Fixed deposits remain the go-to for money you cannot afford to risk. Here is what ₹50,000 becomes in 2 years with quarterly compounding.
Maturity value by rate
| FD rate | Maturity value | Interest earned |
|---|---|---|
| 6% | ₹56,325 | ₹6,325 |
| 6.5% | ₹56,882 | ₹6,882 |
| 7% | ₹57,444 | ₹7,444 |
| 7.5% | ₹58,011 | ₹8,011 |
| 8% | ₹58,583 | ₹8,583 |
Keep it honest against inflation
At ~6% inflation, the real (purchasing-power) return of a 7% FD is roughly 1%. FDs are for capital safety and near-term goals. Interest is taxable at your slab, so the post-tax return is lower than the sticker rate.
Laddering tip
Instead of one ₹50,000 FD, split into two smaller FDs with staggered maturities. You keep liquidity without breaking the whole deposit (and paying penalty) in an emergency.
