Should you pay off your mortgage early or buy stocks with the Fed cutting rates? Here’s what homeowners should know

After cutting its benchmark interest rate by a quarter point in September, the Federal Reserve is widely expected to implement two more cuts by year’s end, according to CNBC. [1]

While this signals relief for many borrowers, mortgage rates remain high. As of the first week of October, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.34%, according to Freddie Mac [2] — only slightly below the 52-week average of 6.71%.

In other words, home loans haven’t become significantly cheaper, despite the Fed’s rate-cutting cycle. This leaves some homeowners with a key decision: should they use extra cash to pay down their mortgage faster, or invest in the stock market instead?

Here are the pros and cons of each.

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Pros of paying off your mortgage faster

One major benefit of paying off your mortgage early is the guaranteed savings on interest. For example, if your mortgage rate is 6%, every dollar you repay ahead of schedule effectively earns you a 6% return — risk-free.

Paying down the principal also reduces your monthly interest charges. For instance, if you have a $300,000 mortgage at a 5% fixed rate over 30 years, your monthly payment is about $1,6010. Paying off $50,000 could lower that payment to around $1,340, depending on your loan terms and whether you recast the mortgage.

Finally, reducing your mortgage balance can bring peace of mind. Having less debt — or eliminating it entirely — can relieve financial stress and increase your sense of security.

However, there are potential downsides to this strategy.

Cons of paying off mortgage faster

One downside of paying off your mortgage early is reduced liquidity. More of your money becomes tied up in home equity, which isn’t easily accessible without refinancing or selling the property.

You may also lose certain tax benefits. Mortgage interest is tax-deductible for many homeowners, according to the IRS, so reducing your interest payments can lower your deductions — especially if you itemize.

The biggest drawback, however, is the opportunity cost. Money used to pay down your mortgage could instead be invested in assets like stocks, which may offer higher long-term returns.

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Pros of investing in stocks

While the stock market can be volatile, it has historically offered strong long-term returns. The S&P 500 has delivered an average annual return of about 10% since 1957 [3] — significantly higher than the current 30-year mortgage rate of 6.34%.

Stocks also offer greater liquidity than real estate. Unlike a home, you can typically sell stocks quickly and access your funds in case of emergency.

Additionally, investing through tax-advantaged accounts like an IRA or 401(k) allows for tax-deferred or tax-free compounding over time. For disciplined investors, the potential growth from stock investments may outweigh the interest savings from paying off a mortgage early.

However, this strategy comes with risks and may not suit everyone.

Cons of investing in stocks

Perhaps the biggest drawback of investing in stocks is volatility. While the S&P 500 has delivered solid long-term, future performance isn’t guaranteed.

In fact, the market has experienced multiple “lost decades” with flat or negative returns, according to the CFA Institute. [4]

Another risk is behavioral. Paying off part of your mortgage is a one-way decision that reinforces long-term commitment. In contrast, staying invested in stocks for many years or decades requires discipline.

Finally, choosing to invest instead of paying down your mortgage means carrying more debt. If you lose your job or face a major expense, maintaining your mortgage payments could become difficult — especially without a guaranteed return from your investments.

The bottom line

Deciding between investing and paying off your mortgage depends on three key factors: personal situation, risk tolerance, and interest rate.

If your mortgage has a high interest rate, paying it off early makes financial sense. Similarly, if you’re nearing retirement or value financial security, reducing debt could offer peace of mind.

On the other hand, if you have a strong risk appetite and a relatively low mortgage rate, investing in the market could potentially yield greater long-term returns.

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[1]. CNBC “The government shutdown is likely to cement additional Fed interest rate cuts.”

[2]. Freddie Mac “Mortgage rates.”

[3]. Investopedia “S&P 500 Average Returns and Historical Performance.”

[4]. CFA Institute “Market Concentration and Lost Decades.”

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.