Deposit or investment - what to choose?

Money has a peculiarity - it can't just lie there. Due to inflation, their value will constantly decrease. So the best option is to make money work. This can be done in different ways. From a banal bank deposit to trading in the cryptocurrency market. Let's deal with each option in turn.

Bank deposit

A bank deposit is one of the simplest forms of investment. All you need is to transfer your finances to the bank for safekeeping. The term of storage and profitability of the deposit depend on the conditions offered by the bank. Now it's easy to make a deposit. Often this can be done without even getting up from the couch. It is enough to open the bank's mobile application and complete all operations there.

In addition to simplicity, bank deposits are also safe and liquid. Banks rarely go bankrupt. Therefore, the deposit is safe. In addition, banks often offer conditions under which you can withdraw part of the deposit without sanctions. Therefore, if necessary, the owner of the deposit can quickly return part of the funds.

However, bank deposits also have disadvantages. These include:

• Yield.
• Bank restrictions.
• No diversification.

First, profitability. Compared to other investment opportunities, income from bank deposits is often low. Interest rates are usually lower than in other financial markets, so the potential income is limited.

Secondly, the restrictions of banks. Bank deposits often have restrictions on the amount of the deposit and the period of storage. In addition, early withdrawal of the deposit may result in penalties or loss of interest. This limits the possibilities of the deposit owner.

Third - when opening a deposit, the owner chooses the currency, bank and interest rate. If you want to have deposits in several currencies, you will have to open your own deposit for each currency. As a result, a situation may arise when it is necessary to keep deposits in different banks with different conditions. This removes one of the main advantages of this form of investment - convenience.

Forex trading

A bank deposit is not suitable for increasing funds. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to other possibilities. For example, trading in the Forex market. The FOREX market operates around the clock, allowing traders from different countries to trade at their convenience. The market consists of various participants such as banks, investment funds, corporations and individual traders. 

The FOREX market is one of the largest and most liquid markets in the world. Its advantages include:

• High yield potential. Correct predictions and successful trades can lead to significant returns. Especially when using leverage.
• High liquidity. You can quickly buy or sell currencies at current market prices without significantly affecting these prices.
• Global access. The FOREX market operates around the clock and offers a wide selection of currency pairs.

This investment option has two drawbacks. The first is the barrier to entry. To start trading on FOREX, you need to make an effort, understand the instruments and the situation on the market. There are no universal strategies or win-win options. 

The second drawback: the market depends on macroeconomic factors. Because of this, market forecasting is difficult and unpredictable. Trading in the FOREX market requires risk management and a balanced approach.

Buying a stake in a business

An investment in a business stake can provide an opportunity for significant capital growth. If the business develops successfully, the share may increase in value. This will lead to an increase in investment income. Also, this option is relatively flexible. You can acquire shares in several enterprises, diversify your investments. 

Depending on the size of the share, the owner can also give the right to participate in strategic decision-making and influence the development of the company. The owner of the share can take an active part in the management of the business or delegate it to other professionals.

However, like other options, this has its drawbacks: 

• Limited liquidity.
• The need for active participation.
• Risk of losing investment.

Buying a stake in a business carries the risk of losing your investment. The business may experience financial difficulties or bad decisions, which can result in losses for investors. Also, buying a stake in a business is usually a long-term investment. Selling a share can be difficult and costly, especially if there is no ready buyer, which limits the liquidity of the investment.

In addition, the right to participate in decision-making entails the need to devote time to this or delegate such decisions to specialists. This creates an additional burden on the investor.

Pension and investment funds

An investment fund is a financial institution that collects money from investors and invests it in various assets. For example, stocks, bonds, real estate and other financial instruments. The purpose of an investment fund is to make a profit from investments and distribute it among its members in accordance with their share in the fund.

Participants of the investment fund contribute funds to the fund. They buy his shares or shares. The fund allows investors to access a wide range of investments. Many of them may not be available to investors individually. Professional fund managers analyze the markets, select assets and manage the portfolio in order to achieve high returns.&

Professional management is one of the main advantages of funds. Also, in most cases, pension and investment funds provide high liquidity. Members can sell their investments and access the money in a relatively short time.

The disadvantages of investment funds include:

• Potential commissions and costs. Funds may charge various fees such as management, administrative and selling costs.
• Limited control. Investing in a fund means transferring investment management to a third party.
• Volatility and market risks. Like any investment in the financial markets, pension and investment funds are subject to volatility and market risks.

What is better in the end: a deposit or an investment? The answer to this question everyone determines for himself. Deposits have almost zero returns, but are very simple. It is more difficult and risky to make investments, but the potential profitability is much higher.