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Anthony is deciding between different savings accounts at his bank. He has four options, based on how frequently interest compounds. Which should he choose if he wants the best rate of return on his interest?

User Lime
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1 Answer

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Compound interest formula:
A = P (1+r/n)^(nt)

Where:

A = the future value of the investment/loan, including interest
P = the principal investment amount (the initial deposit or loan amount)
r = the annual interest rate (decimal)
n = the number of times that interest is compounded per year
t = the number of years the money is invested or borrowed for

Compounding Interest simply means that the interest earned for a certain interest period also earns an interest.

Let us assume the following:

Principal = 1,000

rate = 0.12 per annum

term/time = 5 years

if n = annual compounding it is equal to 1 ; A = 1,762.34

if n = semi annual compounding it is equal to 2 ; A = 1,790.85

if n = quarterly compounding, it is equal to 4 ; A = 1,806.11

if n = monthly compounding, it is equal to 12 ; A = 1,816.70

Based on the sample computation, Anthony will earn more interest from monthly compounding.


User Yanti
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