London Interbank Bid Rate (LIBID)

Learn about the London Interbank Bid Rate (LIBID), its definition, significance, and its humorous exit stage left due to the scandals!

Definition

The London Interbank Bid Rate (LIBID) was the average interest rate at which major London banks were willing to bid for eurocurrency deposits from other banks. Eurocurrency deposits refer to deposits held in a currency outside the issuing country’s domain—the ultimate international party trick! This rate was useful for institutions to gauge borrowing costs across international markets, although it found its farewell performance in 2021 due to the much-publicized rate-fixing scandals.

LIBID vs LIBOR Comparison

Feature LIBID (London Interbank Bid Rate) LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate)
Definition Rate banks bid to borrow eurocurrency Rate banks ask to lend eurocurrency
Purpose Reflects borrowing costs Reflects lending costs
Typical Currency Any currency deposited outside the issuing country Any currency, notably US dollars
Phasing Out Phased out in 2021 Phased out in 2021
Common Use Used less frequently than LIBOR Widely used benchmark for loans

Examples

What Is a Eurocurrency Deposit?

A eurocurrency deposit refers to any currency deposited in a bank in a country other than the one that issued it. For example, a U.S. dollar deposited in a Swiss bank is a eurocurrency deposit. It sounds like a European vacation—but one where your money gets the sunshine instead!

  • LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate): The rate at which major banks lend to one another, serving as a global benchmark for interest rates on various financial instruments.
  • Eurocurrency: Any currency that is held on deposit outside of its own domestic market.
  • Interest Rate: The amount charged by a lender to a borrower for the use of assets, expressed as a percentage of the principal.

Illustrative Diagram

    graph TD;
	    A[LIBID] --> B{Avg. Interest Rate}
	    A --> C[Eurocurrency Deposits]
	    B --> D[Major London Banks]
	    C --> E[Deposits Outside Issuing Country]
	    D --> F[Lending Costs]

Humorous Insights

“How to impress your friends? Just drop terms like LIBID and LIBOR in casual conversation! They’ll think you’re deep into the global finance scene when really you just Googled ‘banking jargon!’” 😜

Did you know? After the scandals, people joked that ‘LIBOR’ sounded more like a bad dating decision than a bank rate! How about being fixed like bad relationships? 😂

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What happened to LIBID and LIBOR?

A1: They were phased out due to significant scandals involving rate manipulation that left more than just a dent in the finance sector!

Q2: Can LIBID be used today?

A2: Nope! Since 2021, LIBID has been retired, much like disco and parachute pants.

Q3: What’s the primary function of eurocurrency?

A3: It allows for deposits and loans to occur in foreign currencies, making it a useful tool for businesses engaging in international trade!

Q4: What replaced LIBID and LIBOR?

A4: Alternatives like the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) and other benchmarks have taken their place, keeping the finance world moving forward!

References for Further Study


Test Your Knowledge: LIBID and LIBOR Quiz

## What did LIBID stand for? - [x] London Interbank Bid Rate - [ ] London Interbank Borrow Rate - [ ] Lending Interbank Bid Rate - [ ] London Interbank Bond Rate > **Explanation:** LIBID indeed stands for the London Interbank Bid Rate, reflecting the rate banks were willing to pay to borrow! ## LIBID is equal to which type of rate? - [x] Bid rate for eurocurrency deposits - [ ] Offer rate for treasury bills - [ ] Nominal rate for corporate bonds - [ ] Equity return rate > **Explanation:** LIBID was the bid rate that reflects the borrowing costs for eurocurrency deposits among major banks. ## What happened to LIBID in 2021? - [ ] It multiplied - [x] It was phased out due to scandals - [ ] Became a meme - [ ] It took a vacation > **Explanation:** LIBID was sadly phased out along with LIBOR due to scandals, but it definitely didn’t book a vacation! ## The “offer” rate for banks lending to each other is known as? - [x] LIBOR - [ ] LIBAD - [ ] LIBORex - [ ] Offer Rate of Interest > **Explanation:** The offer rate where banks lend money to each other is called LIBOR, contrasting nicely with the bid-focused LIBID. ## Eurocurrency refers to deposits held in what? - [x] A currency outside the issuing country - [ ] A domestic currency - [ ] Only in euros - [ ] Natural currency, like seashells > **Explanation:** Eurocurrency refers to deposits held in any currency outside its issuing country—definitely not limited to just euros or seashells! ## Which currency is most commonly deposited as eurocurrency? - [x] U.S. Dollar - [ ] Mongolian Tugrik - [ ] South African Rand - [ ] Swiss Franc > **Explanation:** The U.S. dollar usually takes the cake when it comes to eurocurrency deposits—everyone loves a greenback! ## LIBID was primarily used before its phase-out for what? - [ ] Trading stocks - [x] Interbank lending practices - [ ] U.S. treasury bonds - [ ] Crypto investments > **Explanation:** LIBID was primarily used in the context of interbank lending, showing how even money likes to socialize! ## Which alternative rate replaced LIBID? - [ ] Londoni Share Rate - [x] Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) - [ ] Hyper Inflation Rate - [ ] Crypto-LIBOR > **Explanation:** The Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) took over some of the roles once played by LIBID and LIBOR. No crypto involved here! ## What would you call a lender who offers LIBID rates? - [x] Competitive - [ ] Generous - [ ] Misguided - [ ] Not business-savvy > **Explanation:** A lender offering LIBID rates would be considered competitive (but also misguided post-2021). Who wouldn’t want a delicious quick rate? ## If LIBID had feelings, how would it describe its exit? - [ ] Bittersweet - [ ] Sad - [ ] A smooth fade-out - [x] "I was fixed for too long!" > **Explanation:** If LIBID could talk, it might humorously express that it was “fixed” for so long it just had to say goodbye!

Thank you for exploring the world of LIBID with us! It’s been a wild ride down to the banks! Remember, finance can be fun; all you need is a little knowledge and a great sense of humor! Keep those financial gears turning! 🏦💃

Sunday, August 18, 2024

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