Methodology

How we calculate real yields.

1. Real Yield Calculation

Real yield represents the actual gain after fees, taxes, and inflation.

Formula:
Real Yield = (Gross Yield - Fees) � (1 - Tax Rate) - Inflation

Step 1: Net Yield (after fees)
Subtract annual fees (TER for funds/ETFs, account fees for savings) from the gross yield.

Step 2: After-Tax Yield
Apply the applicable tax rate on interest income. Tax rates vary by country and product type (e.g., Italy taxes government bonds at 12.5% vs 26% for other income).

Step 3: Real Yield (after inflation)
Subtract the current inflation rate (HICP YoY) to determine the change in purchasing power. A positive real yield means your money grows in real terms; negative means it loses purchasing power despite earning interest.

2. Data Sources

Official sources only.

ECB

€STR (Euro Short-Term Rate) - official overnight rate
Government bond yields via SDMX API
Source: ecb.europa.eu/stats

Eurostat

HICP (Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices) - monthly inflation data
Country-specific inflation rates (Year-over-Year)
Source: ec.europa.eu/eurostat

Banks

Published interest rates from official bank websites
Term deposit rates, promotional rates, and conditions
Verified manually and updated regularly

Fund & ETF Providers

Total Expense Ratios (TER) from official fund documents (KIID/KID)
Current yields from fund factsheets
Source: iShares, Amundi, Xtrackers, Invesco official sites

National Treasuries

Government bond auction results (Tesoro, IGCP, Finanzagentur, etc.)
Official yield data from national debt agencies
Portuguese Certificados de Aforro rates from IGCP

3. Tax Rates

Standard withholding rates.

⚠ Important: Actual tax treatment varies significantly based on:

Individual income brackets and total income
Product type (government bonds may have preferential rates)
Residency status and double taxation treaties
Available deductions and exemptions (e.g., German Sparerpauschbetrag)
Holding period (some jurisdictions offer long-term benefits)

We provide a tool to adjust tax rates manually in our calculator. Always consult a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.

4. Update Frequency

Live data. �STR, HICP.
Weekly updates: Government bond yields, money market fund rates
Manual verification (as needed): Bank savings rates, promotional offers, term deposit conditions

Last synchronization timestamp is displayed at the bottom of each page. If you notice outdated information, please report it via our contact page.

5. Limitations

Errors possible.
Rates change frequently.

Not Financial Advice
EuroYields is an educational comparison tool only. Nothing on this website constitutes financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. We are not licensed financial advisors.

No Liability
We accept no liability for losses, damages, or missed opportunities resulting from the use or reliance on information provided on this site. Always verify rates and conditions directly with financial institutions before making decisions.

Third-Party Data
While we source data from official entities (ECB, Eurostat, banks), we do not control these sources and cannot guarantee their accuracy or timeliness.

Product Conditions
Advertised rates often come with conditions: minimum deposits, salary domiciliation, promotional periods, early withdrawal penalties, etc. We strive to note major conditions but cannot list every restriction. Always read the full terms and conditions from the provider.

6. Transparency

Public methodology.

All formulas are documented and can be independently verified
Data sources are cited and publicly accessible
We provide a calculator so you can test assumptions yourself
We welcome corrections and feedback via our contact page

Our goal is not perfection, but honesty. If you spot an error or have suggestions, please let us know.

Questions About Our Methodology?

We're happy to explain our approach in more detail or discuss data corrections.