What are compound interest rates?

What are compound interest rates?

Compound interest rates are those that apply not only to the initial value of the investment, but also to the interest accrued over time. This means that, unlike simple interest, compound interest is calculated on the total amount, which results in the investment growing exponentially.

How compound interest rates work

To better understand how compound interest rates work, it is important to consider the concept of capitalization. Capitalization is the process by which interest is incorporated into the initial capital, thus increasing the amount on which interest will be calculated in the next period.

Example of calculating compound interest rates

Suppose you invest R$ 1,000.00 at a compound interest rate of 10% per year. After the first year, your investment will have grown to R$ 1,100.00. In the second year, interest will be calculated not only on the initial R$ 1,000.00, but on the R$ 1,100.00 already accumulated, resulting in a total of R$ 1,210.00.

Advantages and disadvantages of compound interest rates

One of the main advantages of compound interest rates is the potential for accelerated investment growth over time. However, it is important to be aware that, due to the exponential effect of compound interest, small interest rates can result in large amounts of money over the long term.

Conclusion

In short, compound interest rates are a powerful tool for anyone who wants to make their money work for them. Understanding how they work and how they can impact your investments is essential for making more informed and profitable financial decisions.