Money Market vs. Short-Term Bonds: An Overview
Money market funds and short-term bonds have many similarities, but they also differ in several ways. They're both excellent savings vehicles on a short-term basis. Both are liquid, easily accessible, and relatively safe securities. But these investments can involve fees and they may lose value and decrease an investor's purchasing power.
Key Takeaways
- The money market is part of the fixed-income market that specializes in short-term government debt securities that mature in less than one year.
- Buying a bond is effectively giving the issuer a loan for a set duration; the issuer pays a predetermined interest rate at set intervals until the bond matures.
- Money markets are extremely low risk, with a typical par value of $1.
- Short-term bonds carry a greater degree of risk depending on the issuer, which may be a company, a government, or an agency.
Money Market Securities
The money market is part of the fixed-income market that specializes in short-term debt securities that mature in less than one year. Most money market investments mature in three months or less. These are considered to be cash investments because of their quick maturity dates.
Money market securities are issued by governments, financial institutions, and large corporations as promises to repay debts. They're considered extremely safe and conservative, especially during volatile times. Access to the money market is typically obtained through money market mutual funds or a money market bank account in which thousands of investors are pooled to buy money market securities on the investors’ behalf.
Shares can be bought or sold as desired, often through check-writing privileges. A minimum balance is typically required and a limited number of monthly transactions are allowed. The net asset value (NAV) typically stays around $1 per share, so only the yield fluctuates.
Lower returns are realized when compared to other investments because of the liquidity of the money market.
Purchasing power is limited, especially when inflation increases. A penalty may be assessed if an account drops below a minimum balance or if the number of monthly transactions is exceeded. Fees can take away much of the profit with such limited returns. Shares are not guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), or by any other agency unless an account is opened at a bank or credit union.
Short-Term Bonds
Bonds have much in common with money market securities. A bond is issued by a government or corporation as a promise to pay back money borrowed to finance specific projects and activities. More money is necessary than the average bank can provide in such cases, which is why organizations turn to the public for assistance.
Buying a bond effectively means giving the issuer a loan for a set duration. The issuer pays a predetermined interest rate at set intervals until the bond matures. The issuer then pays back the bond’s face value at maturity. A higher interest rate generally means a higher risk of complete repayment with interest.
Most bonds can be bought through a full-service or discount brokerage. Government agencies sell government bonds online and deposit payments electronically. Some financial institutions also transact government securities with their clients.
Short-term bonds can be relatively predictable, low-risk income. Stronger returns can be realized when compared to money markets. Some bonds even come tax-free.
A short-term bond offers a higher potential yield than money market funds. Bonds with quicker maturity rates are also typically less sensitive to increasing or decreasing interest ratesthan other securities. Buying and holding a bond until it's due means receiving the principal and interest according to the stated rate.
The bond owner could lose money if interest rates go up, in the sense of opportunity cost by having the money tied up in the bond rather than invested elsewhere.
What Is the Safest Type of Money Market Fund?
Funds that hold a high concentration of government securities are considered by many to be the safest, particularly if they hold Treasuries, which are backed by the government and therefore carry a lesser risk of default.
What's the Difference Between a Short-Term and a Long-Term Bond?
A short-term bond will typically mature within no more than three years. A long-term bond may not mature until after 10 years. The bond's "coupon" or interest should be paid out a few times a year in either case. Deciding between them can depend on your goals and whether you're investing for the long-term or to achieve something that's on a closer horizon.
Which Is Safer, a Bond or a Money Market Fund?
Bonds carry more risk than money market funds. A bond's lender may not be able to make interest or principal payments on time, or the bond may be paid off early with the remaining interest payments lost. The bond may be called, paid off, and reissued at a lower rate if interest rates go down, resulting in lost income for the bond owner.
The Bottom Line
There are both pros and cons to investing in money market funds and short-term bonds.
Money market accounts are excellent for emergency fundsbecause account values typically remain stable or slightly increase in value. Limited transactions discourage removing funds but the money is nonetheless available when it's needed. Short-term bonds typically yield higher interest rates than money market funds, so the potential to earn more income over time is greater.
Overall, short-term bonds appear to be a better investment than money market funds.
FAQs
Money markets are extremely low risk, with a typical par value of $1. Short-term bonds carry a greater degree of risk depending on the issuer, which may be a company, a government, or an agency.
What is better, money market or bonds? ›
Bond (and bond fund) yields are typically higher than money market funds. While the spread between bonds and money market funds is narrower today than it has been historically, investors are receiving more income from bonds. Bonds will appreciate if interest rates fall.
