Interbank rates, also known as wholesale or interbank interest rates, are the rates at which banks lend money to each other. These rates are determined by the supply and demand for funds in the interbank market and are typically used as a benchmark for setting different interest rates, such as those for consumer loans and mortgages.
The interbank rate is usually higher than the rate a bank will offer to its customers, as banks need to cover their own costs and make a profit. Because of this, the interbank rate is often considered a “wholesale” rate, while the rate offered to customers is considered a “retail” rate.
One of the most widely used interbank rates is the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), which is the interest rate at which banks in London lend money to one another. Other interbank rates include the Euro Interbank Offered Rate (EURIBOR) and the Tokyo Interbank Offered Rate (TIBOR).
Interbank rates play a critical role in the global economy and the foreign exchange market. They affect the cost of borrowing for businesses and consumers and the value of currency exchange rates. When interbank rates are high, it can make borrowing more expensive and decrease the demand for a country’s currency, leading to a depreciation in its value. Conversely, when interbank rates are low, borrowing can become cheaper and increase the demand for a country’s currency, leading to an appreciation in its value.
In summary, interbank rates are the rates at which banks lend money to each other and are used as a benchmark for setting other interest rates. They play a crucial role in the global economy and foreign exchange market and can affect the cost of borrowing and the value of currency exchange rates.