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| | '''Interest''' is the [[cost]] of the use of money over time. | | '''Interest''' is the [[cost]] of the use of money over time. |
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| − | The interest rate is the percentage fee received or paid by individuals or organizations when they lend or borrow money. The formula for calculating interest in Principle x Rate x Time, or I=prt. Prinicple is the amount borrowed or still outstanding, Rate is the interest rate of the loan expressed as an annual amount and time is normally a year, or fraction thereof. | + | The interest rate is the percentage fee received or paid by individuals or organizations when they lend or borrow money. The formula for calculating interest in Principle x Rate x Time, or I=prt. Principle is the amount borrowed or still outstanding, Rate is the interest rate of the loan expressed as an annual amount and time is normally a year, or fraction thereof. |
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| | For example, if you borrow $10,000 for your business, then you have to pay interest (say 5%) for using that money. If the loan was for one year the interest payable would be $10,000 x .05 x 1 = $500. If, however, half the loan was repaid in six months, the interest payable for the | | For example, if you borrow $10,000 for your business, then you have to pay interest (say 5%) for using that money. If the loan was for one year the interest payable would be $10,000 x .05 x 1 = $500. If, however, half the loan was repaid in six months, the interest payable for the |
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| | Borrowers who are perceived to be a higher risk will be charged a higher interest rate. This allows the lender to recoup his losses from the higher risk borrowers who default via the excess received from those who don't. | | Borrowers who are perceived to be a higher risk will be charged a higher interest rate. This allows the lender to recoup his losses from the higher risk borrowers who default via the excess received from those who don't. |
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| − | The final component is the true cost of money. This is more theroetical then practical. However, risk free [[debt]] instruments during periods of no inflation often have a rate of 3%. | + | The final component is the true cost of money. This is more theoretical then practical. However, risk free [[debt]] instruments during periods of no inflation often have a rate of 3%. |
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| | There are many different interest rates, but the benchmark interest rate—or overnight target rate—is set by the Central Bank of a nation typically. A change or expected change in this rate will lead to changes in other interest rates. | | There are many different interest rates, but the benchmark interest rate—or overnight target rate—is set by the Central Bank of a nation typically. A change or expected change in this rate will lead to changes in other interest rates. |