Interest rates refer to the percentage charged on borrowed money or earned on invested funds over a specific period of time. They represent the cost of borrowing or the return on investment and are typically expressed as an annual rate. Interest rates play a crucial role in economic policies, influencing consumer spending, investment decisions, and overall economic activity.
When borrowing money, a higher interest rate increases the cost of a loan, making it more expensive to finance purchases such as homes or cars. Conversely, for savers and investors, higher interest rates can lead to greater returns on savings accounts, bonds, and other financial instruments.
Interest rates can be influenced by various factors, including central bank policy, inflation, economic growth, and demand for credit. Central banks, like the Federal Reserve in the U.S., can adjust interest rates to control inflation and stabilize the economy.
Overall, interest rates are a fundamental component of the financial system, affecting a wide range of economic activities and decisions for individuals, businesses, and governments.