What kind of rate reflects the cost of money in the financial system?

The cash rate reflects the cost of money in the financial system because it is the interest rate set by a country's central bank for lending money to commercial banks overnight. This rate influences the broader economy by determining the rates at which banks can borrow and lend money. When the cash rate is adjusted, it directly impacts interest rates throughout the economy, including those for loans, mortgages, and deposits.

The cash rate serves as a benchmark for other interest rates in the financial system, making it a critical tool for monetary policy. Changes to the cash rate can affect consumer spending, business investment, and overall economic activity. As such, it represents the foundational cost of obtaining money, affecting liquidity and the availability of credit in the economy.