Rate Gap Methodology
What Trade90 measures, where the numbers come from, and what the comparisons cannot tell you.
Source-verification snapshot date: 2026-10-29. The page uses a dated collection of central-bank decisions, not an always-live feed. New policy-rate values require source verification and publication of an updated dataset.
Which rates do we compare?
Trade90 compares eight published monetary-policy benchmarks covering USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF, CAD, AUD and NZD. The US Federal Reserve sets a target range rather than a single number, so we use and label its midpoint. For the European Central Bank, we use the deposit facility rate.
These benchmarks are not identical instruments or instantly tradeable funding rates. They are a transparent macroeconomic comparison.
How do we calculate the signed gap?
Signed gap (basis points) = (base-currency benchmark % − quote-currency benchmark %) × 100.
For the ranking, Trade90 sorts each pair by absolute gap, meaning the size of the difference regardless of which currency has the higher benchmark. The pair remains in a consistent market-standard base/quote orientation.
A positive signed gap means the base currency has the higher policy benchmark; a negative gap means the quote currency has the higher benchmark. There are 28 unique, unordered combinations of eight currencies.
How the 90-day macro and policy assessment works
TRADE90 evaluates source-validated inflation, unemployment and GDP observations against official central-bank decisions and reviewed policy guidance. The hierarchy is current reviewed policy, automated provisional policy assessment, then exploratory relative macro-pressure comparison. Missing, contradictory or outdated information withholds direction.
Widening, Narrowing and Uncertain research outcomes are qualitative. They do not estimate a future interest-rate level, probability, spot FX price or trading instruction. Full policy-model methodology →
What changed?
Actual changes in published policy decisions, economic observations and source-reviewed policy guidance are recorded with their observation or release dates. A successful data poll alone is not new policy evidence.
Official source registry
These links identify the bank publications used for the displayed snapshot. Decision date and effective date may differ. Open the original source to validate the benchmark.
| Currency | Benchmark | Rate | Effective | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUD | Cash rate target | 4.600% | 2026-09-30 | RBA ↗ |
| USD | Federal funds target range | 3.75%–4.00% · Rate-gap calculations use the 3.875% midpoint. | 2026-10-29 | Fed ↗ |
| GBP | Bank Rate | 3.75% | 2026-09-17 | BoE ↗ |
| NZD | Official Cash Rate | 2.75% | 2026-09-02 | RBNZ ↗ |
| EUR | Deposit facility rate | 2.50% | 2026-09-16 | ECB ↗ |
| CAD | Target for overnight rate | 2.50% | 2026-10-28 | BoC ↗ |
| JPY | Complementary deposit facility interest rate | 1.25% | 2026-09-24 | BoJ ↗ |
| CHF | SNB policy rate | 0.00% | 2026-09-24 | SNB ↗ |
When does Trade90 update its data?
The current official rate snapshot is a verified dated publication, not an automated continuously refreshed rate service. Policy statements and scheduled decisions use separate curated collection dates. For the actual refresh status, source classes, intended verification schedule, corrections and redistribution safeguards, read the Data Sources & Update Policy.
Limitations and risk
Policy-rate gaps are not foreign-exchange price forecasts or broker rollover yields. Exchange-rate movement, transaction costs and leverage can overwhelm nominal rate differences. Data may become outdated between verification cycles.
This website is intended for financial education and general market research only, not personalized investment recommendations.