A traditional fixed deposit is no longer the only option for earning a return on cash in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi banks, digital banks, government institutions, and CMA-regulated investment companies now offer several Sharia-compliant savings and investment products. Depending on your needs, you can choose flexible profit-paying savings accounts, Murabaha term deposits, government savings Sukuk, money market funds, Sukuk funds, or monthly savings plans.
The right option depends on more than the advertised profit rate.
Before moving your money, you should compare:
- Annual Equivalent Rate
- Expected versus fixed returns
- Minimum investment amount
- Withdrawal restrictions
- Early-redemption penalties
- Deposit protection
- Investment risk
- Management fees
- Profit-payment frequency
- Sharia structure
- Account-opening requirements
A higher return may require you to lock your money for a longer period. A flexible savings account may pay less but provide immediate access during an emergency. An investment fund may offer attractive income potential, but its value can move up or down.
This guide compares seven practical fixed-deposit alternatives available to Saudi savers in 2026.
Rates and promotional offers can change. Always check the latest product disclosure, Annual Equivalent Rate, terms and conditions, and risk classification before depositing or investing money.
Fixed-Deposit Alternatives in Saudi Arabia: Quick Comparison
| Alternative | Return structure | Access to money | General risk level | Deposit protection | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flexible profit-paying savings account | Variable expected profit | Usually available anytime | Relatively low | Eligible bank deposits may be protected | Emergency funds and short-term savings |
| Murabaha or Mudarabah term account | Fixed or expected profit for a selected term | Restricted or reduced profit after early withdrawal | Relatively low | Confirm product eligibility | Customers seeking predictable returns |
| Sah Government Savings Sukuk | Fixed rate for each monthly issue | One-year term; early redemption allowed during specified periods | Low | Not a bank deposit | Saudi citizens seeking government-backed savings |
| Money market or liquidity fund | Variable fund performance | Commonly daily or frequent redemption | Low to moderate | No | Cash that can accept limited investment risk |
| Sukuk fund | Income and capital-value movement | Depends on fund dealing days | Moderate | No | Medium-term income investors |
| Listed corporate Sukuk | Fixed or variable distributions depending on issue | Can depend on market liquidity | Moderate to higher | No | Experienced income investors |
| Monthly savings plan | Expected profit plus regular monthly contributions | Early cancellation may affect profit | Relatively low | Product-specific | Salary earners building a future goal |
What Does “Fixed Deposit” Mean in Saudi Arabia?
The phrase “fixed deposit” is commonly used internationally for a bank account that holds money for a defined period and pays an agreed return.
In Saudi Arabia, banks often use Sharia-compliant structures rather than a conventional interest-bearing deposit. Product names may include:
- Murabaha term deposit
- Mudarabah investment account
- Wakala investment
- Term investment account
- Savings plan
- Profit-paying savings account
- Commodity Murabaha account
The commercial result may appear similar to a fixed deposit: you place money with a bank for a selected period and receive a return.
However, the contract structure, return calculation, early-withdrawal rules, and risk disclosure can differ. Customers should not assume that every product advertised as a deposit or investment account works in the same way.
1. Flexible High-Profit Savings Accounts
A flexible savings account is usually the strongest alternative for money that may be needed at short notice.
These accounts can be useful for:
- Emergency funds
- Annual insurance payments
- School fees
- Vacation savings
- Car repairs
- Home maintenance
- Short-term business reserves
- A future down payment
Unlike a fixed-term product, a flexible savings account normally allows deposits and withdrawals without waiting for maturity.
STC Bank Smart Saver
STC Bank’s Smart Saver is a Sharia-compliant Mudarabah savings account. Profit is calculated daily and credited monthly.
The published expected annual profit rates are:
| Daily balance | Expected annual profit rate |
|---|---|
| Below SAR 1,000 | 0% |
| SAR 1,000 to SAR 24,999.99 | 3.00% |
| SAR 25,000 to SAR 99,999.99 | 3.50% |
| SAR 100,000 to SAR 249,999.99 | 4.20% |
| SAR 250,000 to SAR 499,999.99 | 4.70% |
| SAR 500,000 and above | 5.00% |
The account does not require salary transfer. Customers can schedule recurring transfers and use round-up saving. Withdrawals are allowed, although days on which the balance falls below SAR 1,000 do not qualify for profit.
