Definition§
EURONIA (Euro Overnight Index Average) is an acronym for a reference rate that represents the weighted average of euro overnight funding rates in the London interbank market. It is similar to other reference rates, such as EONIA (Euro Overnight Index Average) and SONIA (Sterling Overnight Index Average), and is used to benchmark short-term interest rates in the European financial markets.
Examples§
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Interest Rate Swaps: A financial institution might enter into an interest rate swap agreement where the floating leg of the swap is tied to the EURONIA. This would mean that payments on one side of the swap would depend on the EURONIA rate, providing a way to hedge or speculate on fluctuations in short-term interest rates.
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Overnight Lending Rates: Banks engaged in overnight lending within the eurozone may use EURONIA as a benchmark to set the lending rates for short-term borrowing among themselves. This provides a reliable and transparent means of pricing overnight loans in the interbank market.
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Corporate Treasury: A corporate treasurer may refer to EURONIA to determine the cost of short-term borrowing in euros, assisting in cash management and financial planning within the company.
Frequently Asked Questions§
What is the primary purpose of EURONIA?§
EURONIA provides a benchmark for short-term interest rates within the European financial markets, particularly for overnight funding rates in euros.
How is EURONIA calculated?§
EURONIA is computed as a weighted average of euro overnight funding rates reported by financial institutions operating in the London interbank market.
What is the difference between EURONIA and EONIA?§
Although both are reference rates for overnight funding in euros, EONIA is calculated based on the rates of overnight unsecured lending in the Eurozone, whereas EURONIA focuses on the overnight rates in the London interbank market.
What financial products use EURONIA as a benchmark?§
EURONIA is often used in derivatives like interest rate swaps, repos, and other short-term lending agreements where accurate overnight interest rates are required.
Are there any alternatives to EURONIA?§
Yes, alternatives include EONIA (Euro Overnight Index Average) and SONIA (Sterling Overnight Index Average), which serve similar functions in their respective markets.
Related Terms§
- EONIA (Euro Overnight Index Average): A measure of the rate at which banks in the Eurozone lend to one another overnight.
- SONIA (Sterling Overnight Index Average): The sterling overnight reference rate for unsecured transactions.
- Reference Rate: A standardized interest rate used as an index in financial contracts.
- Overnight Rate: The interest rate at which financial institutions lend or borrow funds overnight.
Online References§
- European Central Bank – EONIA
- Bank of England – SONIA
- International Organization of Securities Commissions – Benchmark
Suggested Books for Further Studies§
- Interest Rate Markets: A Practical Approach to Fixed Income by Siddhartha Jha
- Handbook of Fixed-Income Securities by Frank J. Fabozzi
- Financial Markets and Institutions by Frederic S. Mishkin and Stanley Eakins
Accounting Basics: EURONIA Fundamentals Quiz§
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