William is not generally a risk-taker; which investment option would best meet his needs for retirement savings?

The option that best meets William's needs for retirement savings, given his tendency to avoid risk, is a certificate of deposit (CD). CDs are low-risk investment vehicles offered by banks that provide a fixed interest rate over a specified term, typically ranging from a few months to several years. They are insured by the FDIC up to a certain limit, which means that even if the bank fails, the principal amount is protected. This safety feature, combined with predictable returns, makes CDs an attractive option for conservative investors like William.

The other options, while they have their merits, do not align as well with his risk-averse nature. A US savings bond is generally low risk but may not offer the same fixed and guaranteed returns as a CD. A savings account provides liquidity and safety but typically yields lower interest rates compared to CDs. Investing in commodities is inherently more volatile and risky, which is counter to William's preference. Therefore, a certificate of deposit not only provides safety and predictability but also assists in planning for future retirement savings effectively.