Short-term interest rates are volatile primarily due to changes in monetary policy, economic indicators, and market sentiment. Central banks, like the Federal Reserve, may adjust rates in response to inflation, employment data, or economic growth, leading to fluctuations in borrowing costs. Additionally, market participants react to news and economic forecasts, causing rapid shifts in demand for short-term debt instruments. This responsiveness to both policy and market conditions contributes to the inherent volatility of short-term rates.
Generally, yes. But on occassions, the short term rate becomes "sticky" and the longer term rates become more volatile. In addition, volatility is usually measured as a relativity to the rate itself. So when rates are low they "appear" more volatile. As an example, if rates are 0.10$, then a move to 0.11% is a 10% move, while the same absolute move (0.01%) when rates are 10% is only at 0.1% move.
Interest rates can be volatile due to various factors such as economic conditions, inflation rates, central bank policies, and market expectations. Short-term rates are more sensitive to immediate changes in these factors, while long-term rates are influenced by expectations of future economic conditions and inflation.
short- and long-term interest rates usually move in the same direction. Yield curve is often upward, so, long-term interest rates are usually higher than short-term interest rates. short-term interest rates are often more fluctuating than long-term rates.
Macroeconomics Question: What would happen to real short term interest rates if the Fed kept short term market interest rates at zero and deflation occurred and was expected to continue?
long-term rates higher than short-term
It is true that in some cases during periods of tight money long term rates can be higher then short-term rates. Less interest can be gotten when there is when there is income coming in.
Short-term CD rates are higher than long-term rates because banks and financial institutions typically offer higher interest rates for shorter-term deposits to attract customers and have more flexibility in adjusting rates based on market conditions.
Long-term CD rates are lower compared to short-term CD rates because there is more uncertainty and risk associated with locking in a fixed interest rate for a longer period of time. Lenders offer higher rates for short-term CDs to attract customers and compete in the market, while long-term CDs offer lower rates to compensate for the potential changes in the economy and interest rates over time.
The current short-term CD interest rates vary depending on the bank and the term length, but generally range from around 0.1 to 0.5.
RAM is volatile storage, short-term storage or working memory. As opposed to a hard-drive which is non-volatile, long term storage or a mass-storage medium.
expectations hypothesis
Some disadvantages of short term loans include - fees and high interest rates, as well as a short term borrowing period.