Savings and CD rate averages have held steady over the past two weeks although the top savings rate has dropped significantly.

Savings Rates

Average rates dropped slightly from 1.34% APY to 1.31% APY. The top rate has come down significantly. Two weeks ago the top rate was 1.75% APY and now the top rate is 1.55% APY. One month ago, the top rate was 2% APY. So, in four weeks the top rate you could get on a savigns account has fallen significantly. For promotional rates, Everbank remains on top with their 3-month introductory bonus rate of 2.25% APY. After the three-month period, the rate drops down to 1.26% APY for a blended one year APY of 1.51% APY.

CD Rates

The average 1-year CD also remained steady at 1.57% APY for the fourth week in a row. First City Bank continues to hold the top spot with a 1.80% APY CD. First City Bank is in bad financial shape and has been operating under a FDIC Cease and Desist Order since 10/09. Acacia Federal Savings has moved into the second sport with a 1.65% APY CD.

The average 3-year CD rate is the only average to dropped slightly from 2.43% to 2.42% APY. The top spot continues to be occupied by USAA Federal Savings Bank, which offers a 2.65% APY CD with a minimum deposit of $175,000. The next highest rate is Acacia Federal Savings at 2.50% APY and a $500 minimum deposit.

The average 5-year CD rate remained steady this week at 3.12% APY after dropping from 3.17% APY four weeks ago. The average is now closing in on the 3% mark.

USAA continues to have the top rate at 3.31% APY. Everbank which holds the second highest rate dropped from 3.30% APY to 3.26% APY. A month ago Everbank was offering the same CD for 3.39% APY.

The spread between savings and 3-year CD rates dropped slightly and now stands at 1.11, from from a high of 1.24 in March. The ratio between 1-year CDs and 5-year CDs has remained steady over the past month and appears to have topped off. What does that mean? Both 1-year and 5-year CD rates have stopped dropping and are maintaining their relative ratios. The flat trends of the past month seem to support this conclusion. If the economy continues to improve I expect we'll see longer term CDs begin to move up first, followed by shorter maturities once the Fed looks poised to raise the Fed Funds Rate.

The Federal Reserve released its FOMC Statement today and there were no surprises. The Fed reiterated its support for "exceptionally low levels of the federal funds rate for an extended period." That means savers will continue to earn almost no rate of return on savings accounts and very little on longer-term certificates of deposit. This may force many investors to think about putting cash into other investments, such as bonds.

The statement pointed out that Europe's problems along with a detoriating real estate market and high levels of unemployment will keep the economy subdued for some time to come. Those expecting a roaring V-shaped recovery are starting to realize that's not going to happen. At this point, the world economy is one more shock away from falling back into recession.

For savers this is more of the same. Savings rates and CD rates will continue to drift lower. The bright side has been the significant slide in mortgage rates since peaking in mid-April. The average 30-year mortgage rate is now 4.76%, down from 5.25 in April 2010.

Low rates will also continue to support the stock market. Dividend stocks like Verizon (VZ), AT&T (T), and Pfizer (PFE) lead Dow stocks in terms of yield and offer those needing income one way of generating it. Verizon for instance pays 6.85% versus an average savings rate of 1.31%. But unlike FDIC bank stocks, they also offer the potential loss of principle.

The good news for savers and bond holders alike is the absence of inflation. According to the Fed statement:

"Prices of energy and other commodities have declined somewhat in recent months, and underlying inflation has trended lower. With substantial resource slack continuing to restrain cost pressures and longer-term inflation expectations stable, inflation is likely to be subdued for some time."

Those spreading panic about soaring inflation in 2009 were dead wrong, at least so far. The economy needs a strong heartbeat to stir inflation and all we have now are some sporadic pulses. Despite any sign of inflation, gold remains near a 52-week high as investors remain spooked about Europe's sovereign debt issues.

Everbank is offering up to a $75 bonus for customers who open a high-yield money market and FreeNet Checking account. That's on top of their 3-month guaranteed bonus rate of 2.25% APY. As the BestCashCow savings rate tables shows, that is the top rate in the country. After 3-months, the bonus rate drops to 1.25% APY for a blended 1-year APY of 1.51%. But even the 1.51% APY is the top rate.

To get the $75 bonus, you must open both a Yield Pledge Money Market and a FreeNet Checking Account. Both offer the 2.25% APY 3-month bonus rate. If you just open the money market, you receive $50 and if you just open the FreeNet Checking, you receive $25.

You must fund the Yield Pledge with a minimum of $20,000 and the Checking with a minimum of $10,000 and maintain the respective balance through 4 statement periods. The bonus cash will be deposited into the respective account during the 5th bonus period. So presumably five months after the account was opened.

In addition, Everbank pledges to keep your account at the top 5% of competitive accounts. The rate is locked at 2.25% for three of the five months so you're pretty much guaranteed to receive a decent return.

Everbank has 4 out of 5 stars (Excellent) from Bauer Financial for its safety and soundness.