In a story that sounds about the same as in previous months, short-term certificate of deposit rates have not improved very much. Among national and Internet banks, 6-month CDs range from an annual percentage rate (APY) of 1.33% to 1.00% and lower.

Topping this week’s BankShout list for 6-month CD rates is Aurora Bank FSB, which is offering 1.33% APY on a minimum deposit of $1000. Charlotte, North Carolina Internet bank newdominionDIRECT.com is next with 1.31% on balances of $3000 or more. Another web banking entity, giantbank.com, ranks third with a 6-month term at 1.26% APY for a minimum deposit of $2500.

Among banks with no minimum deposit for a 6-month certificate, Ally Bank, of Midvale, Utah, is currently advertising an annual percentage yield of 1.25%. American Express Bank FSB has 1.00% on its 6-month term; the insurer’s banking division also requires no minimum deposit amount on the CD.

Certificate of deposit rates continue to stagnate among the Federal Reserve’s extended low interest rate policy. A few weeks back, I mentioned on BankShout that new banking rules could boost deposit rates, as financial institutions get penalized (through taxes) for having more debt and less consumer deposits. For now however, the highest CD rates require you to lock up funds for five years–something many depositors are reluctant to do pending the hoped-for strong economic recovery. Higher savings rates would be one result of such a recovery.