On January 1, 2010 the TED (treasury-euro dollar) spread was 0.4%, and on January 31, 2010 the TED spread is 0.9%. As a risk manager, how would you interpret this change?

On January 1, 2010 the TED (treasury-euro dollar) spread was 0.4%, and on January 31, 2010 the TED spread is 0.9%. As a risk manager, how would you interpret this change?
A . The decrease in the TED spread indicates a decrease in credit risk on interbank loans.
B . The decrease in the TED spread indicates an increase in credit risk on interbank loans.
C . Increase in interest rates on both interbank loans and T-bills.
D . Increase in credit risk on T-bills.

View Answer

Answer: D

Explanation:

The TED spread measures the difference between the interest rates on interbank loans (Eurodollars) and short-term U.S. government debt (T-bills). An increase in the TED spread indicates a higher perceived risk of default on interbank loans relative to T-bills. If the TED spread increased from 0.4% to 0.9%, it reflects an increase in credit risk associated with interbank loans compared to T-bills.