Interest rate spread (lending rate minus deposit rate, %)



Countries By Interest rate spread (lending rate minus deposit rate, %)



Key points



Official Definition of Interest rate spread (lending rate minus deposit rate, %)

Interest rate spread is the interest rate charged by banks on loans to private sector customers minus the interest rate paid by commercial or similar banks for demand, time, or savings deposits. The terms and conditions attached to these rates differ by country, however, limiting their comparability.



Importance

Interest rate spread is a crucial macroeconomic statistic as it directly impacts a country's economy and financial system. The value of the interest rate spread being low or high has significant implications:



Top 10 Countries by Interest rate spread (lending rate minus deposit rate, %)

Bottom 10 Countries by Interest rate spread (lending rate minus deposit rate, %)



Regions

Europe

Interest rate spread varies significantly among the listed countries. Ukraine has the highest spread at 8.21%, indicating higher borrowing costs compared to others like Hungary at 1.49%. A wider interest rate spread, like in Montenegro (5.50%), can suggest inefficiencies in the banking sector or higher risks. Countries with lower spreads like Belarus (2.42%) can indicate a more competitive and stable banking environment. A high spread, such as in Moldova (4.35%), may deter private sector investment. Overall, a high interest rate spread can hinder economic growth by discouraging borrowing and investment, while a low spread can stimulate economic activity through cheaper credit, impacting each country's development trajectory accordingly.

Far East: East Asia, SE Asia, Australia

Among the listed countries, Myanmar has the highest interest rate spread at 9%, indicating potentially higher banking risks. On the other hand, South Korea has the lowest spread at approximately 1.64%, suggesting a more competitive and stable banking environment. Brunei and Papua New Guinea also have relatively high spreads, around 5.27% and 6.91% respectively. A high interest rate spread can attract foreign investments due to potentially higher returns but may deter domestic borrowing for investments. Conversely, a low spread, like in Malaysia and Singapore, can stimulate domestic investments but may lead to lower returns for savers. This statistic reflects each country's banking efficiency, risk appetite, and attractiveness to investors, ultimately affecting their economic growth and financial stability differently.

ASEAN

Brunei has the highest interest rate spread among the selected countries at 5.27%, indicating a significant difference between the lending and deposit rates. Myanmar follows with the highest spread of 9%. Malaysia and Singapore have relatively lower spreads, showcasing a more competitive banking sector. Thailand and Indonesia fall in between, reflecting moderate interest rate differentials. This statistic implies that countries like Brunei and Myanmar may have less competitive banking environments, potentially leading to higher borrowing costs for private sector customers. On the other hand, countries with lower spreads like Malaysia and Singapore may experience greater financial stability with efficient allocation of capital.

Latin America

The interest rate spread varies significantly among the selected countries, with Brazil having the highest spread at 26.85% and Argentina the lowest at 0.07%. Bolivia, Nicaragua, Paraguay, and Peru also have double-digit spreads, indicating potentially higher borrowing costs for businesses and individuals. This may limit investment and economic growth in these countries. On the other hand, countries like Mexico and Costa Rica have relatively lower spreads, suggesting easier access to credit and potentially stimulating economic activity. Each country's interest rate spread reflects its banking system's efficiency, risk perception, and monetary policy. While a high spread can attract foreign investors seeking higher returns, it may also signify financial instability, whereas a lower spread can promote domestic investment but might lead to lower interest income for banks.

Middle East

Interest rate spread, a key macroeconomic indicator, varies among select countries in the region. Azerbaijan exhibits the highest spread at 8.49%, suggesting higher lending rates compared to deposit rates. This may indicate higher banking risks or market uncertainties. In contrast, Oman and Georgia have relatively low spreads at 1.43% and 1.58% respectively, potentially signaling stable banking systems or lower profitability. The wider the spread, the more profitable the banking sector, but it may also discourage borrowing, affecting economic growth. Understanding these nuances helps in assessing the financial stability, investment attractiveness, and overall economic development of each country.



Rivals

Russia v Ukraine

For the Interest rate spread (lending rate minus deposit rate, %), the Russian Federation has a rate of 3.01% while Ukraine stands at 8.21%. This indicates that Ukraine has a significantly higher interest rate spread compared to Russia, suggesting higher costs for borrowers in Ukraine. A high interest rate spread in Ukraine may attract foreign investment seeking higher returns but could also deter local businesses from borrowing due to increased borrowing costs. In contrast, a lower interest rate spread in Russia may encourage domestic borrowing and investment but could also signal lower returns for savers. Therefore, the interest rate spread plays a crucial role in shaping borrowing, investment, and saving behaviors in both countries, ultimately impacting their economic development trajectories.



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