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basis point

American  

noun

Finance.
  1. one hundredth of one percent, as of interest rates, or investment yields.


basis point British  

noun

  1. a measure used for describing interest rates, equal to one hundredth of a percentage point (0.01%)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of basis point

First recorded in 1965–70


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Speaking a few hours before the CPI release, Waller said he was "leaning towards" a 25 basis point rate hike in December even with an October report showing moderation in pricing pressures.

From Barron's ● Nov. 10, 2026

"In that case, I believe a 50 basis point hike in the policy rate should be considered at the December meeting," Waller added.

From Barron's ● Nov. 10, 2026

The two-year Treasury yield fell to 4.546%, the lowest level in two months, before recovering slightly to last trade 0.8 basis point lower at 4.604%, according to Tradeweb.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 4, 2026

Ahead of the decision, 10-year Treasury yields rose back above 5%, while 30-year yields gained more than one basis point to trade close to 5.320%.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 28, 2026

A basis point is one hundredth of a percentage point, or 0.01%.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 19, 2026

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