How is 'net interest margin' defined?

Net interest margin is defined as the difference between the income generated from interest-bearing assets and the interest paid on liabilities. This metric is crucial for financial institutions, as it measures how effectively a bank is managing its interest income and expenses. A positive net interest margin indicates that the bank is earning more from its assets than it is paying out in interest on its liabilities, which is fundamental for profitability.

Understanding this concept helps in analyzing a bank’s financial health, as a higher net interest margin suggests better earnings potential from the bank's primary operations. Conversely, a narrow or negative margin may indicate challenges in managing interest-related income and expenses.

The other options do not capture the full picture of net interest margin. Total interest income earned on loans pertains only to income generation without considering costs. The rate at which interest is paid by borrowers focuses solely on the borrower’s perspective rather than the bank’s overall profitability. Lastly, the fee charged by banks for managing accounts represents a different financial metric related to non-interest income rather than net interest margin.