Base rate

What's the base rate?

The "base rate" typically refers to the interest rate that a central bank, like the Bank of England or the Federal Reserve in the United States, sets and uses as the primary tool for controlling monetary policy. This rate is crucial because it influences the cost of borrowing money throughout the economy. 

The rate set by a central bank can influence the cost of borrowing for others in an economy. This has the knock-on effect of either encouraging or slowing economic activity. 

Central banks use the base rate to try to control factors like inflation. Changes in the base rate can also influence the valuation of a country’s currency in relation to other currencies. 

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Equity

The amount of money a company would be left with by subtracting its liabilities from the value of its assets.
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Investment Return

The amount of money made or lost from an investment. Usually expressed as a percentage.
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52-week high/low

The highest, or lowest, price a share has traded at in a passing year.
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Balance sheet

A summary of a company's finances, including its assets, liabilities and shareholder equity.
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S&P 500

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NASDAQ

A US stock exchange specialising in the shares of technology companies.
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Nominal amount

The face value of a gilt. It represents the amount that will be repaid to the holder at maturity and is also used to calculate the dividend or coupon payment.
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Volatility

A measure of how much the prices of an asset or index vary over time.
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Xetra

A trading venue operated by the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
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