Definition of Interest Rate Risk



Interest rate risk is a financial risk that can affect the interest incomes and expenses unfavorably due to fluctuations in the interest rates over time. The interest rate commitments when a large amount of debt is involved poses high-interest rate risk in case of floating or variable interest rate. 

 


For lenders, there is a risk that the interest rates might fall and as a result, they will receive less interest payment from borrowers. For borrowers, there is a risk that the interest rates might increase and hence increase their interest payments.

 


To overcome this risk lenders use forward interest rate agreements that fix the interest rates for future periods irrespective of the actual floating rate in the market.

 

 


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