Choose an instrument that carries AA or higher rating

THE interest rates on bank fixed deposits (FDs) are falling. While most top banks are offering an interest rate between 7 and 8.75 per cent for deposits below Rs 15 lakh with one-year maturity, company deposits of various housing finance companies (HFCs) and non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) on the other hand are offering more than 9 to 10 per cent.

Check the financials of the company: Since, economic slowdown is affecting several companies, it is advisable to invest in reputed and strong firms. Check the credentials and financials of the company in which you are investing. A strong company that regularly pays out dividends and has no losses, would be safer than a company that offers very high interest rate but is posting regular losses. The key factors to look into would be profits, growth, capital adequacy, non-performing assets and a low debt to equity ratio.

Check the ratings: The rating of such instruments can help you make an informed choice. Says Surya Bhatia, a certified financial planner, Choose a deposit that carries a AA or a higher rating. Those company FDs that do not carry a rating, are riskier and have a high chance of defaulting on interest and principal repayment. But the flip side is that the returns on higher-rated FDs are considerably lower than those for lower-rated FDs.

Invest for a shorter horizon: It is advisable to minimise your risk by investing in multiple corporate deposits. Also, choose a shorter tenure of say one or two years, to reduce your risk further.

Liquidity problem: Since most company FDs do not allow premature withdrawal of your principal, you will not be able to break the FD before maturity. Also, some companies may deduct the brokerage paid to distributors from the premature withdrawal amount.