interest rate
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - The percentage of a sum of money charged for its use: An interest rate is the cost of borrowing money or the reward for saving money, expressed as a percentage of the principal amount over a period of time, usually one year.
Usage
The term "interest rate" is used to discuss the cost of loans (e.g., for a mortgage or car) and the return on savings or investments (e.g., in a bank account). It is a key concept in finance and economics. - It is typically modified by adjectives like high, low, fixed, or variable. - It is often discussed in the context of central bank policies, inflation, and economic growth.
Examples
- Noun:
- The central bank raised the interest rate to combat inflation.
- I'm looking for a savings account with a competitive interest rate.
- The loan has a fixed interest rate of 5% for the first five years.
Advanced Usage
- "to set an interest rate": The action of a central bank or financial institution determining the official rate.
- The Federal Reserve will set the interest rate at its next meeting.
- "interest rate environment": Refers to the general level and trend of interest rates in an economy.
- Investors must adapt to the current low interest rate environment.
Variants and Related Words
- Rate of interest: A less common, formal synonym for "interest rate."
- The annual rate of interest is clearly stated in the contract.
- APR (Annual Percentage Rate): A broader measure of the cost of borrowing that includes the interest rate plus other fees, expressed as a yearly percentage.
- Base rate / Prime rate: A benchmark interest rate set by a central bank or a country's leading banks, upon which other rates are based.
Synonyms
- Finance charge rate: (Formal) Emphasizes the cost aspect of borrowing.
- Cost of capital: (Business context) The return rate expected by those who provide capital.
Related Phrases
- Interest rate hike / increase: A rise in interest rates.
- Consumers are worried about another interest rate hike.
- Interest rate cut / reduction: A decrease in interest rates.
- The interest rate cut is intended to stimulate the economy.
- To be sensitive to interest rates: To be significantly affected by changes in interest rates.
- The housing market is highly sensitive to interest rates.
Noun
- the percentage of a sum of money charged for its use