Al Rajhi Hassad Account
Al Rajhi’s Hassad Account is another flexible Mudarabah-based option. It requires an active Al Rajhi current account and a minimum qualifying balance of SAR 5,000.
Under its published minimum-balance monthly-distribution structure, rates range from 2.40% for balances beginning at SAR 5,000 to 3.60% for balances of SAR 5 million or more. Different Hassad versions use different balance-calculation and distribution methods.
Example of potential earnings
A constant SAR 50,000 balance at an expected annual rate of 3.50% would generate approximately:
SAR 50,000 × 3.50% = SAR 1,750 per year
This simplified example assumes that the rate and balance remain unchanged. Actual profit may be calculated daily and credited monthly.
Advantages
- Easy access to funds
- Suitable for emergency savings
- Monthly profit distributions
- Lower minimum balance than many term deposits
- Digital account management
- Automatic savings tools
- No need to choose a fixed maturity date
Disadvantages
- Profit rates are generally variable
- The bank may change its rates
- Dropping below the qualifying balance can reduce earnings
- Higher balance tiers may be required for the most competitive rate
- Flexible accounts can make it easier to spend the money
Who should choose a flexible savings account?
This option is best for customers who value liquidity more than a guaranteed maturity amount.
It is generally not wise to lock an entire emergency fund into a product that reduces or cancels profit after early withdrawal.
2. Murabaha and Mudarabah Term Accounts
A Sharia-compliant term account is the closest alternative to a traditional fixed deposit.
Customers select an investment period, deposit a lump sum, and receive profit according to the product agreement.
Common tenors include:
- Seven days
- One month
- Three months
- Six months
- Nine months
- One year
- Two years
- Three years
Al Rajhi Awaeed Account
Al Rajhi’s Awaeed Account offers terms from one month to 36 months and several profit-distribution choices, including payment in advance, monthly payment, or payment at maturity.
The general account page states that customers can begin from SAR 1,000. However, the bank’s currently published AER pricing table shows a SAR 25,000 minimum investment balance for the displayed rate examples.
Published at-maturity AER examples include:
| Term | Published at-maturity AER |
|---|---|
| One month | 4.00% |
| Three months | 4.40% |
| Six months | 4.30% |
| Nine months | 4.27% |
| 12 months | 4.25% |
| 18 months | 4.20% |
| 24 months | 4.15% |
| 36 months | 4.05% |
Customers should verify the actual minimum applicable to their selected term, balance, and profit-distribution option.
Vision Bank Murabaha Term Deposit
Vision Bank advertises a one-year Murabaha term deposit with a return of up to 6%, starting from SAR 1,000 without salary transfer.
Terms can begin from seven days and extend up to one year. The bank also advertises the ability to withdraw up to 20% of the deposit, subject to product conditions.
The 6% rate is tied to the one-year term and campaign conditions. It should not be treated as a permanent market-wide rate.
Potential return example
If SAR 100,000 qualifies for a one-year return of 6%, the simplified potential profit would be:
SAR 100,000 × 6% = SAR 6,000
The final amount depends on the exact contract, campaign eligibility, withdrawal activity, and whether the displayed return applies for the complete term.
Advantages
- Potentially higher rate than a standard savings account
- Choice of short and medium investment periods
- Predictable maturity date
- Sharia-compliant structures
- Several profit-payment options
- Useful for known future expenses
- Digital opening available for selected products
Disadvantages
- Money may be less accessible during the term
- Early withdrawal can reduce or cancel profit
- Promotional rates may expire
- Higher advertised rates can require a longer commitment
- Minimum investment amounts can differ by option
- Customers must understand whether the rate is fixed, expected, or variable
Who should choose a term account?
A term account may be suitable when you know that the money will not be required before a specific date.
Common examples include:
- A property down payment in 12 months
- University fees due next year
- A planned wedding
- Vehicle replacement
- A business payment with a known due date
- Money reserved for annual rent
Do not place emergency money into a long-term account only because the headline rate is higher.
3. Sah Government Savings Sukuk
Sah is a government savings product created for Saudi individuals.
It is issued by the Saudi government through the Ministry of Finance and arranged by the National Debt Management Center. The product is Sharia-compliant and forms part of the Kingdom’s local Saudi-riyal Sukuk program.
