Euribor

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Euribor (Euro Interbank Offered Rate) is a key financial indicator for the eurozone, representing the rate at which major European banks lend each other short-term funds on the interbank market. Created in 1999, when the euro was introduced, it plays a central role in the European economy, directly influencing the interest rates applied to a wide range of financial products, including mortgages, corporate loans and derivatives.

This rate is set daily by the European Money Markets Institute (EMMI), based on proposals from a panel of major eurozone banks. Each day, these financial institutions submit their estimated borrowing rates for periods ranging from one week to twelve months. The calculation of Euribor is based on a weighted average of the proposed rates, after excluding extreme values. This method produces a rate that is representative of current interbank market conditions.

Euribor is a key indicator for borrowers and lenders in the eurozone. Many variable-rate loans, such as mortgages, are indexed to Euribor, which means that any change in the rate can directly affect the cost of borrowing. For example, a rise in Euribor will increase monthly payments on variable-rate mortgages, while a fall will reduce them. This is why Euribor is particularly closely watched by households, businesses and financial institutions.

Euribor trends are closely linked to the monetary policy of the European Central Bank (ECB). When the ECB changes its key rates, Euribor tends to follow this dynamic, reflecting liquidity conditions on the banking market. Confidence between banks and overall economic stability also influence this rate.

In short, Euribor is an essential barometer of financial health in Europe. It impacts both individuals, through variable-rate loans, and businesses, by influencing the cost of credit. With the current economic uncertainty, it remains a key indicator to monitor in order to anticipate changes in financing conditions in the euro zone.

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