Interbankkurs

Interbankkurs refers to the interest rate at which banks lend to each other. These are short-term loans, typically overnight, and are crucial for the functioning of the financial system. Banks maintain reserves to meet regulatory requirements and customer demands, and when they have excess reserves, they lend them to other banks that might be short. Conversely, banks needing funds can borrow from those with surpluses.

The interbank kurs is a key indicator of liquidity in the money market. It reflects the general willingness of banks to lend to each other and the perceived risk of doing so. Central banks often use interventions in the interbank market to influence monetary policy. For instance, by adjusting reserve requirements or offering lending facilities, they can encourage or discourage interbank lending, thereby affecting broader interest rates and credit conditions in the economy.

Prominent examples of interbank rates include LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate), although its use has declined, and EURIBOR (Euro Interbank Offered Rate). These benchmarks are used in a vast array of financial products, including mortgages, loans, and derivatives. Changes in interbank kurs can thus have a ripple effect throughout the economy, impacting borrowing costs for businesses and consumers. The stability and transparency of interbank markets are vital for financial stability.