The benchmark interest rate in the United Kingdom was last recorded at 4.25 percent. This dataset provides - United Kingdom Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Policy interest rates in the U.S. and Europe are forecasted to decrease gradually between 2024 and 2027, following exceptional increases triggered by soaring inflation between 2021 and 2023. The U.S. federal funds rate stood at **** percent at the end of 2023, the European Central Bank deposit rate at **** percent, and the Swiss National Bank policy rate at **** percent. With inflationary pressures stabilizing, policy interest rates are forecast to decrease in each observed region. The U.S. federal funds rate is expected to decrease to *** percent, the ECB refi rate to **** percent, the Bank of England bank rate to **** percent, and the Swiss National Bank policy rate to **** percent by 2025. An interesting aspect to note is the impact of these interest rate changes on various economic factors such as growth, employment, and inflation. The impact of central bank policy rates The U.S. federal funds effective rate, crucial in determining the interest rate paid by depository institutions, experienced drastic changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The subsequent slight changes in the effective rate reflected the efforts to stimulate the economy and manage economic factors such as inflation. Such fluctuations in the federal funds rate have had a significant impact on the overall economy. The European Central Bank's decision to cut its fixed interest rate in June 2024 for the first time since 2016 marked a significant shift in attitude towards economic conditions. The reasons behind the fluctuations in the ECB's interest rate reflect its mandate to ensure price stability and manage inflation, shedding light on the complex interplay between interest rates and economic factors. Inflation and real interest rates The relationship between inflation and interest rates is critical in understanding the actions of central banks. Central banks' efforts to manage inflation through interest rate adjustments reveal the intricate balance between economic growth and inflation. Additionally, the concept of real interest rates, adjusted for inflation, provides valuable insights into the impact of inflation on the economy.

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.

From 2003 to 2025, the central banks of the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union exhibited remarkably similar interest rate patterns, reflecting shared global economic conditions. In the early 2000s, rates were initially low to stimulate growth, then increased as economies showed signs of overheating prior to 2008. The financial crisis that year prompted sharp rate cuts to near-zero levels, which persisted for an extended period to support economic recovery. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to further rate reductions to historic lows, aiming to mitigate economic fallout. However, surging inflation in 2022 triggered a dramatic policy shift, with the Federal Reserve, Bank of England, and European Central Bank significantly raising rates to curb price pressures. As inflation stabilized in late 2023 and early 2024, the ECB and Bank of England initiated rate cuts by mid-2024, and the Federal Reserve also implemented its first cut in three years, with forecasts suggesting a gradual decrease in all major interest rates between 2025 and 2026. Divergent approaches within the European Union While the ECB sets a benchmark rate for the Eurozone, individual EU countries have adopted diverse strategies to address their unique economic circumstances. For instance, Hungary set the highest rate in the EU at 13 percent in September 2023, gradually reducing it to 6.5 percent by October 2024. In contrast, Sweden implemented more aggressive cuts, lowering its rate to 2.25 percent by February 2025, the lowest among EU members. These variations highlight the complex economic landscape that European central banks must navigate, balancing inflation control with economic growth support. Global context and future outlook The interest rate changes in major economies have had far-reaching effects on global financial markets. Government bond yields, for example, reflect these policy shifts and investor sentiment. As of December 2024, the United States had the highest 10-year government bond yield among developed economies at 4.59 percent, while Switzerland had the lowest at 0.27 percent. These rates serve as important benchmarks for borrowing costs and economic expectations worldwide.

Between January 2018 and May 2025, the United Kingdom's consumer price inflation rate showed notable volatility. The rate hit its lowest point at *** percent in August 2020 and peaked at *** percent in October 2022. By September 2024, inflation had moderated to *** percent, but the following months saw inflation increase again. The Bank of England's interest rate policy closely tracked these inflationary trends. Rates remained low at -* percent until April 2020, when they were reduced to *** percent in response to economic challenges. A series of rate increases followed, reaching a peak of **** percent from August 2023 to July 2024. The central bank then initiated rate cuts in August and November 2024, lowering the rate to **** percent, signaling a potential shift in monetary policy. In February 2025, the Bank of England implemented another rate cut, setting the bank rate at *** percent, which was further reduced to **** percent in May 2025. Global context of inflation and interest rates The UK's experience reflects a broader international trend of rising inflation and subsequent central bank responses. From January 2022 to July 2024, advanced and emerging economies alike increased their policy rates to counter inflationary pressures. However, a shift began in late 2024, with many countries, including the UK, starting to lower rates. This change suggests a potential new phase in the global economic cycle and monetary policy approach. Comparison with other major economies The UK's monetary policy decisions align closely with those of other major economies. The United States, for instance, saw its federal funds rate peak at **** percent in August 2023, mirroring the UK's rate trajectory. Similarly, central bank rates in the EU all increased drastically between 2022 and 2024. These synchronized movements reflect the global nature of inflationary pressures and the coordinated efforts of central banks to maintain economic stability. As with the UK, both the U.S. and EU began considering rate cuts in late 2024, signaling a potential shift in the global economic landscape.

