Ask Paul: Can I invest in a term deposit overseas where rates are higher?

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Since term deposit rates in Australia are at their lowest, is it possible to invest in a term deposit overseas where interest rates are higher?

Or would the currency exchange variation offset this advantage when trying to return the money to Australia? - Anoop

Interesting question, Anoop.

paul clitheroe

You have hit the nail on the head. Sure, you can get better rates in some countries, but these will not be first world economies, where interest rates are all pretty close to zero, so currency will be the key driver of return.

I watch with huge amusement "expert" predictions on currency.

Here I can tell you that while some get it right for a year or two, currency guessing is a mug's game. You may as well go for dog six in whatever race you choose at the Dapto races.

If you have money you need in the short term, I'd stick with deposits with our local financial institutions.

If you can invest it for the longer term, say five years or more, then you probably need to look at growth assets such as shares.

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Paul Clitheroe AM is founder and editorial adviser of Money magazine. He is one of Australia's leading financial voices, responsible for bringing financial insight to Australians through personal finance books, the Money TV show, and this publication, which he established in 1999. Paul is the chair of the Australian Government Financial Literacy Board and is chairman of InvestSMART Financial Services. He is the chair of Financial Literacy at Macquarie University where he is also a Professor with the School of Business and Economics. Ask Paul your money question. Unfortunately Paul cannot respond to questions posted in the comments section. View our disclaimer.