BNP Paribas, Belfius and Hellobank have decided to reduce the rate of their savings accounts. This decision may surprise because of the trend of rising rates (see article of 27/09). BNP has reduced to the legal minimum (0.11%) its rate on its savings accounts, Belfius reduces its rate to 0.31% and Hello Bank to 0.21%.
Despite these derisory rates of return, large sums of money are still on these savings accounts. In fact, savers are feeling secured to have money available when needed and feel that their assets are safe. They do not want to put their wealth in an asset that could be risky.
This is a mistake because we must not forget that inflation is indeed present in Belgium. It should exceed 2% for the year 2018. The saver who leaves his money in his savings account therefore think of earning money (0.11% for reminder) but actually loses purchasing power because his investment does not fluctuates with inflation. It is thus amputated of 2% related to the increase of the prices of the basket of the housewife ...
Why should you leave your money sleep on your saving account, instead you could a small part of your saving in a safe investment?