at a spread of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a spread of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to finance or statistics to indicate the difference between two values, such as prices or rates. Example: "The bond was issued at a spread of 150 basis points over the benchmark rate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The Ford Motor Company's three-year global bonds, sold Friday at a spread of 113 basis points over Treasuries, were quoted today at a spread of 108-111 basis points, according to traders.

The New York Times

They were escorted to a small sitting room, where they lounged on hotel-style furniture, drank wine, and picked at a spread of M&M's and charcuterie.

The New Yorker

Underwriters said the notes were noncallable for five years and were priced at a spread of 196 basis points above Treasury securities with a similar maturity.

The New York Times

In America, similarly rated bonds would have to be issued at a spread of 100 basis points more.If the corporate-bond market is in a sorry state, the government-bond market is nothing to write home about either.

The Economist

With the JP Morgan EMBI index currently trading at a spread of 160 basis points over US Treasuries, spreads have tightened to the extent that investors are no longer being adequately compensated for risk.Full report.

The Economist

On May 13th JPMorgan Chase, which passed the stress test and is judged America's safest bank by many, issued debt at a spread of about three percentage points, a little less than it paid in April.In effect the stress tests asked American banks if they had more capital than losses.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

New albums from James Blake, Skepta, Death Grips, Anohni, and Kaytranada all came at once, a spread of vivid artists who had risen from self-contained music pockets as captains of focussed styles and subcultures.

The New Yorker

Clockwise from top left: Head bartender Derek Moorer creates a cocktail at the Ranstead Room; a spread of salatim at Zahav; kitchen staff expedite orders at Zahav; chef Michael Solomonov makes laffa bread at Zahav.

The Washington Post

The wonderboom (F. salicifolia) of Africa grows in a similar manner; a specimen at Pretoria has a spread of 50 metres (55 yards).

Britannica

This is just an appetiser for our dinner at Cervecería Estrella Galicia, where a spread of seafood dishes – including lobster, nécoras crabs and a magnificent John Dory – are matched with beers from the distillery.

The Guardian - Travel

She has also worked for 21 years caring for the animals at the Pace Environmental Center, a spread of barns, small fields and other outbuildings on the school's 200-acre campus.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at a spread of" in financial contexts, clearly define the units (e.g., basis points, percentage points) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "at a spread of" in situations where a simple difference or range is more appropriate. This phrase is best suited for finance, statistics, or technical discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a spread of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by indicating a difference or range between two values. It provides a quantitative context, as shown in Ludwig examples regarding bond yields and interest rates.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a spread of" is grammatically correct and most appropriately used in formal contexts such as finance and statistics. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes the difference between two values, like interest rates or bond yields. While alternatives exist, the choice depends on the specific context. Ludwig examples from reputable sources like Forbes and The New York Times show its usage in professional and neutral settings. Remember to clearly define units for clarity and avoid using it in informal conversations where simpler language suffices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with a range of

Focuses on the extent of variation between values, emphasizing the upper and lower limits.

showing a difference of

Highlights the dissimilar magnitude between two specific points.

exhibiting a margin of

Emphasizes the leeway or buffer between values, particularly in financial or competitive contexts.

varying by

Indicates the degree to which values fluctuate or diverge from a central point.

distributed across

Focuses on how something is spread over an area or a range.

separated by

Highlights the distance or gap between values or items.

spanning across

Emphasizes the scope or extent covered by a range.

covering a spectrum of

Focuses on the diverse range of values or items included.

displaying a variation of

Indicates the extent to which values differ from each other.

characterized by a gap of

Highlights the empty space or interval between values.

FAQs

What does "at a spread of" mean in finance?

In finance, "at a spread of" typically refers to the difference between two interest rates, yields, or prices. For example, a bond might be issued "at a spread of" 100 basis points over a benchmark Treasury yield.

Can I use "at a spread of" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "at a spread of" is more commonly found in technical or formal contexts, such as finance or statistics. In everyday conversation, simpler alternatives like "with a difference of" or "ranging from" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "at a spread of" and "with a margin of"?

"At a spread of" usually refers to a precise difference, often in rates or yields, while "with a margin of" implies a buffer or allowance. Although both are similar, the context dictates the correct choice. For example, a company might aim to sell products "with a margin of" 20% to cover costs and ensure profitability.

What are some synonyms for "at a spread of" in a statistical context?

In a statistical context, you can use phrases like "showing a distribution of", "varying by", or "with a range of" as alternatives to "at a spread of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.