Meh, this is probably similar to regular mutual funds versus ETFs (well, not exactly, but it's in the same lines). The difference between CDs directly offered b

Meh, this is probably similar to regular mutual funds versus ETFs (well, not exactly, but it's in the same lines). The difference between CDs directly offered by banks versus brokered CDs (which WSJ is pointing at) is that ordinary CDs can be terminated early with the principal intact (and probably some of the interest), which is fully guaranteed by the bank, while brokered CDs are more like bonds which is subject to price volatility (but at least brokered CDs are FDIC-insured, so you'll get your principal in case something happened to the issuing bank). Not a fiduciary, but if you're sure that you'll be holding it to the term this is a good idea but if you're considering buying this as part of your emergency fund I'll think twice.