Each issue has a one-year savings period and a fixed return determined for that specific monthly issue. Principal and profit are paid after maturity.
Main Sah features
- Available to Saudi citizens aged 18 or older
- Minimum subscription of SAR 1,000
- Maximum of SAR 200,000 across the program per individual
- One-year maturity
- Fixed return for each issue
- New issues generally offered according to a monthly calendar
- No subscriber fee
- Sharia-compliant
- Government-supported
- Available through participating financial institutions
Participating institutions listed by the official Sah platform include SNB Capital, Al Rajhi Capital, AlJazira Capital, alinma Investment, and SAB Invest.
Can you withdraw early?
Sah holders can request redemption during the periods specified in the official annual calendar.
However, an investor who redeems early does not receive the accumulated profit for that issue. The original subscription amount is returned according to the redemption process.
Sah advantages
- Issued by the Saudi government
- Low-risk savings structure
- Fixed return for each individual issue
- Low SAR 1,000 starting amount
- No subscription fee
- Monthly issuance opportunities
- Suitable for building a one-year savings habit
- Clear maturity date
Sah disadvantages
- Only available to eligible Saudi citizens
- Not available to expatriates
- Annual return changes from one issue to another
- Profit is paid at maturity rather than monthly
- Early redemption removes entitlement to accumulated profit
- Maximum program subscription is SAR 200,000
- Sukuk cannot be freely traded on the market
Who should consider Sah?
Sah may be suitable for a Saudi saver who wants a one-year, government-supported product and does not need monthly profit.
It may also work well for someone who wants to invest a fixed amount from salary during each monthly issuance.
4. Saudi Riyal Money Market and Liquidity Funds
A money market fund is an investment fund that generally invests in short-term financial instruments and money-market transactions.
The Saudi Capital Market Authority defines a money market fund as a fund whose objective is to invest in short-term securities and money-market transactions. These transactions can include short-term deposits and trade-finance contracts.
Saudi asset managers offer Sharia-compliant liquidity, Murabaha, and money market funds denominated in Saudi riyals.
Examples of providers include:
- Al Rajhi Capital
- SNB Capital
- Alinma Investment
- Riyad Capital
- SAB Invest
- AlJazira Capital
- Derayah Financial
SNB Capital lists liquidity and fixed-income funds within its asset-management offering, while Al Rajhi Capital provides several Sharia-compliant mutual-fund categories with digital investment-account access.
How money market funds differ from deposits
A bank deposit is a liability of the bank. A money market fund is an investment in units of a regulated fund.
This distinction matters because:
- Fund value is not guaranteed in the same way as a bank deposit.
- Returns can increase or decrease.
- Management and operating expenses may apply.
- Redemption can take one or more business days.
- Investment-fund units are not covered by bank deposit protection.
- Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Advantages
- Usually lower volatility than equity funds
- Professional asset management
- Potentially competitive short-term return
- Frequent subscription and redemption
- Useful for medium-sized cash reserves
- Access through licensed investment companies
- Diversification across short-term instruments
Disadvantages
- Capital is not guaranteed
- Unit price can fluctuate
- Management expenses reduce net returns
- Redemption may not be instant
- Returns are variable
- No bank deposit protection
- Product structure may be more complicated than a savings account
What to compare before investing
Review the fund’s:
- Risk classification
- Annualized return
- Net return after fees
- Management fee
- Total Expense Ratio
- Minimum subscription
- Redemption schedule
- Valuation frequency
- Portfolio holdings
- Sharia committee
- Fund manager’s track record
- Terms and conditions
Do not compare a fund’s gross return with a savings account’s net credited profit unless fees and calculation periods are treated consistently.
5. Sukuk Funds and Short-Duration Sukuk ETFs
A Sukuk fund invests in a portfolio of Sharia-compliant debt-like securities rather than placing all the money with one bank or issuer.
Sukuk funds can invest in instruments issued by:
- The Saudi government
- Saudi banks
- Large corporations
- Government-related companies
- GCC issuers
- International Sharia-compliant issuers
Saudi Arabia’s Sukuk and debt market has expanded significantly, and the CMA has continued developing the market to improve liquidity and increase the diversity of issuers and investors.
Why consider a Sukuk fund?
