If an individual plans both to own shares and to borrow, he will often get a lower rate of interest on a margin loan, because it is secured against shares.

ECONOMIST: Marginal differences

These burdens are occurring amid tepid loan growth and in a low interest rate environment that contributes to net interest margin contraction.

FORBES: Moody's Outlook On Banks? Still Negative, Here's Why

Kevin Mountford, of Moneysupermarket.com, said that the margin between the Bank rate and the interest paid by savings accounts was actually very high at present.

BBC: Inflation cutting savers' options