Glossary
Key terms for risk-free rates, RFR loan mechanics, and the LIBOR transition — explained clearly.
C
A method of calculating floating-rate interest by compounding daily overnight rates over the interest period, with the total known only at period end.
D
The method used to calculate the fraction of a year for interest accrual — most commonly Act/360 (USD, EUR) or Act/365 Fixed (GBP).
L
A fixed number of business days by which rate observations are shifted earlier, allowing interest to be calculated before the payment date.
O
A lookback convention where both the overnight rate and the day-weight are shifted back by the lookback period — used in floating-rate notes and bonds.
R
A benchmark interest rate — also called a risk-free reference rate — derived from overnight transactions with minimal credit risk, used to replace IBOR rates globally.
S
The Secured Overnight Financing Rate — the US dollar risk-free benchmark rate that replaced LIBOR.
A cumulative compounding index published daily by the New York Fed alongside SOFR, used to calculate compounded average SOFR rates over any custom period without manually compounding each daily fixing.
Sterling Overnight Index Average — the sterling (GBP) risk-free benchmark rate, published by the Bank of England.
€
Euro Short-Term Rate — the euro risk-free benchmark rate, published daily by the European Central Bank.