21.   That spread, known as the net interest margin, narrows as banks use more borrowed money.

22.   The bank said its net interest margin, which measures the profit difference between borrowing and lending, will likely narrow.

23.   The bank warned that a further lowering of interest rates may squeeze interest margins further this year.

24.   The bank said the main reason for the decline was shrinking interest margins and weak demand for bank and mortgage loans.

25.   The cost will be tighter interest margins and a squeezing of profits, they said.

26.   The decline was mainly due to shrinking interest margins caused by increased competition.

27.   The company will likely report loan growth and a steady net interest margin, analysts said.

28.   The interest margin is the money banks make on the difference between lending and deposit rates.

29.   The net interest margin measures the difference between the interest the bank received on loans and securities and the interest it paid on deposits and other borrowed funds.

30.   The result is a smaller net interest margin, or spread, officials said.