Among national and Internet-based banks, 2-year certificate of deposit yields are basically in a holding pattern. A look at the best annual percentage yields (APY) for 2-year CDs:

Discover Bank leads this week’s BankShout list of top 2-year CD rates. The New Castle, Delaware-based insurer is advertising 2.15% APY, with a minimum deposit of $2500, as of March 1, 2010. Not far behind is newdominionDirect.com, an Internet-based bank that is offering 2.11% APY on balances of $3000 or more on its 24-month certificate.

Also with a yield topping two percentage points is Aurora Bank FSB, with a 2-year term for 2.06% and $1000 minimum deposit. Nationwide Bank is giving 2.05% APY on $500 minimum, while USAA, the military families-based financial institution, also has 2.05% on $1000 balances for a 24-month CD.

Among banks with no minimum deposit requirements, the market leader is Ally Bank. Ally’s 2-year certificate boasts an annual percentage rate of 2.04%. American Express Bank FSB also has no minimum balance, and an APY of 2.00% for a 2-year term.

Economists continue to guess the fate of interest rates, amidst public policy maneuvers and Federal Reserve comments. Recent remarks by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke indicated that the Fed plans to keep interest rates at record lows for the near future. Some pundits wondered whether an interest rate rise may be in store in late 2010. Here at BankShout, I stick to my own prediction that all interest rates, including deposit rates, will flounder until at least early 2011 (sorry, savers). Chose your CD renewal term lengths accordingly.