The Top Five Risks Companies May Face in a Falling Interest Rate Environment

This week’s HedgeStar’s top five list is the top five risks companies may face in a falling interest rate environment.

  1. Number 5 – Lower Investment Income. Companies that rely on interest income may experience a reduction in investment returns.
  2. Number 4 – Pension Fund Liabilities. Companies with defined benefit pension plans may face challenges in managing pension fund liabilities in a low-interest rate environment.
  3. Number 3 – Refinancing and Debt Servicing Costs. Refinancing at lower rates may trigger prepayment penalties making it difficult to achieve cost savings on existing debt.
  4. Number 2 – Impact on Consumer Spending and Demand. In a low-rate environment there is a potential for reduced consumer interest income. This may lead to lower disposable income reducing consumer spending.
  5. Number 1 – Currency and Exchange Rate Risks. Falling rates can influence exchange rates which can affect the cost of imported materials or the competitiveness of exports.

Up next: Look for another HedgeStar Top 5 list next week.


Author: John Trefethen, Director and Co-Founder

Mobile: 612-868-6013
Office: 952-746-6040
Email: jtrefethen@hedgestar.com

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Megan Roth, Marketing Manager
Office: 952-746-6056
Email: mroth@hedgestar.com


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