Glossary
What will I find in this section?
Technical terms, unfortunately, cannot always be avoided – particularly when it comes to complex topics such as monetary policy. This is why we have compiled a glossary with a wide range of terms, arranged in alphabetical order and each with a short explanation.
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Key interest rates are interest rates set by the central bank, at which commercial banks can obtain liquidity or invest surplus reserves with the central bank. Key interest rates are the central monetary policy tool kit, as they strongly influence interest rate conditions in the money market as well as general interest rate developments. An increase in the key interest rates tends to push up the overall interest rate level. In turn, this dampens the economy's demand for credit, and thus also dampens economic activity more generally. The central bank can employ such a "restrictive monetary policy" to counteract an inflationary increase in prices. As long as the ultimate goal of price stability is not jeopardised, there is scope for the central bank to lower its key interest rates. If interest rates in the capital market also decrease as a result, this can increase both overall economic demand and economic growth. The key interest rates used in the Eurosystem are the interest rates for main refinancing operations, for the deposit facility and for the marginal lending facility.
See also
Further information