Daily interest, often termed “per diem” interest, represents the interest that accrues on a principal amount for a single day. The calculation involves dividing the annual interest rate by the number of days in a year and then multiplying the result by the principal amount. For example, on a loan of $10,000 with an annual interest rate of 5%, the daily interest would be calculated as (0.05 / 365) * $10,000, yielding approximately $1.37 per day.
Understanding daily interest is critical in various financial contexts. It allows borrowers to accurately assess the financial impact of prepayment penalties, early loan payoffs, or fluctuating interest rates. Moreover, it provides a granular view of borrowing costs, enabling informed decision-making regarding loan terms and repayment strategies. Historically, the concept became more prevalent with the increasing complexity of financial instruments and the need for precise accounting of interest accrual.