A Sukuk fund may provide:
- Regular income potential
- Professional diversification
- Access to several issuers
- Lower concentration risk than buying one corporate Sukuk
- Exposure to government and high-quality corporate instruments
- Potential returns above an ordinary current account
Important risks
A Sukuk fund is not equivalent to a fixed deposit.
Its unit price can change due to:
- Changes in market profit rates
- Issuer credit quality
- Economic conditions
- Liquidity conditions
- Currency exposure
- Fund expenses
- Sukuk maturity structure
A longer-duration Sukuk fund may be more sensitive to market-rate changes than a short-duration fund.
Advantages
- Diversification across issuers
- Managed by investment professionals
- Income-oriented investment strategy
- Sharia-compliant options widely available
- Potentially suitable for medium-term financial goals
- Easier than researching individual Sukuk issues
Disadvantages
- Capital value can rise or fall
- Returns are not guaranteed
- No deposit protection
- Management and custody fees may apply
- Redemption price can be below the purchase price
- Credit and market risk remain
- More complex than a bank savings account
Who should consider a Sukuk fund?
A Sukuk fund may suit a customer with a time horizon of one to three years or longer who can tolerate moderate price movement.
It is generally not the first choice for money needed next month.
6. Listed Corporate Sukuk
Experienced investors may consider buying Sukuk issued by Saudi banks, finance companies, or other corporations.
A corporate Sukuk typically provides scheduled distributions and returns principal according to the issue terms, assuming the issuer meets its obligations.
The Saudi corporate Sukuk and debt market has grown, and retail-investor participation has increased. However, each issue carries its own credit risk, maturity, distribution terms, minimum investment, and liquidity conditions.
Potential advantages
- Defined distribution structure
- Potentially higher return than lower-risk bank savings
- Ability to select issuer and maturity
- Sharia-compliant investment opportunities
- Tradable instruments for selected listed issues
- Useful for diversifying an income portfolio
Major risks
- The issuer may experience financial difficulty
- Market value can fall before maturity
- Selling quickly may be difficult
- The market price may be above or below face value
- Some issues may have a large minimum investment
- Certain Sukuk may be subordinated
- Early redemption may be controlled by the issuer
- No bank deposit protection applies
Senior versus subordinated Sukuk
Not all Sukuk have the same repayment priority.
A subordinated or Additional Tier 1 Sukuk may carry significantly more risk than senior government or corporate Sukuk. Investors should not buy an instrument only because its distribution rate is higher.
Read the prospectus and understand:
- Issuer credit risk
- Payment priority
- Call options
- Maturity
- Distribution suspension conditions
- Loss-absorption terms
- Trading liquidity
- Sharia structure
- Fees and brokerage charges
Corporate Sukuk are more appropriate for informed investors than for someone simply looking for a safe place to keep emergency cash.
7. Monthly Goal-Based Savings Plans
A monthly savings plan may be more effective than a lump-sum deposit for employees who want to build wealth gradually.
These products automatically deduct an agreed amount from a current account and place it into a savings plan.
Al Rajhi Future Account
Al Rajhi’s Future Account allows customers to choose a savings period from six months to five years.
Features include:
- Fixed monthly contributions
- Automatic deductions
- No account-opening or cancellation fee
- Expected accumulated profit paid at the end
- Digital progress tracking
- Short- and long-term savings options
- Monthly contributions starting from SAR 100 for short-term plans
- Monthly contributions starting from SAR 300 for longer plans
The account is available to qualifying Saudi and non-Saudi Al Rajhi customers aged 18 or older with an active current account. Withdrawing requires cancellation of the plan, and delayed contributions can affect the account.
The bank’s illustrative examples include SAR 1,500 per month for 12 months and SAR 1,000 per month for 60 months. The expected AER is variable and can change.
Advantages
- Builds saving discipline
- Automatic monthly deductions
- Suitable for salary earners
- Low monthly entry amount
- Clear financial target
- Expected profit in addition to contributions
- Useful for customers without a large lump sum
Disadvantages
- Missing payments can affect the plan
- Access normally requires account cancellation
- Expected profit is not necessarily fixed
- Long plans reduce flexibility
- May be unsuitable for irregular-income workers
- Inflation can reduce the purchasing power of long-term cash savings
Who should choose a monthly plan?
