The banks keep their prime interest rate for the most creditworthy clients. These are usually business
customers who are considered the most stable and prominent. The major banks keep the rate almost the same. When
adjustments to the rate are made, they are done at the same time by the banks. The prime rate is, however, not
adjusted on a regular basis. Fed Funds rate is also always considered when latter is changed.
In the United States, the prime rate is approximately 300 points above the funds rate. The Federal Reserve
funding requirements are fulfilled by the banks with overnight loans for which the federal
funds rate applies. This rate and a little addition is frequently used for lending money to a good number of
creditworthy customers. The same applies for Libor- the London Interbank Offered Rate. Eight times a year, there
is a meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee which sets a target for the federal funds rate. Prime interest rate derives
from this base rate.
Those who provide customer and commercial loan products make use of the prime interest rate as a basis for their
landing rate. Then, they apply a certificates of deposit.
Note that the prime rate is an index, not a law. Sometimes,
business owners or consumers may find an interest rate that is lower than the prime rate applied to a credit
card or a loan bank product. As a way of generating business, the lenders sometimes offer loans that are below
the rate to customers who are considered highly qualified. In addition, when the loan product is considered
secure, interest rates below the prime interest rate become relatively common.
Free charting webinarMon, Nov 18th, 2013 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ESTDuring the 60 minute session Paul Coghlan, founder of Coghlan Capital, looks at current charts for currencies, precious metals, US indices, highlighting turns and low risk entry points using the Median line analysis methodology. Median line analysis reduces risk and increases the chartists ability to see trend direction, trend
strength and highlight entry and exit levels. Seats are limited so be sure to reserve your spot today. The webinar will be recorded, by signing up you'll receive an email with the webinar replay afterwards. |