MATH’S PROJECT

TOPIC-1 Survey of various types of Bank accounts, rates of interest offered.

 Introduction

In today's financial landscape, banks offer a variety of accounts

tailored to different needs. This report aims to provide an overview
of the types of bank accounts available and the interest rates offered
by different financial institutions.

 Types of Bank Accounts

~Savings Accounts

Savings accounts are one of the most common types of bank

accounts. They are ideal for individuals looking to save money while
maintaining easy access to funds. These accounts typically offer a
lower interest rate compared to other accounts but provide liquidity,
allowing account holders to withdraw funds whenever needed
without penalty. Some savings accounts may have minimum balance
requirements and monthly maintenance fees, although these vary
between financial institutions.

~Checking Accounts

Checking accounts are designed for everyday transactions, such as

paying bills, making purchases, and withdrawing cash. Unlike savings
accounts, checking accounts usually do not offer interest on
deposited funds. However, they offer convenience through features
like debit cards, online banking, and check-writing capabilities. Many
checking accounts come with no monthly fees, especially if certain
criteria, such as a minimum balance or direct deposit, are met.
~Money Market Accounts

Money market accounts (MMAs) are a hybrid between savings and

checking accounts, offering higher interest rates than standard
savings accounts while providing some check-writing and debit card
privileges. These accounts often require a higher minimum balance
compared to regular savings accounts and may have tiered interest
rates, where higher balances earn higher rates. MMAs typically offer
limited monthly transactions and may charge fees for falling below
the minimum balance.

~Certificates of Deposit (CDs)

Certificates of Deposit (CDs) are time deposits that offer fixed

interest rates for a specified term, ranging from a few months to
several years. CDs typically offer higher interest rates compared to
savings and money market accounts, making them an attractive
option for individuals willing to lock in their funds for a set period.
However, early withdrawal from a CD may result in penalties, such as
forfeiting a portion of the accrued interest.
~Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are investment accounts

designed to help individuals save for retirement. IRAs offer tax
advantages, such as tax-deferred or tax-free growth, depending on
the type of IRA. Traditional IRAs allow individuals to contribute pre-
tax dollars, while Roth IRAs accept after-tax contributions but offer
tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Simplified Employee Pension
(SEP) IRAs are available to self-employed individuals and small
business owners, providing a tax-advantaged way to save for
retirement.

 Interest Rates

Interest rates on bank accounts vary depending on several factors,

including the type of account, the financial institution, and prevailing
market conditions. Here are some typical interest rates as of 2024:-

1. Savings Account

The savings account is the basic type of account that allows people
to deposit money and keep it safe. It is a liquid instrument as
individuals can withdraw money anytime at their convenience
without any restrictions.

There are multiple banks that offer savings account facilities in India.
To know the best savings account, it is essential to compare the
interest rates and their features like the affordable minimum balance
requirement and flexibility to make deposits and withdrawals.

The interest rates for savings accounts range from 2.70% – 7.00%
depending on the bank account balance and the type of savings
account of the bank.
2. Checking Account

Checking accounts pay interest on your balance while offering the

flexibility to deposit, withdraw, spend and send money freely.
According to national FDIC data from April 15, 2024, the average
checking account interest rate is 0.08%.

3. Money Market Account

Usually Money Market Accounts typically earn at higher rates than

basic savings accounts, instead climbing closer to CD rates. This
simply means that your exact interest rate depends on your account
balance, with higher balances usually earning at a higher rate.
Average money market rates fall between 0.01% APY and 3.45% APY,
again depending on your balance.

4. Certificates of Deposit (CDs)

It ranges from 3.5% to 8%. The interest rate on CDs, if issued by

organizations, has higher interest rates as compared to commercial
banks. It is a long-term investment and offers a maximum maturity
period of 10 years. This is a short-term investment and offers a
maturity period ranging from 1-3 years.

5. Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)

Depending on your investment choices, you may be able to earn an

average annual return between 7% and 10%. Of course, you may earn
less. If your Roth IRA is full of low-risk bonds, you will probably earn a
lower return. If your Roth is full of growth stocks, you might earn a higher
return over a long time period.

Of course, the return you earn is highly dependent on the stock market,
and the market is never guaranteed. But investing with a well-diversified
portfolio can help you safeguard your potential earnings from risk.
  Conclusion
Choosing the right bank account involves careful consideration of various
factors, including interest rates, fees, account features, and individual
financial goals. By understanding the different types of bank accounts
available and their respective interest rates, consumers can make informed
decisions that align with their financial needs and objectives. It's essential to
regularly review banking options to ensure that accounts continue to meet
evolving financial circumstances and goals.

TOPIC-2 to use a newspaper to study and report on shares and dividends.

  Introduction:

Shares and dividends form the bedrock of the financial market, offering
investors opportunities for wealth accumulation and income generation.
Newspapers, renowned for their comprehensive coverage of economic
affairs, stand as invaluable repositories of information, facilitating a deeper
understanding of the intricacies surrounding shares and dividends. In this
discourse, we embark on a journey to unravel the complexities inherent in
the concepts of shares and dividends, employing the lens of newspaper
analysis to delve into their nuances and evolution.

 In-depth Examination of Share Prices:

~Comprehensive Coverage:

Newspaper conglomerates meticulously aggregate and disseminate share

prices sourced from diverse stock exchanges, providing investors with a
panoramic vista of the stock market. These publications, adorned with vibrant
visual aids such as tables and charts, serve as indispensable navigational tools,
guiding investors through the tempestuous seas of financial markets.

~Analyzing Share Price Trends:

Share price movements, akin to threads intricately woven together, serve as

signposts of market sentiment, economic vitality, and corporate performance.
Deciphering the intricate tapestry of these trends enables investors to discern
patterns, identify strategic openings, and fortify their investment portfolios
against the vagaries of market fluctuations.

~Unraveling News Impact:

The narratives woven within the pages of newspapers hold sway over share
prices, shaping market dynamics through the dissemination of crucial
information. From corporate earnings revelations to regulatory shifts and
geopolitical unrest, newspapers elucidate the implications of news events,
empowering investors to anticipate market fluctuations and position
themselves strategically.
~Dividend Announcements and Analysis:

Dividends are a portion of a company's profits distributed to shareholders as a

return on their investment. Newspapers report on dividend announcements
made by companies, including the amount of the dividend, the ex-dividend
date, and the dividend yield.

~Interpretation of Dividend Data:

Scrutinizing dividend data disseminated through newspapers unveils a window

into a company's financial robustness, management's confidence in future
earnings, and the sustainability of dividend payouts. Companies boasting a
track record of consistent dividend disbursements often garner favor among
income-seeking investors, positioning themselves as stalwarts of stability and
reliability.

~Dividend Yield Comparison:

Newspapers facilitate comparative analysis of dividend yields across industries,

enabling investors to discern promising investment opportunities amidst a sea
of options. By juxtaposing dividend-paying stocks against alternative
investment vehicles such as bonds or savings accounts, investors calibrate their
risk-return preferences and sculpt resilient investment portfolios.

 Conclusion:

Through their role as knowledge communicators, newspapers are very important in

this matter as they bring clarity and detail about shares and dividends give readers a
detailed synopsis of how the shares and dividends work, and what they mean for
wealth creation. Moreover, media such as stock price bulletins, technical analysis of
price movements, wide coverage of influential news events and thoughtful analysis
on dividend issues allow for investors to capitalize on the ever-changing market
circumstances with acumen and confidence. Having at a disposal a wealth of
information that is usually disseminated through newspapers give investors an
opportunity to implement investments strategies that will be well-thought-out and
the uncertainties that come with financial markets will be easy to bear.