Certificate of Deposit

Definition ∞ A Certificate of Deposit is a financial product offered by banks that holds a fixed sum of money for a specified period at a fixed interest rate. These instruments typically provide higher interest returns compared to standard savings accounts, in exchange for a commitment to keep funds deposited until maturity. Early withdrawals usually incur penalties, making them suitable for conservative, long-term savings objectives.
Context ∞ While a traditional financial instrument, the Certificate of Deposit is relevant in crypto news when comparing stablecoin yields or discussing potential regulated digital asset offerings. Debates often consider how conventional low-risk investments stack against digital asset returns. This comparison provides context for understanding risk and return profiles across traditional and digital financial products.