A government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) is a semi-governmental organization set up to boost credit availability in certain areas of the U.S. economy. These agencies, formed by congressional legislation, operate privately but offer public financial services. GSEs play a key role in making borrowing easier for various groups, such as students, farmers, and homeowners. Take the Federal

An interest-only adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) is a loan where the borrower only pays the interest for a set time. During this interest-only phase, the borrower doesn’t have to pay down any of the principal amount. The duration of this phase can differ from one mortgage to another, ranging from a few months to several years.

A payment-option adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) is a type of mortgage that adjusts monthly and gives borrowers the flexibility to select from various payment choices. These options may include just paying the interest or a combination of principal and interest. However, some of these choices allow for a minimum payment that might not fully cover the

A hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage, often called a hybrid ARM or fixed-period ARM, combines features of both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages. It starts with a fixed interest rate for a set period, after which it switches to an adjustable rate. Once the fixed-rate period ends, the interest rate changes based on a specific index plus a

An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) is a type of home loan that features a fluctuating interest rate. Initially, the interest rate remains fixed for a certain period. After that, the rate on the remaining balance adjusts at regular intervals, which can be yearly or even monthly. ARMs are sometimes referred to as variable-rate or floating mortgages.

The secured overnight financing rate (SOFR) serves as a benchmark that shows the cost of borrowing money overnight, secured by U.S. Treasury securities in the repo market. Since it’s derived from real transactions, it represents a risk-free, secured rate that reflects current market conditions. Initially, its overnight focus and absence of inherent credit risk made

The London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) used to be the go-to interest rate for short-term loans among major banks worldwide, but it was officially retired in 2023. From its inception in 1986 until the 2000s, LIBOR served as a widely recognized benchmark for borrowing costs between banks. The Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) calculated and released the

Cross-currency swaps are a type of over-the-counter (OTC) derivative where two parties agree to exchange interest payments and principal amounts in different currencies. In this arrangement, one party’s interest payments and principal in one currency are traded for those in another currency. These interest payments are typically exchanged at regular intervals throughout the duration of

Currency swap is deals between two parties to exchange one currency for another at a fixed rate for a specified time frame. These transactions go beyond just swapping money for bookkeeping reasons. They play a crucial role in the global economy, enabling businesses to function seamlessly across borders and providing central banks with essential tools

A foreign currency (FX) swap is a deal between two international parties where they exchange interest payments on loans in different currencies. Sometimes, the swap can also include the exchange of the principal amount, which is returned at the end of the agreement. However, most of the time, the swap only involves a notional principal,