ARM Index

What Is an ARM Index?

The term ARM index refers to the benchmark interest rate to which an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) is tied. An adjustable-rate mortgage's interest rate consists of an index rate value plus a margin. The index underlying the adjustable-rate mortgage is variable, while the margin is constant. There are several popular indexes used for different types of adjustable-rate mortgages, such as LIBOR or the Fed Funds Rate. The interest rate on an ARM with its index is an example of a fully indexed interest rate.

Understanding ARM Indexes

Adjustable-rate mortgages are one of the credit market's most popular variable rate products. Interest rates are fixed for the initial period of the mortgage then reset based on fluctuations in the market during the remaining lifetime of the loan. Quotes for ARMs can vary, with the first number representing the years charging a fixed rate. A 2/28 ARM would have a fixed rate for two years followed by an adjustable rate for 28 years. A 5/1 ARM could have a fixed rate for five years followed by an adjustable-rate that resets every year. This makes these mortgages ideal when borrowers believe mortgage rates will fall.

The loan is based on an indexed rate plus a margin during the variable rate period. An open variable rate increases or decreases when a change occurs with the indexed rate. If a loan has specific terms for resetting the interest rate, such as at the end of each year, then the interest rate will be adjusted to the fully indexed rate at the time of the adjustment.

The index to which an adjustable-rate mortgage is tied can make a difference over the life of the mortgage. While it is an important factor, borrowers should consider more than the index when choosing an adjustable-rate mortgage. Many other variables, such as the margin and the interest rate cap structure, are important considerations. Other factors that are important include the starting rate and the length of the loan.

While the ARM index is important, make sure you also consider other factors like the margin, the starting rate, and the length of the loan.

Types of ARM Indexes

There are several different types of ARM indexes. Each has its own characteristics that set it apart from the others. The following are some of the most popular.

The prime rate is set by the Federal Reserve and used by most financial institutions including banks and credit unions. This is the interest rate that most commercial banks charge their most creditworthy clients. It serves as the basis for other interest rates including those for mortgages and loans.

This index is typically used in the pricing of short- and medium-term loans, or for adjustments at set intervals on long-term loans. The rate is consistent on a national basis, allowing consumers to make an apples-to-apples comparison regardless of where they live. This means the prime rate is the same in California and Maine, so mortgagors can compare how competitive their adjustable-rate mortgages are in both states. The margins on the loan and whether or not the interest is set below the prime rate all become elements in comparing loan offers.

As a global index, the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) is a barometer for the global economy and is used by investors who operate internationally. This index is based on the interest rate charged among London-based banks for borrowing transactions between them. The LIBOR index is often used as an ARM index to cover intervals that can be one month, three months, six months, or one year.

As of December 2020, plans were in place to phase out the LIBOR system by 2023 and replace it with other benchmarks, such as the Sterling Overnight Index Average (SONIA).

Monthly Treasury Average

The Monthly Treasury Average Index (MTA) is a popular ARM index, especially for those who want to hedge against rising interest rates. This index is a moving average calculation with a lag effect. This means if interest rates are expected to rise, a mortgage tied to the MTA index may be more economical than one tied to an index without a moving average calculation like the one-month LIBOR index. But while it's a good bet when interest rates rise, it doesn't bode so well when they fall.

One-Year T-Bill

Many ARM loans use this index. This index is based on the auction results for 12-month Treasury Bills (T-Bills) held by the U.S. Treasury which are offered every week. Due to the highly fluid nature of the yields of the one-year T-bill — because of the weekly auctions — the index is much more volatile.