What does a basis point represent in percentage terms?

A basis point represents one one-hundredth of 1 percent, which is mathematically expressed as 0.01%. This unit is commonly used in finance to measure changes in interest rates, stock prices, or other percentages. For example, if an interest rate increases from 5.00% to 5.01%, that change is often described as an increase of 1 basis point.

In the context of financial discussions, using basis points helps reduce ambiguity and makes it easier to communicate small changes in rates or fees without having to specify decimal points. This precision is particularly valuable in professional financial settings where small variations can have significant implications. For instance, a discussion about a shift of 25 basis points indicates a 0.25% change, which can be crucial when evaluating investments or monetary policy adjustments.