This option may be useful for:
- Education savings
- Wedding expenses
- Annual travel
- A car down payment
- Home furnishing
- A future business
- Building an emergency fund
- Saving from every monthly salary
Deposit Protection: What Is Covered?
Saudi Arabia’s Depositors Protection Fund protects eligible deposits at member banks up to SAR 200,000 per depositor per bank, including eligible principal and accrued return.
Covered deposit types include eligible current accounts, savings accounts, time deposits, foreign-currency deposits, and certain other bank deposits. Deposits held at different branches of the same bank are combined when applying the SAR 200,000 limit.
For example, if you have:
- SAR 100,000 in a savings account
- SAR 75,000 in a term deposit
- SAR 50,000 in a current account
at the same bank, the combined balance is SAR 225,000. The standard protection limit would generally apply to the combined eligible deposits, not separately to each account.
Deposits held at separate member banks are assessed separately.
What is generally not protected as a bank deposit?
Bank deposit protection does not normally cover:
- Mutual funds
- Money market fund units
- Sukuk fund units
- Direct corporate Sukuk
- Shares
- ETFs
- REITs
- Brokerage cash held outside eligible deposit structures
- Other capital-market investments
For an investment-style bank account, confirm whether the specific product is legally treated as an eligible deposit under DPF rules.
Estimated Return Examples
The following examples are simplified and are not guaranteed quotations.
| Amount | Product example | Illustrative annual rate | Simplified potential annual profit |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAR 10,000 | Flexible savings | 3.00% | SAR 300 |
| SAR 25,000 | Flexible savings | 3.50% | SAR 875 |
| SAR 50,000 | Flexible savings | 3.50% | SAR 1,750 |
| SAR 100,000 | Awaeed 12-month at maturity example | 4.25% | SAR 4,250 |
| SAR 100,000 | Vision one-year campaign example | Up to 6.00% | Up to SAR 6,000 |
| SAR 200,000 | Flexible savings example | 4.20% | SAR 8,400 |
Actual results may differ because of:
- Daily balance changes
- Tiered-profit calculations
- Compounding
- Management fees
- Early withdrawal
- Campaign expiration
- Different profit-distribution methods
- Product-specific terms
How to Select the Right Alternative
For an emergency fund
Choose a flexible savings account with:
- Immediate access
- No early-withdrawal penalty
- Monthly profit
- A manageable minimum balance
- Strong digital banking
- Deposit protection eligibility
For money needed within three to twelve months
Compare:
- Short-term Murabaha accounts
- Awaeed-style term accounts
- Flexible savings
- Money market funds
Avoid a product whose redemption period extends beyond the date on which you need the money.
For a one-year goal
Consider:
- Sah Government Savings Sukuk
- A one-year Murabaha deposit
- A 12-month term account
- A monthly savings plan
Compare the return, liquidity, and early-redemption consequences.
For medium-term income
A diversified Sukuk fund may be more suitable than keeping all the money in one bank account, but it introduces market and credit risk.
For high balances
Customers holding substantially more than SAR 200,000 in bank deposits may consider spreading eligible deposits across several licensed banks.
This can provide:
- Wider deposit-protection coverage
- Access to different savings rates
- Better liquidity management
- Reduced dependence on one banking app
- A backup account during technical issues
Do not open unnecessary accounts solely for a small rate difference without considering account management, transfer limits, and security.
Fixed-Deposit Alternatives: Pros and Cons
Overall advantages
- More liquidity choices
- Sharia-compliant product structures
- Potentially higher returns
- Government savings options
- Low minimum starting amounts
- Digital account opening
- Automated monthly savings
- Access to diversified investments
- Options for Saudi citizens and expatriates
Overall disadvantages
- Returns may not be guaranteed
- Promotional rates can expire
- Some products are not deposit-protected
- Fund values can fluctuate
- Early redemption can reduce profit
- Higher-return products usually carry more risk
- Terms and fee structures can be complicated
- Product eligibility differs by nationality and banking relationship
Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing only by the highest advertised rate
A 6% one-year product may not be better than a 4% flexible account when you may need the money after three months.
Ignoring the minimum balance
A product may advertise an attractive rate but pay no profit when the balance drops below the minimum threshold.
Confusing expected and guaranteed profit
Mudarabah savings products generally publish expected profit rates that can change.
