How often do money market funds pay interest?
Typically, interest on money market accounts is compounded daily and paid monthly.
Interest is generally calculated daily for money market accounts and paid out at the end of each month directly into the account.
What is the 7-day yield? The 7-Day Yield represents the annualized fund yield based on the average income paid out over the previous seven days assuming interest income is not reinvested and it reflects the effect of all applicable waivers. Absent such waivers, the fund's yield would have been lower.
Generally, you do not receive the interest until the investment matures or you cash it in. For example, interest on a compound guaranteed investment certificate (GIC) is earned on a monthly basis and is automatically reinvested, earning compound interest until the bond is cashed or matures.
A money market fund is an investment that is sponsored by an investment fund company. Therefore, it carries no guarantee of principal. A money market account is a type of interest-earning savings account.
You'll earn interest on a money market account, but it may not be enough to keep up with inflation. While you'll experience increased risk, a brokerage account is typically best for long-term goals like saving for retirement.
MMFs declare dividends daily, though they are only paid out monthly. If you totally cash in your MMF in the middle of the month, you'll receive the cumulative declared dividends from the 1st of the month to when you sold out.
Many accounts have monthly fees
Another drawback to remember is that while they have high yields, money market accounts can also come with cumbersome fees. Many banks and credit unions will impose monthly fees just for the upkeep of your account.
Money market funds are usually considered to be safe investments, but it's important to remember that these investments are intended for the short term. With maturities of 13 months or less, the funds stay liquid and allow you better access to your money than longer-term investments.
How much does the average money market fund pay?
Average money market rates fall between 0.01% APY and 3.45% APY, again depending on your balance.
Bank | APY* | See details |
---|---|---|
Redneck Bank | 4.90% | Learn more about Redneck Bank |
Sallie Mae Bank | 4.65% | Learn more about Sallie Mae Bank |
UFB Direct | 5.25% | Learn more about UFB Direct |
Merchants Bank of Indiana | 5.00% | Learn more |
Which Bank Gives 7% Interest Rate? Currently, no banks are offering 7% interest on savings accounts, but some do offer a 7% APY on other products. For example, OnPath Federal Credit Union currently offers a 7% APY on average daily checking account balances up to and under $10,000.
The interest is usually calculated on your balance daily then paid into your account each month.
A money market account (MMA) is a savings account that typically pays higher interest rates than regular savings accounts. MMAs usually offer tiered rates, meaning you can earn an even higher rate on large balances or on part of your balance over a certain level.
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.
Like other deposit accounts, money market accounts are insured by the FDIC or NCUA, up to $250,000 held by the same owner or owners. Money market accounts tend to pay you higher interest rates than other types of savings accounts.
I looked at the Fidelity GVT MM Fund SPAXX prospectus and below it seems to say the answer is yes: A money market fund normally declares dividends daily and pays them monthly. Shares redeemed by all other orders generally earn dividends until, but not including, the next business day following the day of redemption.
Money market funds invest in high quality, short-term debt securities and pay dividends that generally reflect short-term interest rates. Many investors use money market funds to store cash or as an alternative to investing in the stock market.
The average money market rate is less than 1 percent. But let's say you put $10,000 in an account that earns a full 1% APY. After a year, your balance would earn 100 bucks. Put that same amount in a money market account with a 4% APY, and it would gain just over $400.
What are money market funds paying?
While all money market funds have the same share price, their yields will vary. To see what a money market fund is currently paying, look at the 7-day yield. For example, a $10,000 investment in a money market fund with a 5% SEC yield would earn $500 on an annual basis (10,000 x 0.05).
03/25/2024 | 02/29/2024 | |
---|---|---|
Compound Effective Close Popover | 5.09% | 5.08% |
7-Day Yield 7 Close Popover | 4.97% | 4.96% |
SPAXX is specifically collateralized by government securities, and would thus be considered safer than a broader money market fund that includes corporate debt. If we look at the holdings of SPAXX, it's mostly U.S. government repurchase agreements, followed by U.S. Treasury Bills and U.S. Treasury Coupons.
Fund Name | Date | Yield |
---|---|---|
1 Day | ||
Fidelity Money Market Fund Symbol SPRXX CUSIP 31617H201 Fund # 454 | 03/25/2024 | 5.04% |
Fidelity Money Market Fund - Premium Class Symbol FZDXX CUSIP 31617H805 Fund # 2738 | 03/25/2024 | 5.16% |
Fidelity Municipal Money Market Fund Symbol FTEXX CUSIP 316048107 Fund # 10 | 03/25/2024 | 3.21% |
We found that the median money-market fund returned 4.2% over the past year, compared with 0.49% annualized over the 10 years before 2022. (All returns are presented after subtracting annual fees.)
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