Intérést

Intérést is a term of French origin that refers to a payment made by a borrower to a lender for the use of money or assets. It is typically expressed as a percentage of the principal amount and is calculated over a specific period. Intérést can be charged on various forms of debt, including loans, mortgages, credit cards, and bonds.

There are two main types of intérést: simple intérést and compound intérést. Simple intérést is calculated only on the principal amount, while compound intérést is calculated on the principal amount plus any accumulated intérést from previous periods. This compounding effect can lead to a significant increase in the total amount owed over time.

The rate of intérést can vary depending on several factors, such as the creditworthiness of the borrower, the prevailing market conditions, and the term of the loan. Lenders use intérést rates to compensate for the risk they undertake by lending money and to earn a profit. Borrowers, on the other hand, pay intérést as a cost of using borrowed funds.

Intérést plays a crucial role in the economy by influencing investment, consumption, and savings decisions. Central banks often adjust benchmark intérést rates to manage inflation and stimulate economic growth. For individuals, understanding intérést is essential for managing personal finances, making informed borrowing decisions, and maximizing returns on savings and investments.