Ignoring fees
Investment-fund fees, brokerage costs, and transfer charges can reduce your net return.
Locking all available cash
Keep enough liquid money for emergencies, insurance, rent, and monthly expenses.
Treating funds like bank deposits
Money market and Sukuk funds are investments. They can lose value and are not covered by deposit protection.
Chasing expired promotions
Always confirm that a campaign is still active before transferring money.
Final Verdict
There is no single fixed-deposit alternative that works for every saver.
For emergency funds and short-term cash, a flexible high-profit savings account is usually the most practical option.
For customers who can commit money for a specific period, a Murabaha or Mudarabah term account may provide a more predictable return.
For Saudi citizens seeking a low-risk, government-supported one-year product, Sah Government Savings Sukuk deserves serious consideration.
For investors comfortable with limited market risk, money market funds and Sukuk funds can provide diversification and professional management.
For salary earners who struggle to save a lump sum, a monthly goal-based savings plan can be more valuable than chasing the highest advertised rate.
The strongest approach may involve more than one product:
- Flexible savings for emergencies
- A term deposit or Sah issue for a one-year goal
- A money market or Sukuk fund for medium-term savings
- Automated monthly contributions for long-term goals
Compare liquidity, risk, net return, fees, and deposit protection before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest alternative to a fixed deposit in Saudi Arabia?
An eligible savings or time-deposit product at a SAMA-regulated bank is generally among the lower-risk options. Eligible deposits receive protection of up to SAR 200,000 per depositor per member bank. Sah Government Savings Sukuk is another low-risk option for eligible Saudi citizens.
Which Saudi savings account pays the highest profit?
Rates depend on account balance, product type, and active promotions. STC Bank Smart Saver currently publishes expected rates from 3% to 5%, while Vision Bank advertises up to 6% on a one-year Murabaha term deposit. These products have different liquidity and terms, so the rates should not be compared without reviewing the conditions.
Is a Murabaha deposit the same as a fixed deposit?
It can serve a similar savings purpose, but the contractual structure is different. A Murabaha deposit uses Sharia-compliant commodity transactions rather than conventional interest.
Can expatriates invest in Sah Sukuk?
No. Sah is currently intended for Saudi male and female citizens aged 18 or older.
What is the minimum investment in Sah?
The minimum is SAR 1,000, equal to one Sukuk. The maximum is SAR 200,000 across the program for each eligible individual.
Can Sah Sukuk be withdrawn early?
Early redemption can be requested during specified calendar periods. However, the investor does not receive the accumulated profit when redeeming before maturity.
Are money market funds risk-free?
No. They are generally considered lower risk than equity funds, but their value and returns are not guaranteed. They are investments rather than protected bank deposits.
Are Sukuk funds better than savings accounts?
Sukuk funds may offer higher income potential and diversification, but they also carry market, liquidity, and credit risks. Savings accounts are generally simpler and more suitable for emergency money.
How much of my Saudi bank deposits is protected?
Eligible deposits are protected up to SAR 200,000 per depositor per member bank. Accounts at the same bank are generally combined when applying the limit.
Can I open savings accounts at several banks?
Yes, subject to each bank’s eligibility and verification process. Deposits at separate member banks are assessed separately for DPF protection.
Should I select monthly profit or profit at maturity?
Monthly profit may suit customers who need regular income. Profit at maturity may offer a higher published AER in some products. Compare the final total return instead of only the payment frequency.
What is AER?
Annual Equivalent Rate shows the annualized return after taking the account’s profit-payment and compounding structure into account. It helps compare products with different distribution schedules.
Can an expected profit rate change?
Yes. Mudarabah and some other savings products often publish expected rather than guaranteed rates. Banks can revise them according to product terms and investment performance.
Is a one-year deposit better than a three-month deposit?
A one-year term may offer a more attractive rate, but a three-month option provides earlier access. The correct term should match the date when the money will be needed.
How much should I keep in an emergency fund?
Many households aim to maintain several months of essential expenses. The appropriate amount depends on income stability, family size, housing costs, insurance, debt payments, and employment type.
Should I invest all my savings in one product?
Concentrating all cash in one product can create liquidity or risk problems. Separating emergency money, short-term goals, and longer-term investments is generally more practical.