8 Ways to Make More Money When Interest Rates are Falling
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Let me begin by saying that interest rates usually experience changes when the demand and supply of credit fluctuate. In context, interest rates will rise demand for credit is high or when the supply of credit is low. Similarly, interest rates will fall when the demand for credit is low or the supply of credit is high.
On September 18, 2024, we witnessed the Fed’s rate cut–a move that will put money in pockets and smiles on faces. At the meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), the Fed (Federal Reserve) lowered interest rates by 50 basis points. This singular move has sort of eased monetary policy for the first time since 2020.
Here’s the nack, when the economy is slowing, the need arises for stimulation of financial activities. As a result, the Federal Reserve will cut the federal funds rate. It is a given that when the Federal Reserve decreases interest rates, it does have a positive effect, especially for investors and economists who see lower interest rates as opportunities/catalysts for growth.
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In this article, I will show you 8 ways to make money when interest rates are falling.
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Key Takeaways
- When interest rates fall, the unemployment rate reduces, and the pace of hiring increases.
- Lower interest rates are a plus to personal and corporate borrowing which in turn leads to increased profits and a robust economy.
- When rates fall, consumers are likely to spend more, especially if they have been longing to hit a particular target
- When rates fall, corporate profits are boosted which is why stocks have the probability of becoming more attractive when interest rates are falling.
How to Make More Money When Interest Rates are Falling
When interest rates are falling, consumers are likely to spend more, especially if they have been longing to hit a particular target (buying a new house or car). Likewise, many businesses will get to enjoy many opportunities like business expansion, acquisitions, and the needed ability to finance business operations all at a cheaper rate. This, in turn, helps them to maximize their future earnings.
Without further ado, let me show you 8 ways to make more money when interest rates are falling:
1. Give Bond Investments a Try
When you invest in a bond, you are regarded as a debtholder for the person/organization that is issuing the bond. Let’s assume you are an investor with a couple of thousands or million dollars that you are not ready to use anytime soon, you might want to invest it now that rates are falling.
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As an investor, you can lend money to the government, or companies. The agreement is usually for a specific period of time and the benefits include regular interest payments. As you lend out the money, you sit back and watch your money yield interest over the agreed period. The bond issuer will return your money as soon as the bonds mature.
Another word for bonds is fixed income and that is because your investment yields fixed interest payments over the life of the bond. Now that interest rates are falling, many companies will sell bonds either to start new projects or to finance ongoing operations. Also, Governments will sell bonds to supplement tax revenues or for funding purposes.
If you’re thinking about which type of bonds to invest in, let me help you out: you see, the most common types of bonds are municipal bonds, corporate bonds, U.S. government bonds, and international market bonds. Without a doubt, you can earn interest that is worth substantial income especially if you consider long-term bonds because their prices typically increase when interest rates are falling.
2. Put Your Money in Stock Investment
It is a known fact that when interest rates fall, corporate profits are boosted and that is one of the reasons why stocks have the probability of becoming more attractive when interest rates fall. Most people do not seem to understand the interplay between the stock market and interest rates. In general, the stock market and interest rates often move in opposite directions. What this means is that when there are rising interest rates it is followed by downward pressure on stock prices.
On the other hand, when there are falling rates the tendency to boost the stock market increases. Are you wondering why you should invest now that interest rates are falling? Apart from accumulating passive income, you should invest now because lower interest rates favor stocks and for a good reason. One, lower interest rates make fixed-income and cash investments a little less attractive. Secondly, falling interest rates enable companies to borrow easily, expand, and grow.
3. Buy Shares
I have said already that borrowing is cheaper when interest rates are falling. When interest rates are falling there is always a boost in spending and higher demand for stocks and shares. You can buy shares now and be rest assured of future profit.
4. Invest in Peer-to-Peer Lending
For someone who wants to make money, you should always think of the best way to save and earn at the same time or simply put earn while saving. Try investing in peer-to-peer lending platforms as they will undoubtedly help you to earn higher returns compared to traditional savings. When there is inflation or when interest rates begin to go up, the chances of defaulting in P2P lending also go up.
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On the contrary, when interest rates are lowered, the chances of default in P2P lending are reduced. When you invest in P2P lending as an investor, you can be getting paid on a monthly basis when your borrowers make payments on their loans. This implies that having a good portfolio of P2P loans can generate a steady stream of passive income for you as an investor. As if that is not enough, another great advantage of investing in P2P lending is that it has the potential for higher yields.
5. Invest in Real Estate
Investing in real estate is one of the ways people are making money nowadays. Real estate investment simply refers to the act of buying physical properties like land, houses, and buildings. As an investor, investing your money in real estate will allow you to enjoy the potential for higher tax benefits while giving you more direct control.
When interest rates are cut, purchasing houses, and land becomes more affordable. This means that it is always a good time to invest in real estate when interest rates are falling because falling interest rates can lead to the appreciation of property value. Falling interest rates lower borrowing costs thereby making it more affordable and encouraging investors to buy properties.
6. Invest in REITs
On the other hand, REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) refer to companies that allow you (the investor) to own a share of real estate without necessarily having to manage the properties yourself. In essence, it provides a way to access the real estate market through publicly traded shares. Investing in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) during falling interest rates can be beneficial.
REITs also offer attractive dividend yields, providing income without the need for direct property ownership. They can serve as a hedge against inflation and are easily traded on stock exchanges, ensuring liquidity. Overall, REITs present promising opportunities for growth and income, but it’s essential to research and align investments with your financial goals.
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7. Invest in Gold
If you love Gold investment or want to try something new, then you should invest in Gold now that interest rates are falling. The truth is that Gold has a hedge against inflation and is mostly seen as a haven. As such, Gold will likely benefit from rate reductions because it is priced in dollars.
Falling rates usually drag on the U.S. currency, which in turn makes gold a little more appealing to buyers overseas. Falling rates weaken the dollar and lower bond yields meaning now is a good opportunity for gold investors. If you are interested in NFTs, you should try these Five Best NFT Side Hustles To Invest In. Statistics show that in 2024 Gold already outperformed other assets when it experienced an upsurge of 25% and could possibly climb even higher.
8. Take Part in Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding platforms offer a wide range of opportunities across various sectors, often allowing for smaller investment amounts. This means you can participate with relatively little capital and gain early access to promising startups with high growth potential.
Investing in crowdfunding projects is a smart way to diversify your portfolio, especially when interest rates are falling. Real estate crowdfunding can particularly thrive in this environment, as lower rates often stimulate the housing market, allowing investors to access cash deals faster than traditional mortgage buyers.
Conclusion
When interest rates are falling, it opens up various strategies to enhance your income potential. For instance, you might consider investing in stocks, particularly growth or dividend-paying stocks, as companies may benefit from reduced borrowing costs. Real estate investing can also become more appealing, as lower mortgage rates can stimulate the housing market and lead to better investment opportunities. Additionally, you could explore bonds, especially long-term ones, which tend to increase in value when interest rates fall. Another option is to consider peer-to-peer lending or crowdfunding platforms, which can offer competitive returns in a low-rate environment. However, it’s crucial to assess your risk tolerance before diving into any investment.