A tool designed to compute the difference between a lender’s cost of funds and the interest rate charged to a borrower helps determine the profitability of a loan for the lender. For instance, if a bank’s cost of funds is 2% and they charge a borrower 5% interest, the difference, or 3%, represents this profit margin. Understanding this calculation is crucial for both lenders and borrowers.
This differential is a key factor in assessing the overall cost of borrowing. Historically, these margins have fluctuated based on various economic factors, including base interest rates set by central banks and the perceived risk associated with a particular loan. A wider margin can indicate greater risk or a higher profit expectation for the lender. For borrowers, a clear understanding of this calculation empowers informed decisions, facilitating negotiation and potentially securing more favorable terms.