caak3 sik1拆息
Jyutpingcaak3 sik1
Yalechaak sīk
Definition
Interbank offered rate; the interest rate charged by banks when borrowing short-term funds from each other.
neutralmoney
How it's used
Refers specifically to the interest rate banks charge each other for short term loans to maintain liquidity. It serves as a key benchmark for many financial products in Hong Kong, including floating rate mortgages. You will frequently hear it discussed in news reports when analysts talk about liquidity in the banking system.
Examples
The interbank rate has risen sharply recently, making mortgage payments heavier.
Do you know what the interbank rate is today?
Related words
Common phrases
Interbank offered rate
Interbank rate rises
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the general interest rate, which is usually referred to as 利息. 拆息 is strictly limited to the interbank lending context.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
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- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
