What's Trending Now
More Trending Words
basis point
noun
Updated on: 26 Jul 2017
Definition of basis point
: one hundredth of one percent (as in the yield of an investment)
Explore M-W
First Known Use of basis point
1962
Financial Definition of BASIS POINT
basis point
What It Is
A basis point is one hundredth of one percent.
How It Works
There are one hundred basis points in one percent.
Let's say Bank XYZ pays 2.54% interest on its savings accounts. A month later, it raises the rate to 2.75%. We would say that rate increased by 21 basis points.
Why It Matters
Basis points are in anything that is expressed as a percentage: interest rates, rates of return, bond coupons, rates of change and much more. Because tiny changes can have big effects, it is no surprise that the markets are concerned about hundredths of a percent.
Source: Investing Answers
Learn More about basis point
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up basis point? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!