Are GICs a Risk-Free Alternative? 

Spring 2021, by the CIO office (NBC)

MYTH

Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) offer a risk-free alternative for investors seeking to at least preserve the purchasing power of their assets.

REALITY

GICs are indeed among the safest investment vehicles available. However, their returns, while guaranteed, generally fail to cover inflation, leaving their holders at risk of seeing their purchasing power decline over time. 

It should be specified that this observation is a reflection of the low interest rate environment prevailing over the past several years. For instance, although a 1 year GICs provided income above inflation in the 1990s, this has not been the case since 2009.

Ultimately, the selection of an investment vehicle depends on risk tolerance - GICs may therefore be the right choice for some. However, a key risk for investors whose investment horizon is measured in years may not be the short-term volatility of other assets, but rather the potential erosion of their purchasing power over the long run. 

 (data via Refinitiv)

The information contained herein was obtained from sources we believe to be reliable, but is not guaranteed by us and may be incomplete. The opinions expressed are based on our analysis and interpretation of this information and are not to be construed as a solicitation or offer to buy or sell the securities mentioned herein. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of National Bank Financial.

 

The securities or investment sectors mentioned herein are not suitable for all types of investors. Please consult your investment advisor to verify whether the securities or sectors suit your investor's profile as well as to obtain complete information, including the main risk factors, regarding those securities or sectors. This document is not a research analysis produced by the Research Department of National Bank Financial.

 

National Bank Financial is a subsidiary of National Bank of Canada. National Bank of Canada is a public company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (NA: TSX).

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