What is the difference between lending and borrowing rates referred to as?

The difference between lending and borrowing rates is referred to as the interest rate spread. This term describes the gap between the interest that banks or financial institutions charge borrowers (lending rate) and the interest they pay to depositors (borrowing rate). The interest rate spread is a crucial concept in finance, as it represents the profit margin for lenders, indicating how much they earn from lending relative to the cost of obtaining funds. This spread is influenced by various factors, including market conditions, the risk involved in lending, and central bank policies.

In contrast, terms like rate differential and yield spread may refer to different financial contexts, such as comparing rates for loans of different types or for different currencies, while margin rate generally pertains to the funds required for leverage in trading rather than the basic lending-borrowing rate dynamics. Understanding the interest rate spread helps in grasping how banks set their rates and manage the risks associated with lending.