The periodic rate is the interest rate applied to a loan or investment over a specific period of time, such as daily, monthly, or quarterly.
It is calculated by dividing the annual interest rate by the number of periods in a year. For example, if the annual interest rate is 12% and interest is applied monthly, the periodic rate would be 1% per month. This rate is important in determining how much interest will accrue or be paid over each period.
Understanding the periodic rate helps borrowers and investors better manage their financial planning and assess the true cost or return.