14 High-Return Investments for When Interest Rates Are Low 14 High-Return Investments for When Interest Rates Are Low Interest rates are low right now, but you can use these investments to maximize returns and minimize risk. This story originally appeared on NewRetirement. When you are retired or near retirement, it is generally a good idea to have a percentage of your savings in investment vehicles that are lower in risk. However, it can be difficult to find low-risk, high-return investments — especially now with certificate of deposit (CD) and savings account rates at less than 1 percent. Not too long ago, retirees could earn sufficient interest in low-risk savings vehicles that could keep money protected while allowing adequate growth. But today’s extremely low rates make that nearly impossible. And rates are not expected to rise any time soon. In fact, the Federal Reserve has promised to keep rates low through 2023 to support economic recovery.