Money market funds

You now have a good understanding of what a Money Market Fund is, so let’s dive into the different types of MMFs and their pros and cons with a few examples!

Prime MMFs 🏢

Prime MMFs primarily invest in corporate debt securities and, sometimes, repurchase agreements. They generally offer a slightly higher yield 📈 compared to other MMFs due to the marginally higher risk associated with corporate debt.

Prime MMFs are usually appropriate for Investors seeking a balance between safety and return. These funds are ideal for those willing to take on a tad more risk in exchange for potentially higher yields.

Example: If you’re a young professional who has some spare cash and you’re looking for a better yield than a traditional savings account but don’t want to jump into stocks just yet, a prime MMF could be a good place to start.

Government MMFs 🏦

These MMFs invest at least 99.5% of their total assets in cash, government securities, and/or repurchase agreements that are fully collateralised by government securities or cash. They tend to offer slightly lower yields but come with the safety of government backing.

Government MMFs are usually appropriate for more conservative investors who prioritise safety above all. If you’re keen on preserving your capital with minimal risk and are satisfied with slightly lower returns, this is your go-to.

Example: Imagine you’re saving up for a significant expenditure in the next year, like a wedding or a home down payment. You don’t want to risk that money, but you also don’t want it to sit idle. A government MMF can offer you that safety net. 👌🏼

Tax-exempt MMFs 💰

Tax-exempt MMFs primarily invest in state and local municipal debt that is exempt from federal income taxes.

As you can imagine, tax-exempt MMFs are typically appropriate for investors who are sensitive to tax implications and are looking for tax-free income. They are especially lucrative if you’re in a higher tax bracket.

Example: Let’s say you live in a region with high local or state taxes. By investing in a tax-exempt MMF that targets municipal bonds from your locale, you can earn returns that won’t contribute to your tax bill.

However, please keep in mind that tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and is subject to change.

Retail MMFs 👨‍👨‍👧‍👧

Retail MMFs are catered specifically towards individual investors. They limit shareholders to natural persons, which means that institutions, like corporations, cannot invest in these funds.

They’re appropriate for everyday individual investors looking for easy access to their funds, combined with a modest return.

Example: If you’re an individual who wants a simple place to park some savings – perhaps for an upcoming trip or a surprise expense – without the complexities of navigating more advanced funds, retail MMFs are ideal.

Institutional MMFs

Opposite to retail MMFs, institutional MMFs are designed for large-scale entities like businesses, pension funds, or insurance companies. They usually come with higher minimum investments but might offer more competitive rates.

As their name suggests, they’re appropriate for large institutions or corporations with significant cash reserves seeking a safe, liquid place to invest them.

Example: Consider a tech startup that recently secured funding. Before they allocate the funds to R&D or marketing, they might park it in an institutional MMF to keep it safe and earn some interest.

Wrapping up

Choosing the right money market fund depends on your individual or institutional needs, risk tolerance, and financial goals. Each type has its unique benefits, and with this knowledge, you’re better equipped to make informed investment decisions.

In the next chapter, we explore the things you should examine when searching for the right Money Market Fund!