This metric represents the difference between the revenue generated from interest-bearing assets and the expense incurred on interest-bearing liabilities, expressed as a percentage of the institution’s average earning assets. For instance, a financial institution earning 5% on its loans and paying 2% on its deposits exhibits a 3% spread, indicating the profitability of its lending activities relative to its funding costs.
This measurement is a critical indicator of a financial institution’s profitability and efficiency in utilizing its assets. A higher value generally signifies better performance, reflecting successful lending strategies and effective management of funding costs. Tracking this value over time allows for the assessment of trends and identification of potential areas for improvement in asset and liability management. Historically, it has served as a fundamental benchmark for comparing the performance of financial institutions and informing investment decisions.