August 2024 marked a significant shift in the UK's monetary policy, as it saw the first reduction in the official bank base interest rate since August 2023. This change came after a period of consistent rate hikes that began in late 2021. In a bid to minimize the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bank of England cut the official bank base rate in March 2020 to a record low of *** percent. This historic low came just one week after the Bank of England cut rates from **** percent to **** percent in a bid to prevent mass job cuts in the United Kingdom. It remained at *** percent until December 2021 and was increased to one percent in May 2022 and to **** percent in October 2022. After that, the bank rate increased almost on a monthly basis, reaching **** percent in August 2023. It wasn't until August 2024 that the first rate decrease since the previous year occurred, signaling a potential shift in monetary policy. Why do central banks adjust interest rates? Central banks, including the Bank of England, adjust interest rates to manage economic stability and control inflation. Their strategies involve a delicate balance between two main approaches. When central banks raise interest rates, their goal is to cool down an overheated economy. Higher rates curb excessive spending and borrowing, which helps to prevent runaway inflation. This approach is typically used when the economy is growing too quickly or when inflation is rising above desired levels. Conversely, when central banks lower interest rates, they aim to encourage borrowing and investment. This strategy is employed to stimulate economic growth during periods of slowdown or recession. Lower rates make it cheaper for businesses and individuals to borrow money, which can lead to increased spending and investment. This dual approach allows central banks to maintain a balance between promoting growth and controlling inflation, ensuring long-term economic stability. Additionally, adjusting interest rates can influence currency values, impacting international trade and investment flows, further underscoring their critical role in a nation's economic health. Recent interest rate trends Between 2021 and 2024, most advanced and emerging economies experienced a period of regular interest rate hikes. This trend was driven by several factors, including persistent supply chain disruptions, high energy prices, and robust demand pressures. These elements combined to create significant inflationary trends, prompting central banks to raise rates in an effort to temper spending and borrowing. However, in 2024, a shift began to occur in global monetary policy. The European Central Bank (ECB) was among the first major central banks to reverse this trend by cutting interest rates. This move signaled a change in approach aimed at addressing growing economic slowdowns and supporting growth.

Graph and download economic data for 15-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage Average in the United States (MORTGAGE15US) from 1991-08-30 to 2025-09-25 about 15-year, mortgage, fixed, interest rate, interest, rate, and USA.

The official bank base interest rate in Denmark was **** percent as of May 2020. The lending rate has been stable at this level since it was applied on January 20, 2015. It then dropped from *** percent down to the current level.

Netherlands NL: Real Interest Rate data was reported at 0.202 % pa in 2012. This records a decrease from the previous number of 1.855 % pa for 2011. Netherlands NL: Real Interest Rate data is updated yearly, averaging 1.050 % pa from Dec 1999 (Median) to 2012, with 14 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2.447 % pa in 2007 and a record low of 0.202 % pa in 2012. Netherlands NL: Real Interest Rate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Netherlands – Table NL.World Bank.WDI: Interest Rates. Real interest rate is the lending interest rate adjusted for inflation as measured by the GDP deflator. The terms and conditions attached to lending rates differ by country, however, limiting their comparability.; ; International Monetary Fund, International Financial Statistics and data files using World Bank data on the GDP deflator.; ;

Graph and download economic data for Bank Prime Loan Rate Changes: Historical Dates of Changes and Rates (PRIME) from 1955-08-04 to 2025-09-17 about prime, loans, banks, depository institutions, interest rate, interest, rate, and USA.

Interest Rate Swaps: Mth Avg: 3 Year data was reported at 3.075 % pa in Nov 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 3.112 % pa for Oct 2018. Interest Rate Swaps: Mth Avg: 3 Year data is updated monthly, averaging 2.227 % pa from Jul 2000 (Median) to Nov 2018, with 221 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 7.136 % pa in Jul 2000 and a record low of 0.460 % pa in Nov 2012. Interest Rate Swaps: Mth Avg: 3 Year data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal Reserve Board. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.M014: Interest Rate: Swaps Rates.

