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Cash Management Funds: A Smart Way to Boost Returns on Idle Cash

Cash Management Funds: A Smart Way to Boost Returns on Idle Cash
Key Takeaways
  • Cash management funds provide daily liquidity, making funds easily accessible when needed.
  • They often offer better returns compared to traditional savings accounts, even in low-interest-rate environments.
  • They are generally low-risk, investing in high-quality, short-term debt instruments.
Cash Management Funds: A Smart Way to Boost Returns on Idle Cash

Cash management mutual funds can be an attractive solution for investors looking to park their money temporarily while exploring long-term investment opportunities. These funds provide liquidity and modest returns on idle cash, making them a flexible choice for those who want to keep their funds accessible without sacrificing growth potential.

Key Benefits of Cash Management Mutual Funds

Liquidity

Cash management funds offer daily liquidity, allowing investors to access their funds quickly, much like a savings account. This makes them suitable for managing cash while earning returns.

Higher Returns

Typically, cash management funds offer higher returns compared to traditional savings accounts, which may have lower interest rates tied to central bank policies. While not guaranteed, returns are usually more competitive due to the nature of their underlying investments.

Diversification

These funds invest in a basket of short-term instruments, reducing the risk associated with relying on a single investment type. 

Low Risk

Since they invest in high-quality, short-term debt instruments, they are a low-risk option for conservative investors. This makes them a relatively safe place to hold cash while you evaluate other investment opportunities.

Comparing Cash Management Funds to GICs and Savings Accounts

Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs)

GICs provide a fixed interest rate and guarantee the return of the principal but often require you to lock in your money for a set period (ranging from a few months to several years). While GICs offer certainty, they lack the liquidity of a cash management fund, where funds are readily accessible.

Savings Accounts

While highly liquid, savings accounts generally offer lower returns than cash management funds, especially in low-interest-rate environments. While savings accounts are insured (through institutions such as CDIC), they may not keep pace with inflation or provide meaningful growth while you're exploring investment options.

Cash management mutual funds may be a great option for investors looking to optimize returns on idle cash without sacrificing liquidity. They provide a middle ground between the higher returns of GICs (but without the lock-in) and the ease of access found in traditional savings accounts (but with the potential for better returns). While not risk-free, they offer a diversified, flexible way to manage cash efficiently while you assess future investment decisions.

The opinions, estimates and projections (“information”) contained within this report are solely those of Ninepoint Partners LP (“Ninepoint”) and are subject to change without notice. Ninepoint makes every effort to ensure that the information has been derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, Ninepoint assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages, whether direct or indirect, which arise out of the use of this information. Ninepoint is not under any obligation to update or keep current the information contained herein. The information should not be regarded by recipients as a substitute for the exercise of their own judgment. Please contact your own personal advisor on your particular circumstances.

This document is for information purposes only and should not be relied upon as investment advice. We strongly recommend that you consult your investment professional for a comprehensive review of your personal financial situation before undertaking any investment strategy. Information herein is subject to change without notice and Ninepoint is not responsible for any inaccuracies or to update this information.

Views expressed regarding a particular company, security, industry or market sector should not be considered an indication of trading intent of any investment funds managed by Ninepoint Partners LP. These views are not to be considered as investment advice nor should they be considered a recommendation to buy or sell.

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