Euro short term rate 2019-2024, by month
Since its introduction in October 2019, the Euro Short-Term Rate (€STR) has remained constant at between -0.52 and -0.59 percent until the second half 2022. As of the end of October 2024, the rate stood at 3.16 percent, which was the highest rate observed. The €STR is an interest rate benchmark designed to replace the Euro OverNight Index Average (EOIA), adopting a different calculation methodology that returns significantly lower rates. It is intended that the EOIA will be discontinued from January 3, 2022.
How is the Euro Short-Term Rate calculated?
The €STR uses transaction data included in daily reporting on monetary exchanges from the 52 largest eurozone banks to calculate the average interests rate attached to loans throughout a business day. Only unsecured loans are included, as the rate on secured loans would be affected by the type of underlying collateral. Several key respects distinguish the €STR from alternative benchmarks like the EOIA, and the London Intrabank Offered Rate (LIBOR). First, the €STR is based on transaction data alone, whereas the LIBOR asking major banks directly what rate they would charge other banks for short terms loans. The second main difference is that, by considering money market transactions rather than only intrabank lending (like the EOIA and LIBOR), the €STR incorporates the role of other major actors like money market funds, insurance companies, and other financial corporations.
Difference between €STR and EURIBOR
The Euro Interbank Offered Rate (EURIBOR) is the other main reference interest rate governing eurozone lending. The EURIBOR differs from €STR though as it is based on a survey of the interest rates a panel of major banks would offer other major banks for interbank term deposits. There are therefore different reference rates published for different maturities, for example the EURIBOR one month rate, the EURIBOR six month rate, and the EURIBOR 12 month rate. In contrast, the €STR is intended to track the cost of overnight borrowing.