Interest Rate

An interest rate is the percentage at which interest is charged or paid for the use of money, typically expressed on an annual basis. It represents the cost of borrowing money or the return earned on savings or investments. Interest rates can be fixed, remaining the same over the term of the loan or investment, or variable, changing according to specified factors or benchmarks. They play a crucial role in the economy, influencing consumer spending, business investment, and overall economic growth. Central banks, such as the Federal Reserve in the United States, set benchmark interest rates to control monetary policy and stabilize the economy. Changes in interest rates can affect inflation, currency value, and financial markets.