Key information about United Kingdom Long Term Interest Rate

• United Kingdom Long Term Interest Rate: Month Avg: United Kingdom: ECB Harmonised was reported at 4.52 % pa in Feb 2025, compared with 4.67 % pa in the previous month.
• UK Long Term Interest Rate data is updated monthly, available from Jan 1993 to Feb 2025.
• The data reached an all-time high of 8.99 % pa in Sep 1994 and a record low of 0.15 % pa in Jul 2020.
• Long Term Interest Rate is reported by reported by CEIC Data.

• In the latest reports, UK Short Term Interest Rate: Month End: ICE LIBOR: 3 Months was reported at 0.09 % pa in Apr 2021.
• The cash rate (Policy Rate: Month End: Base Rate) was set at 4.50 % pa in Feb 2025.
• UK Exchange Rate against USD averaged 0.79 (USD/GBP) in Jun 2023.

This statistic shows the forecasted Bank Rate in the United Kingdom (UK) from first quarter 2017 to first quarter 2024. The rate at which the Bank of England can loan money to commercial banks is set to increase gradually over this period, at a net increase of 1.2 percentage points.

Bank Lending Rate in the United Kingdom remained unchanged at 8.58 percent in May. This dataset provides - United Kingdom Prime Lending Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Mortgage rates increased at a record pace in 2022, with the 10-year fixed mortgage rate doubling between March 2022 and December 2022. With inflation increasing, the Bank of England introduced several bank rate hikes, resulting in higher mortgage rates. In May 2025, the average 10-year fixed rate interest rate reached **** percent. As borrowing costs get higher, demand for housing is expected to decrease, leading to declining market sentiment and slower house price growth. How have the mortgage hikes affected the market? After surging in 2021, the number of residential properties sold declined in 2023, reaching just above *** million. Despite the number of transactions falling, this figure was higher than the period before the COVID-19 pandemic. The falling transaction volume also impacted mortgage borrowing. Between the first quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024, the value of new mortgage loans fell year-on-year for five straight quarters in a row. How are higher mortgages affecting homebuyers? Homeowners with a mortgage loan usually lock in a fixed rate deal for two to ten years, meaning that after this period runs out, they need to renegotiate the terms of the loan. Many of the mortgages outstanding were taken out during the period of record-low mortgage rates and have since faced notable increases in their monthly repayment. About **** million homeowners are projected to see their deal expire by the end of 2026. About *** million of these loans are projected to experience a monthly payment increase of up to *** British pounds by 2026.

The Floor and Wall Covering industry’s revenue is forecast to climb at a compound annual rate of 1% over the five years through 2024-25 to reach £4.1 billion. Floor and wall covering contractors compete for work in the residential, commercial, public and industrial markets and revenue tends to run procyclical to the wider economy. Challenging economic conditions have reduced contractors' income prospects in recent years, constraining revenue growth. The industry has endured several challenges due to both domestic and global disruptions, including Brexit, COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which have caused revenue fluctuations. These events have significantly disrupted supply chains, inflating raw material prices and operational costs for contractors, cutting into their profitability. At the same time, some of the escalated costs have been passed onto customers, resulting in limited income opportunities for contractors due to consumers tightening their budgets thanks to the cost-of-living crisis. Persistent inflationary pressures have diminished the post-pandemic recovery in construction activity, weighing on new contract opportunities and constraining growth. The Bank of England’s (BoE) interest rate hike to 5.25% in August 2023 to suppress inflation hampered investment in both the residential and commercial construction market, hitting demand for floor and wall coverings in new buildings. Alongside this, the surge in borrowing costs has prompted homeowners to scale back their spending or turn to DIY home renovation projects. Inflation is easing in 2024-25, which has prompted the BoE to begin cutting the interest rate – it fell to 4.5% in February 2025. However, economic uncertainty persists following the 2024 Autumn Budget’s business tax increases, which has undermined consumer and business confidence, hindering investments and limiting demand for floor and wall covering services. Nonetheless, supportive government policies, like the Affordable Homes Programme, primarily aimed at the residential market, are driving demand, supporting an expected revenue hike of 4.3% in 2024-25 Over the five years through 2029-30, revenue is anticipated to grow at a compound annual rate of 3.4% to £4.8 billion. Strong residential construction activity will continue to drive growth, benefitting from supportive government policies to bolster the UK's housing stock. Non-residential construction activity will benefit from recovering economic conditions, which will support investments in commercial property spaces, like offices, boosting demand. Recovering consumer confidence and incomes should drive a resurgence in demand from homeowners. However, the industry will continue to face persistent labour shortages, which, coupled with anticipated wage hikes, will contribute to escalating operating costs.

