US savers

A monthly series of the US federal funds effective rate covering 1954 through 2026 has drawn attention, tracing every major monetary policy era from postwar tightening through the Volcker shock, the near-zero years after 2008 and the pandemic, to the current cycle of elevated rates. Commentators are using the long-run data to debate where rates may head next.

Fortune has published a roundup of the best certificate of deposit rates currently offered by major US banks, including Chase, Bank of America, and Citibank, as of September 29, 2026. The comparison helps savers see where their money can earn the most. Rate roundups tend to draw attention whenever interest rate expectations shift and savers look to lock in yields.

A comparison of certificate of deposit rates offered by major US banks including Chase, Bank of America, and Citibank as of September 30, 2026. The roundup highlights what top banks are paying savers on CDs, giving depositors a snapshot to compare yields and decide where to park money as rates shift.

Fortune has published an updated comparison of certificate of deposit rates at major US banks, including Chase, Bank of America and Citibank, for October 2, 2026. The roundup lets savers see how much interest big institutions are currently offering and whether smaller banks or credit unions are paying more for similar terms.

A comparison of certificate of deposit rates at major US banks, including Chase, Bank of America, and Citibank, was published for October 1, 2026. Savers use such roundups to find the highest yields on deposits, as rates vary widely between institutions and terms.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the US government is pushing to open private equity investments to ordinary Americans' retirement savings, framing it as a fix for the industry's problem of finding new capital. The industry has long sought access to 401(k) accounts, though critics warn of high fees and illiquidity for retail investors. Debate over the risks and benefits is underway among investors and policymakers.

New guidance for retirees weighing dividend income breaks down how much money is needed to retire comfortably in each US state, highlighting wide cost-of-living differences between them. The analysis is drawing attention from readers planning retirement budgets, as it suggests savers in lower-cost states can live comfortably on considerably less than those in pricier coastal regions.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission has proposed expanding retail investor access to private markets, potentially letting ordinary investors put money into assets like private companies and funds that were long reserved for institutions and wealthy accredited investors. The proposal has drawn attention from financial commentators, with supporters seeing broader opportunity for everyday investors and critics warning of added risk and limited disclosures in less-regulated private markets.