• Qualitative Spread Differential (QSD) is the difference between the market interest rates achieved by the two parties entering into an interest rate swap.

  • This is a measurement that companies can use to assess counterparty risk in an interest rate swap.
  • QSD is calculated by subtracting the contractual market rate from the rate available to the counterparty for instruments with a similar rate.
  • When the QSD is positive, the swap is considered to be beneficial to both parties.