Revenue is forecast to drop at a compound annual rate of 2% over the five years through 2024-25 to £384.7 million. The test drilling and boring industry’s revenue tends to run in line with economic and investment trends in the wider construction sector. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the construction industry in the UK, with revenue nosediving by 19% in 2020. However, construction activity bounced back over the two years through 2022-23 as lockdown restrictions eased, supporting expanding revenue. In recent years, test drilling and boring contractors’ have faced rampant inflationary pressures, limiting tender opportunities and resulting in subdued revenue growth. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, recovery was sluggish due to the supply chain disruptions. These disruptions, initially caused by the pandemic, were exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, resulting in persistent inflation that has plagued the industry’s operating costs. Construction material prices have trended upwards amid inflationary pressures. While inflation is easing, purchase costs still face upward pressures, keeping costs elevated and hindering test drilling and boring contractors’ average profit margin. Inflation prompted the Bank of England to hike the interest rate, cooling the housing market and reducing homeowners’ equity levels, which, in turn, dampened investment opportunities. In 2024-25, economic conditions are slowly stabilising as inflation trends downward, leading to the BoE reducing the interest rate for the first time since 2020. This has sparked optimism among homeowners and commercial clients, encouraging the initiation of new construction projects. In 2024-25, revenue is forecast to mount by 2.9%. Over the five years through 2029-30, revenue is forecast to expand at a compound annual rate of 3.7% to £461 million. Significant infrastructure investments in the UK, particularly in transport network expansions, will generate revenue for test drilling and boring contractors, despite economic uncertainties. The government's target of adding 1.5 million new homes by 2029 will drive demand for these services. Technological advancements in the industry are set to be increasingly integrated into services to enhance precision and efficiency.

Over the five years through 2024-25, revenue is forecast to inch upwards at a compound annual rate of 0.7% to £17 billion. Bricklaying and other specialised construction contractors' revenue is contingent on construction cycles and tends to follow economic and investment trends. Economic uncertainty, initially triggered by Brexit and the pandemic and further intensified by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, has discouraged and restricted new private capital investment in recent years, negatively impacting revenue. Bricklayers have faced cost pressures and operating limitations due to the pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Both of these events caused significant disruptions to supply chains and exacerbated labour shortages, with the pandemic causing many construction sites to temporarily shut up shop. Supply chain disruptions inflated building material prices, eating into contractors’ profitability. While material prices are slowly sinking in 2024-25, operational costs remain elevated, leading some contractors to postpone large-scale projects, negatively impacting contractors’ revenue. At the same time, persistent inflationary pressures have contributed to continued income pressures, causing the Bank of England to hike interest rates and raise the cost of borrowing for homeowners, developers and investors. In 2024-25, the BoE is gradually cutting the base rate as inflation falls to a sustainable level, reigniting consumer and business confidence and causing construction activity to pick up. In 2024-25, revenue is expected to edge up by 1.9%. Revenue is forecast to swell at a compound annual rate of 3.5% over the five years through 2029-30 to £20.2 billion. In the short term, income pressures will likely persist, preventing a significant recovery in demand as consumer and business sentiment remains depressed. Nonetheless, government-backed policies aiming to bolster the UK's housing stock will create resilient opportunities for contractors to compete for. The persistent shortage of bricklayers and other skilled workers continues to pose a significant challenge to the industry, but relaxed immigration policies for skilled occupations will assist in bridging this skills gap. Government policy support will persist in the long term, boosting the UK housing supply and creating more income opportunities for bricklayers.

Mortgage Rate in the United Kingdom decreased to 7.09 percent in May from 7.19 percent in April of 2025. This dataset provides - United Kingdom BBA Mortgage Rate- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

The yield on United Kingdom 10Y Bond Yield eased to 4.49% on June 30, 2025, marking a 0.02 percentage point decrease from the previous session. Over the past month, the yield has fallen by 0.18 points, though it remains 0.20 points higher than a year ago, according to over-the-counter interbank yield quotes for this government bond maturity. UK 10 Year Gilt Bond Yield - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.