CDs

Shopping for CDs takes special care in a low-interest-rate environment, especially when economic change is in the air.

CD rates are low across the board, but three specific factors about the current environment favor shorter-term CDs.

The environment for CD rates just keeps getting tougher, making the right shopping strategies all the more important. Here are five key things to keep in mind.

CD interest rates have undergone four significant changes in the past year, but none of them is likely to delight depositors.

The season has just begun, but the early numbers offer hope for higher CD rates in 2012.

Review these key current factors before you make any decisions on your CDs.

CDs can build savings endurance the way a runner builds distance: by gradually working towards greater lengths.

Low interest rates create challenges for CD laddering, but the strategy can still work.

While Operation Twist seeks to lower longer-term interest rates, long-term CD rates have already lost much of their advantage over short-term rates.

CD depositors are getting a raw deal on their interest rates, but this still might be better than being in stocks, bonds, or commodities.