Netherlands NL: Interest Rate Spread data was reported at -1.112 % pa in 2012. This records a decrease from the previous number of -0.607 % pa for 2011. Netherlands NL: Interest Rate Spread data is updated yearly, averaging 0.477 % pa from Dec 1999 (Median) to 2012, with 14 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1.904 % pa in 2000 and a record low of -1.112 % pa in 2012. Netherlands NL: Interest Rate Spread data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Netherlands – Table NL.World Bank.WDI: Interest Rates. Interest rate spread is the interest rate charged by banks on loans to private sector customers minus the interest rate paid by commercial or similar banks for demand, time, or savings deposits. The terms and conditions attached to these rates differ by country, however, limiting their comparability.; ; International Monetary Fund, International Financial Statistics and data files.; Median;

The benchmark interest rate in Japan was last recorded at 0.50 percent. This dataset provides - Japan Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

The benchmark interest rate in Russia was last recorded at 17 percent. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - Russia Interest Rate - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

View yearly updates and historical trends for Bank Prime Loan Rate. from United States. Source: Federal Reserve. Track economic data with YCharts analytic…

The U.S. federal funds rate peaked in 2023 at its highest level since the 2007-08 financial crisis, reaching 5.33 percent by December 2023. A significant shift in monetary policy occurred in the second half of 2024, with the Federal Reserve implementing regular rate cuts. By December 2024, the rate had declined to 4.48 percent. What is a central bank rate? The federal funds rate determines the cost of overnight borrowing between banks, allowing them to maintain necessary cash reserves and ensure financial system liquidity. When this rate rises, banks become more inclined to hold rather than lend money, reducing the money supply. While this decreased lending slows economic activity, it helps control inflation by limiting the circulation of money in the economy. Historic perspective The federal funds rate historically follows cyclical patterns, falling during recessions and gradually rising during economic recoveries. Some central banks, notably the European Central Bank, went beyond traditional monetary policy by implementing both aggressive asset purchases and negative interest rates.

Netherlands NL: Deposit Interest Rate data was reported at 2.737 % pa in 2012. This records an increase from the previous number of 2.607 % pa for 2011. Netherlands NL: Deposit Interest Rate data is updated yearly, averaging 2.888 % pa from Dec 1994 (Median) to 2012, with 19 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4.700 % pa in 1994 and a record low of 2.309 % pa in 2004. Netherlands NL: Deposit Interest Rate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Netherlands – Table NL.World Bank.WDI: Interest Rates. Deposit interest rate is the rate paid by commercial or similar banks for demand, time, or savings deposits. The terms and conditions attached to these rates differ by country, however, limiting their comparability.; ; International Monetary Fund, International Financial Statistics and data files.; ;

Netherlands NL: Lending Interest Rate data was reported at 1.625 % pa in 2012. This records a decrease from the previous number of 2.000 % pa for 2011. Netherlands NL: Lending Interest Rate data is updated yearly, averaging 3.229 % pa from Dec 1999 (Median) to 2012, with 14 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5.000 % pa in 2001 and a record low of 1.625 % pa in 2012. Netherlands NL: Lending Interest Rate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Netherlands – Table NL.World Bank.WDI: Interest Rates. Lending rate is the bank rate that usually meets the short- and medium-term financing needs of the private sector. This rate is normally differentiated according to creditworthiness of borrowers and objectives of financing. The terms and conditions attached to these rates differ by country, however, limiting their comparability.; ; International Monetary Fund, International Financial Statistics and data files.; ;

Graph and download economic data for Interest Rates: 3-Month or 90-Day Rates and Yields: Interbank Rates: Total for India (INDIR3TIB01STQ) from Q1 2012 to Q2 2025 about interbank, India, 3-month, yield, interest rate, interest, and rate.

The benchmark interest rate in Vietnam was last recorded at 4.50 percent. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - Vietnam Interest Rate - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

United States Interest Rate Swaps: Mth Avg: 5 Year data was reported at 3.085 % pa in Nov 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 3.135 % pa for Oct 2018. United States Interest Rate Swaps: Mth Avg: 5 Year data is updated monthly, averaging 2.826 % pa from Jul 2000 (Median) to Nov 2018, with 221 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 7.167 % pa in Jul 2000 and a record low of 0.785 % pa in Nov 2012. United States Interest Rate Swaps: Mth Avg: 5 Year data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal Reserve Board. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.M014: Interest Rate: Swaps Rates.

Bank Lending Rate in India remained unchanged at 9.77 percent in August. This dataset provides - India Prime Lending Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Graph and download economic data for Interest Rates, Discount Rate for United States (INTDSRUSM193N) from Jan 1950 to Aug 2021 about discount, interest rate, interest, rate, and USA.

The average mortgage interest rate decreased in nearly every country in Europe between 2012 and 2021, followed by an increase in response to inflation. In the fourth quarter of 2024, Poland, Hungary, and Romania topped the ranking as the countries with the highest mortgage interest rates in Europe. Conversely, Belgium, Spain, and Italy displayed the lowest interest rates. The UK, which is the country with the largest value of mortgages outstanding, had an interest rate of **** percent.

Real interest rate of Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) jumped by 14.30% from -14.47 % in 2013 to -16.54 % in 2014. Since the 123.70% slump in 2012, real interest rate plummeted by 912.96% in 2014. Real interest rate is the lending interest rate adjusted for inflation as measured by the GDP deflator.