Low Interest Rates Are the Curse of Retirees

HUNT VALLEY, Md. (TheStreet) -- How often over the past years have you heard the Fed has decided to keep interest rates low -- until 2010 or 2013, 2014 and possibly now until 2900? It's normally hailed as a good thing -- but is it? Low interest rates, while a blessing to some, can be a curse to others, meaning the Federal Reserve is favoring some while punishing others.

Banks and finance companies benefit from low interest rates. It allows them to borrow at lower rates and lend at higher rates. The normal spread for these lenders is 2% on any deal, but today the spread is 2% to 5%, which allows these companies to make a substantial profit.

Low interest rates benefit Merrill Lynch and other investment traders, but not the many seniors investing for interest income.

Low interest rates also benefit Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs(GS) and other investment traders. The key to profitable trading is the proper use of leverage. When you borrow with interest costs below 1% per year, it makes it much more likely that the cost of money will not make a trade unprofitable. Keep in mind: Most trades are trying to make only a very small percent over a short time. Too high a cost to borrow can easily consume profits.

A primary consumer group hurt by low interest rates is seniors investing for interest income. Seniors hope for 4% to 6% per year income from savings, but most prefer to be conservative investors, buying certificates of deposit -- yielding only 1% or less. Not only is income lower, but also the effects of inflation have eroded buying power. This low return creates another opportunity for financial firms.