Wholesale money markets
The term 'money market' covers the vast network of deals involving the lending and borrowing of cash in a range of currencies. 'Wholesale' means funds borrowed or lent in large quantities.
The term 'money market' covers the vast network of deals involving the lending and borrowing of cash in a range of currencies, generally between financial institutions such as banks, as well as manufacturers and the government. It also covers the market for tradable securities, such as Treasury Bills (shorter-term government-issued IOUs).
'Wholesale' means funds borrowed or lent by those financial institutions in large quantities, rather than the smaller amounts dealt in by private individuals. Money market rates vary between currencies and are determined by the supply of, and demand for, short-term cash. Being market-driven, they paint a truer picture of loan costs than central banks' official interest rates.
MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Get the latest financial news, insights and expert analysis from our award-winning MoneyWeek team, to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.
-
Inflation holds steady at 3.8% ahead of BoE meeting
The rate of inflation did not rise in August, but the Bank of England is still expected to keep interest rates on hold tomorrow
-
Thousands of savers with £250k pensions take cash over tax-free money and IHT fears
With a record £70 billion withdrawn from pensions in the year to March, experts are concerned savers are making knee-jerk decisions without advice that could affect their long term wealth