refer to a bear market, it usually means that multiple broad market indexes, such as the Standard & Poors 500 Index (S&P 500) or Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), fell by 20% or more over at least two months.

The term can also be used to describe a specific security. For example, when a particular stock drops 20% in a short time, it can be said that the stock has entered a bear market.

Bear markets are usually associated with economic recessions, although this isn’t always the case. As economic activity dries up, people lose jobs, consumer spending falls, and business earnings decline. As a result, many companies see their share prices tumble as investors shift their risk tolerance.

Recommended: What Is Flight to Quality?

History of Bear Markets

The S&P 500 Index entered a bear market in the first half of 2022. As of June 14, 2022, the index was down 22% from its high on January 3, 2022.

Prior to the most recent bear market, the S&P 500 Index posted 12 drops of more than 20% since World War II. The table below shows the S&P 500’s returns from the highest point to the lowest point in a downturn. Bear markets average a decline of 34%, lasting a little more than a year. Bear markets have occurred as close together as two years and as far apart as nearly 12 years.

Peak (Start)	Trough (End)	Return	Length (in days)
May 29, 1946	May 17, 1947	-29%	353
June 15, 1948	June 13, 1949	-21%	363
August 2, 1956	October 22, 1957	-22%	446
December 12, 1961	June 26, 1962	-28%	196
February 9, 1966	October 7, 1966	-22%	240
November 29, 1968	May 26, 1970	-36%	543
January 11, 1973	October 3, 1974	-48%	630
November 28, 1980	August 12, 1982	-27%	622
August 25, 1987	December 4, 1987	-34%	101
March 27, 2000	October 9, 2002	-49%	926
October 9, 2007	March 9, 2009	-57%	517
February 19, 2020	March 23, 2020	-34%	33
Average		-34%	414

How to Invest in a Bear Market

Some investors may be tempted to sell assets during a bear market, content to keep their money in cash while the markets seem to slide. However, there are some investing strategies investors may want to consider rather than avoiding a bear market altogether.

Invest Defensively

The first of these bear market investing strategies involves buying assets that may increase in price when the overall financial markets decline. Many factors influence which investments perform well during a bear stock market.

Investors generally tend to be risk-averse during downturns and seek safe-haven assets rather than risky ones. Investors will likely put money into value stocks rather than growth-oriented companies.

Recommended: Value vs. Growth Stocks

Investors may shift their portfolios to defensive stocks, like dividend-yielding stocks, large and mature companies, and companies working in sectors with constant demand such as utilities and food. These may be good assets to hold during bear markets.

These investments often provide consistent income through reliable dividend payouts while experiencing less volatile share price action during market downturns. Buying assets like these at the beginning of a downturn can be beneficial.

Recommended: The Pros and Cons of a Defensive Investment Strategy

Use Short Strategies

One of the more sophisticated bear market trading strategies is placing bets that will rise in value when other investments lose value. This might involve, for example, purchasing put options contracts on stocks that may decline in value. A put option allows investors to benefit from falling share prices.

Shorting stocks to speculate on falling stock prices is another strategy investors can utilize. When investors short a stock, they sell borrowed shares and hopefully repurchase them at a lower price. The investor profits when the price they buy back the shares is lower than the price at which they sold the borrowed shares.

Alternatively, investors might consider inverse exchange-traded fund (ETF) as the overall market declines. An inverse ETF tracks a market index and, through complex trading strategies, looks to produce the opposite result of the index. For example, if the S&P 500 index declines, an inverse ETF that tracks the index will hopefully increase in value.

However, using put options, inverse ETFs, and other short strategies involves many nuances that may be complicated for some investors. They are very risky trading strategies that could compound losses if the bets do not work out. Interested investors ought to conduct additional research before considering this strategy.

Hold for the Long Haul

During a bear market, it’s not always necessary to do anything special. Investors with a long-term time horizon in mind sometimes choose to hold on and stay the course, even when a portfolio declines in value. Taking a long-term perspective may pay off well over many years, as the market as a whole trends upwards over time.

For example, the bear market that began in December 2007 was over by March 2009, lasting about a year and a half. But the bull market that followed lasted almost eleven years; the S&P 500 index recouped its losses from the bear market by March 2013, and from March 2009 through February 2020, the S&P 500 increased just over 400%

It also helps that investors have a well-diversified portfolio during any market. Diversifying typically ensures that all of an investor’s eggs are not in one basket, spreading risk around and reducing it overall. One easy way to accomplish this might be to buy structured securities like ETFs or index funds.

One way to hold assets for the long-term and not be too concerned about short-term market fluctuations is to make regular investments regardless of what’s happening, possibly through dollar-cost averaging.

Bear Market Investing vs. Bull Market Investing

For those investing for the long term, the only real difference between a bear market and a bull market will be a temporary dip in the value of their portfolio. The main goal will be to stay the course. As mentioned, long-term investors often make regular, recurring purchases of financial assets.

During bull markets, a common investment strategy is to buy and hold. This tends to work because bull markets are characterized by most asset classes rising in unison.

However, investors may have to be a little more active with their portfolios during bear markets. Some investors choose to increase the amount of money they put into their investments during market downturns. Their overall strategy remains the same, but buying more assets at lower prices lets them acquire a larger number of assets overall.

For those with a higher risk tolerance looking to make short-term gains (often referred to as speculators), a mix of strategies might be employed. Speculators may look to short the market using puts or inverse ETFs, or research assets likely to increase in value due to current bear market trends.

The Takeaway

When the financial markets are in turmoil and your portfolio is in the red, it can be tempting to panic. You may want to sell off your assets to mitigate further losses, content to pocket the cash. However, this sort of strategy may be short-sighted for most investors. You may be setting yourself up to miss a potential rally by getting out of the markets. After all, bear markets are often relatively short-lived and are followed by bull markets.

Investing during a bear market doesn’t have to involve anything fancy. Sometimes it just means making additional investments or finding new ones. And SoFi Invest® can help. With SoFi’s Active Investing platform, investors can trade stocks and ETFs with no commissions for as little as $5.

Open an investment account with SoFi Invest.

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