Ted spread is a term that refers to the difference between the interest rate of the US Treasury bill and the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). The proper spelling of this term is /tɛd sprɛd/. The pronunciation of the word "ted" is in the short "e" sound followed by the voiced dental fricative "d" sound. The "spr" is pronounced like "spur" in American English, and the "ed" at the end is pronounced as a separate syllable with a short "e" sound followed by the voiced "d" sound.
The term "TED Spread" refers to the difference, or spread, between the interbank lending rate and the US Treasury yield. Often used as an indicator of credit risk and market liquidity, the TED Spread serves as a measure of perceived risk in the financial system.
Specifically, the TED Spread is calculated by subtracting the yield on 3-month US Treasury bills, which are considered risk-free, from the interest rate at which interbank loans are offered (typically represented by LIBOR or the London Interbank Offered Rate). The resulting TED Spread value is expressed in basis points (bps).
A higher TED Spread indicates that banks are charging higher interest rates on interbank loans due to heightened credit concerns or a decrease in market liquidity. This can signal increased perceived risk in lending, reflecting potential financial stress or uncertainty. Conversely, a lower TED Spread suggests lower credit risk and healthier market conditions.
The TED Spread gained significant attention during times of economic stress, such as financial crises, as it can serve as a barometer for the health of the banking system and overall market sentiment. It is often used by investors, economists, and policymakers as a key indicator to assess financial stability and potential systemic risks.
The term "TED spread" is derived from the acronym "T-bill-Eurodollar" spread. The T-bill represents Treasury bills, which are short-term government bonds in the United States, and Eurodollar refers to U.S. dollar-denominated deposits held in banks outside of the United States. The spread is calculated by taking the difference in yields between 3-month U.S. Treasury bills and 3-month Eurodollar contracts. The TED spread is commonly used as an indicator of credit risk in the financial markets.