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.
Are short term bonds better than money market funds? ›
Short Term Bond Funds
A typical short term bond fund invests in bonds that will mature in two years or less. While a short term bond offers a higher potential yield than a money market fund, it also carries more risk.
Should I be buying short term bonds? ›
Short-term bond funds can be a good place to invest money that you may need in the next few years. Keep in mind that these funds are not risk-free, though they are safer than investing in high-yield bonds or the stock market.
Is money market the same as short term debt? ›
Money market funds are a type of mutual fund that invests in low-risk, short-term debt securities, such as Treasury bills, municipal debt, or corporate bonds. They're designed to offer a safe, stable investment option for money you may need to access in the short term, like an emergency fund or a short-term goal.
Can a money market account lose money? ›
There is no direct way to lose money in a money market account. However, it is possible to lose money indirectly. For example, if the interest rate you receive on your account balance can no longer keep up with any penalty fees you may be assessed, the value of the account can fall below the initial deposit.
Can short-term bonds lose money? ›
Because bond prices and market interest rates move in opposite directions, short-term bonds lose value when interest rates rise. Thanks to their short maturities, though, their losses are more muted than those of longer-term instruments.
What are two disadvantages of a money market fund? ›
Some disadvantages are low returns, a loss of purchasing power, and the lack of FDIC insurance. A money market fund can be ideal in some situations and potentially unwise in others. If you're close to or in retirement and need some of your money soon, a money market fund can make sense.
What are the best bonds to buy right now? ›
9 of the Best Bond ETFs to Buy Now
| Bond ETF | Expense Ratio | Yield to maturity |
|---|
| Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (ticker: BND) | 0.03% | 5.3% |
| BlackRock Ultra Short-Term Bond ETF (ICSH) | 0.08% | 5.5% |
| SPDR Portfolio Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF (SPIB) | 0.04% | 5.3% |
| iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT) | 0.15% | 4.6% |
5 more rowsShould I only buy bonds when interest rates are high? There are advantages to purchasing bonds after interest rates have risen. Along with generating a larger income stream, such bonds may be subject to less interest rate risk, as there may be a reduced chance of rates moving significantly higher from current levels.
How often do short-term bonds pay interest? ›
Bonds and Notes
Notes are relatively short or medium-term securities that mature in 2, 3, 5, 7, or 10 years. Both bonds and notes pay interest every six months.
The Bottom Line
Short-term bonds typically yield higher interest rates than money market funds, so the potential to earn more income over time is greater.
What is the 7-day yield on a money market fund? ›
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.
How do short-term bonds work? ›
What Are Short-Term Bonds? As noted, short-term bonds are debt instruments issued by companies and governments that mature in less than five years but more than 365 days. Short-term bonds are considered low-risk, low-volatility instruments.
What happens to money market funds in a crash? ›
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.
Can you pull out of a money market? ›
Usually you can make unlimited withdrawals and payments by using an ATM or by making the withdrawal in person, by mail, or by telephone. A money market account might require a minimum amount to be deposited.
Are money market accounts safe during recession? ›
Money market funds can protect your assets during a recession, but only as a temporary fix and not for long-term growth. In times of economic uncertainty, money market funds offer liquidity for cash reserves that can help you build your portfolio.
Why are long term bonds more risky than short term money market securities? ›
There are two primary reasons why long-term bonds are subject to greater interest rate risk than short-term bonds: There is a greater probability that interest rates will rise (and thus negatively affect a bond's market price) within a longer time period than within a shorter period.
Are treasury bills better than money market funds? ›
The biggest downside of investing in T-bills is that you're going to get a lower rate of return compared to other investments, such as certificates of deposit, money market funds, corporate bonds or stocks. If you're looking to make some serious gains in your portfolio, T-bills aren't going to cut it.
Is it better to buy bonds or bond funds? ›
Key takeaways. Buying individual bonds can provide increased control and transparency, but typically requires a greater commitment of time and financial resources. Investing in bond funds can make it easier to achieve broad diversification with a lower dollar commitment, but offers less control.
Are short term or long term bonds better in a recession? ›
A bond with a short term rate will usually pay lower yields than a longer term bond, but it will offer more liquidity. Although this may not be a concern during times of economic growth, during a recession, the liquidity of assets is an essential factor.
