Final answer:
The TED spread is the spread between the interest rate on a Treasury security and the LIBOR rate. It is a benchmark for short-term interest rates. By comparing the TED spread to historical values, analysts can gain insights into the perceived credit risk in the financial markets.
Step-by-step explanation:
The TED spread is the spread between the interest rate on a Treasury security and the LIBOR rate.
The LIBOR rate is the rate at which banks lend to each other in the London interbank market. It is a benchmark for short-term interest rates.
By comparing the TED spread to historical values, analysts can gain insights into the perceived credit risk in the financial markets.