Understanding 6-Month CD Rates and Interest Calculation
A Certificate of Deposit (CD) is a savings product offered by banks and credit unions that holds a fixed amount of money for a fixed period of time, such as six months, in exchange for a fixed interest rate.
CDs are generally considered a low-risk investment because they are insured by the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) up to certain limits.
The key benefit of a CD is the predictable return on your investment, making it easier to budget and plan your finances.
How 6-Month CD Interest is Calculated
The interest earned on a 6-month CD is typically calculated based on the principal amount invested, the stated annual interest rate, and the term of the CD (in this case, six months).
The formula used for this calculator is:
Interest Earned = Principal Amount × (Annual Interest Rate / 100) × (Term in Months / 12)
For a 6-month CD, the 'Term in Months' is 6.
Example Calculation:
Let's say you invest $10,000 (Principal Amount) in a 6-month CD with an Annual Interest Rate of 4.5%.