The Treasury Bonds cut their yields and make these deposits at 4% APR even more attractive.

In a financial context marked by an adjustment in interest rates, Treasury Bills have seen a notable decrease in their profitability, moving away from the nearly 4% appeal they reached about a year ago. This trend has intensified in recent months, causing these short-term debt instruments to lose some of their attractiveness compared to low-risk banking investment products that typically offer better returns.

In the recent auction held on October 8, the 3-month Bills managed to regain some ground, reaching a profitability of 3.067%. However, this interest rate remains below the fixed-term deposit offerings from some banking institutions, which have maintained rates of up to 4% APR despite the recent rate cuts by the European Central Bank (ECB).

Banco BiG stands out as one of the few banks continuing to offer a 4% APR for 3-month deposits. However, this option comes with certain conditions: customers must make a minimum deposit of 10,000 euros and a maximum of 75,000 euros. Additionally, the possibility of early withdrawal of the deposit implies the loss of the interest accrued up to that point, which may deter some savers looking for flexibility.

The benefits that can be obtained from this deposit are significant. A customer who invests the maximum allowed could receive around 750 euros gross upon maturity of the deposit. For those opting for a smaller amount, such as 50,000 euros, the interest would reach 500 euros gross. For the minimum deposit of 10,000 euros, the figure would be around 100 euros gross.

On the other hand, Cetelem, the commercial brand of BNP Paribas in Spain, also remains competitive by offering an APR of up to 3.99% for 3-month deposits. Unlike Banco BiG, Cetelem does not require a minimum or maximum deposit, allowing both small and large savers to benefit from this return. However, the APR may vary depending on the date of contracting and the balance, which adds a degree of complexity for the consumer.

Both banks allow early cancellation with the consequent loss of interest, an aspect that can be decisive for savers who value liquidity and access to their funds in case of need. Although short-term products offer attractive rates, analysts warn that this profitability is subject to a changing economic environment, which may not be sustainable in the long term.

In light of this uncertainty, many savers are considering long-term investment alternatives that guarantee a more stable interest rate. Long-term deposits, although generally offering an interest rate below 4% APR, can exceed 3% APR and provide the certainty of maintaining that rate throughout the investment period, which may be more beneficial in a declining rate context.

Renault Bank has positioned itself as a strong competitor in the long-term deposit segment, offering rates of 3.03% APR for 12 months, 3.08% APR for 24 months, and 3.14% APR for 36 months. Unlike short-term deposits, these products require a minimum deposit of 500 euros and allow interest to be accumulated quarterly, providing a more immediate income flow for investors.

However, it is vital for consumers to be informed about the conditions of these deposits, especially the option for early cancellation, as some of these products do not allow access to funds before maturity. This feature can be a determining factor for savers seeking a balance between profitability and accessibility to their money.

As the financial landscape continues to evolve, savers must carefully evaluate their options, considering both the returns offered by savings products and the flexibility they may need in accessing their capital. In an environment of uncertain interest rates, the appropriate investment strategy can make a difference in the long-term performance of personal savings.