VGIT - Worried about your bank? Here are some relatively safe options with higher interest

2023-03-13 20:10:33 ET

With some depositors getting nervous about their bank accounts' safety, here are some options that provide some measures of assurance.

While the FDIC has promised to make all depositors at failed banks Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank ( SBNY ) whole, there's not guarantee the regulator will continue to do that for any subsequent bank failures. Deposits at FDIC-insured financial institutions are insured at up to $250K.

"Treasury ETFs are 'safe' in the sense that brokerage accounts have SIPC (Securities Investor Protection Corp.)," said SA contributor Mike Zaccardi. "Of course Treasurys and Treasury ETFs can lose money due to interest rate risk."

Non-FDIC brokerage accounts also have the safety of SIPC insurance, he said. "But I would prefer to house assets with a reputable custodian like Fidelity, Vanguard, Schwab  ( SCHW ), and  the like." In general, he advises to keep balances below the FDIC limits.

Zaccardi also feels safe about keeping cash in a prime money market fund at a firm like Fidelity, Vanguard, or Schwab ( SCHW ). "I also hold a Treasury fund that I have zero concerns about," he said.

Some short-duration Treasury ETFs offer liquidity, generous yields and exemption from state income tax include: iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF ( NYSEARCA: SGOV ); iShares Short Treasury Bond ETF ( NASDAQ: SHV ), and SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF ( NYSEARCA: BIL ).

Medium-term Treasury ETFs lock in the rate for a longer period: iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF ( NASDAQ: IEF ), iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF ( NYSEARCA: TFLO ), and Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF ( NASDAQ: VGIT ).

SA contributor Quad 7 Capital discusses what to consider on whether deposits are safe at Western Alliance Bancorporation ( WAL )

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