A money market fund is a type of mutual fund that invests in short-term government securities. These funds are typically offered by banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions. They are very safe and provide a low-risk way to invest your money. However, money market funds can also experience negative returns, which means that you may lose money if the fund’s investments decline in value. When interest rates are low, so are money market rates, rewarding investors relatively little.

How can a money markets fund go down in value?

There are several factors that can contribute to a money market fund losing value. First and foremost, changes in interest rates can have a major impact on the performance of these funds. Fluctuations in the broader financial markets can also play a role in determining the value of money market funds. As stock prices fall or bond yields rise, there may be an impact on the assets held by these funds, which can decrease their total value over time. Ultimately, understanding what makes money market fund values change is essential for investors looking to minimize risk and maximize return.
See also what are money market funds yielding? article.