Is it better to buy short-term bonds? ›
Bonds with shorter times to maturity are less sensitive to changes in interest rates than longer-term bonds, meaning investors won't suffer as much if rates head higher. Remember, interest rates and bond prices move in opposite directions, so as rates rise, bond prices fall and vice versa.
What are the risks of a money market account? ›
The biggest risk a money market account poses is that your money may lose value over time to inflation. Depending on inflation and the interest rate you earn with your money market account, inflation may outpace your MMA's earnings.
Are treasury bills better than money market funds? ›
Treasury Bills don't pay interest; you purchase them at a discount to par. They mature at the higher price. Money market funds are great but don't offer the same FDIC protections. You'll want to ensure you purchase these from a reputable company.
What are the risks of short-term bonds? ›
Like other bonds, short-term bonds are subject to two main types of risk: interest-rate risk and credit risk. Because bond prices and market interest rates move in opposite directions, short-term bonds lose value when interest rates rise.
Is the money market safer than bonds? ›
The Basics: Cash, Money Market Funds, and Bond Funds
Bond funds invest in various fixed-income securities and offer a higher potential return than money market funds but also come with greater risk.
Why is my short-term bond fund losing money? ›
Interest rate changes are the primary culprit when bond exchange-traded funds (ETFs) lose value. As interest rates rise, the prices of existing bonds fall, which impacts the value of the ETFs holding these assets.
Why do people buy short-term bonds? ›
one with a shorter maturity. The reason is that an investor can have greater control over their cash flows, rather than being subject to reinvestment risk—that is, the risk of having to reinvest a maturing security at a lower interest rate in the future.
Which bonds to buy in 2024? ›
Our picks at a glance
| Rank | Fund | Minimum investment |
|---|
| 1 | Vanguard High-Yield Corporate Fund Investor Shares (VWEHX) | $3,000 |
| 2 | T. Rowe Price High Yield Fund (PRHYX) | $2,500 |
| 3 | PGIM High Yield Fund Class A (PBHAX) | $1,000 |
| 4 | Fidelity Capital & Income Fund (fa*gIX) | $0 |
5 more rowsMar 15, 2024
Since money market accounts are insured by the FDIC or the NCUA, you cannot lose the money you contribute to the account—even in the event of a bank failure. You can, however, be subject to fees and penalties that reduce your earnings.
How much will $10,000 make in a money market account? ›
A money market fund is a mutual fund that invests in short-term debts. Currently, money market funds pay between 4.47% and 4.87% in interest. With that, you can earn between $447 to $487 in interest on $10,000 each year. Certificates of deposit (CDs).
What are 3 cons of a money market account? ›
Disadvantages of money market accounts
- Limited transactions. Some accounts limit certain transfers and withdrawals (known as convenient transactions) to six per month, so this isn't the best account for regular banking. ...
- Deposit and balance requirements. ...
- Fees. ...
- High interest rates. ...
- Flexible access. ...
- Federal insurance.
Often, CDs pay higher rates for longer term lengths. Treasury bills are short-term securities issued by the U.S. Treasury, with terms that range between four and 52 weeks. They are considered a type of bond, but don't pay a coupon (interest).
Which is better, a CD or a treasury bill? ›
CDs are paying higher rates than Treasury bills and Treasury notes for terms of one to five years. Treasuries are exempt from state income taxes, which is an important advantage when rates are nearly the same.
Why would anyone buy Treasury bills? ›
Treasury Bills, or T-bills, represent short-term debt obligations by the Treasury. Because the U.S. government backs them, they are considered extremely low-risk, although they also have relatively low returns.
Can money market funds lose value? ›
All investments are subject to market risk, including possible loss of principal. Retail Money Market Funds: You could lose money by investing in the Fund. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it cannot guarantee it will do so.
Can a money market account lose money? ›
Since money market accounts are insured by the FDIC or the NCUA, you cannot lose the money you contribute to the account—even in the event of a bank failure. You can, however, be subject to fees and penalties that reduce your earnings.
What is the downside of bonds? ›
Historically, bonds have provided lower long-term returns than stocks. Bond prices fall when interest rates go up. Long-term bonds, especially, suffer from price fluctuations as interest rates rise and fall.
Are money market funds safe in a recession? ›
Money Market Funds
Ultra-conservative investors and unsophisticated investors often stash their cash in money market funds. While these funds provide a high degree of safety, they should only be used for short-term investment. There's no need to avoid equity funds when the economy is slowing.
