In May 2025, global inflation rates and central bank interest rates showed significant variation across major economies. Most economies initiated interest rate cuts from mid-2024 due to declining inflationary pressures. The U.S., UK, and EU central banks followed a consistent pattern of regular rate reductions throughout late 2024. In early 2025, Russia maintained the highest interest rate at 20 percent, while Japan retained the lowest at 0.5 percent. Varied inflation rates across major economies The inflation landscape varies considerably among major economies. China had the lowest inflation rate at -0.1 percent in May 2025. In contrast, Russia maintained a high inflation rate of 9.9 percent. These figures align with broader trends observed in early 2025, where China had the lowest inflation rate among major developed and emerging economies, while Russia's rate remained the highest. Central bank responses and economic indicators Central banks globally implemented aggressive rate hikes throughout 2022-23 to combat inflation. The European Central Bank exemplified this trend, raising rates from 0 percent in January 2022 to 4.5 percent by September 2023. A coordinated shift among major central banks began in mid-2024, with the ECB, Bank of England, and Federal Reserve initiating rate cuts, with forecasts suggesting further cuts through 2025 and 2026.

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.

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.

From January 2022 to July 2024, a global trend emerged as almost all advanced and emerging economies increased their central bank policy rates. This widespread tightening of monetary policy was in response to inflationary pressures and economic challenges. However, a shift occurred in the latter half of 2024, with most countries beginning to lower their rates, signaling a new phase in the global economic cycle and monetary policy approach. Since September 2023, ****** has consistently held the highest interest rate among the observed countries.

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.

The benchmark interest rate in Sweden was last recorded at 2 percent. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - Sweden Interest Rate - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

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

European Union central banks navigated a complex economic landscape between 2022 and 2025, with interest rates initially rising across member states. However, a pivotal shift occurred in late 2023 as most countries began lowering their rates, reflecting the delicate balance between controlling inflation and supporting economic growth. In the Euro area, the European Central Bank (ECB) led this trend by cutting interest rates from 4.5 percent to 3.15 percent in 2024, implementing four strategic rate reductions throughout the year. This approach was nearly universally adopted, with Poland being the sole EU country not reducing its rates during this period. The ECB continued the series of reductions in early 2025, setting the rate at 2.4 percent in April 2025. Global context and policy shifts The interest rate changes in the EU mirror similar movements in other major economies. The United States, United Kingdom, and European Union central banks followed remarkably similar patterns from 2003 to 2024, responding to shared global economic conditions. After maintaining near-zero rates following the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, these institutions sharply raised rates in 2022 to combat surging inflation. By mid-2024, the European Central Bank and Bank of England initiated rate cuts, with the Federal Reserve following suit. Varied approaches within the EU Despite the overall trend, individual EU countries have adopted diverse strategies. Hungary, for instance, set the highest rate in the EU at 13 percent in September 2023, gradually reducing it to 6.5 percent by September 2024. In contrast, Sweden implemented the most aggressive cuts, lowering its rate to 2.25 percent by February 2025, the lowest among EU members. These divergent approaches highlight the unique economic challenges faced by each country and the flexibility required in monetary policy to address specific national circumstances.

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.

The benchmark interest rate In the Euro Area was last recorded at 2.15 percent. This dataset provides - Euro Area Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Brazil Lending Rate: per Month: Pre-Fixed: Individuals: Mortgages with Market Rates: CIA CFI RCI Brasil data was reported at 0.000 % per Month in 03 Jul 2019. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 % per Month for 02 Jul 2019. Brazil Lending Rate: per Month: Pre-Fixed: Individuals: Mortgages with Market Rates: CIA CFI RCI Brasil data is updated daily, averaging 0.000 % per Month from Jan 2012 (Median) to 03 Jul 2019, with 1817 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.000 % per Month in 03 Jul 2019 and a record low of 0.000 % per Month in 03 Jul 2019. Brazil Lending Rate: per Month: Pre-Fixed: Individuals: Mortgages with Market Rates: CIA CFI RCI Brasil data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Bank of Brazil. The data is categorized under Brazil Premium Database’s Interest and Foreign Exchange Rates – Table BR.MB011: Lending Rate: per Month: by Banks: Pre-Fixed: Individuals: Mortgages with Market Rates. Lending Rate: Daily: Interest rates disclosed represent the total cost of the transaction to the client, also including taxes and operating. These rates correspond to the average fees in the period indicated in the tables. There are presented only institutions that had granted during the period determined. In general, institutions practicing different rates within the same type of credit. Thus, the rate charged to a customer may differ from the average. Several factors such as the time and volume of the transaction, as well as the guarantees offered, explain the differences between interest rates. Certain institutions grant allowance of the use of the term overdraft. However, this is not considered in the calculation of rates of this type. It should be noted that the overdraft is a modality that has high interest rates. Thus, its use should be restricted to short periods. If the customer needs resources for a longer period, should find ways to offer lower rates. The Brazilian Central Bank publishes these data with a delay about 20 days with relation to the reference period, thus allowing sufficient time for all Financial Institutions to deliver the relevant information. Interest rates presented in this set of tables correspond to averages weighted by the values of transactions conducted in the five working days specified in each table. These rates represent the average effective cost of loans to customers, consisting of the interest rates actually charged by financial institutions in their lending operations, increased tax burdens and operational incidents on the operations. The interest rates shown are the average of the rates charged in the various operations performed by financial institutions, in each modality. In one discipline, interest rates may differ between customers of the same financial institution. Interest rates vary according to several factors, such as the value and quality of collateral provided in the operation, the proportion of down payment operation, the history and the registration status of each client, the term of the transaction, among others . Institutions with “zero” did not operate on modalities for those periods or did not provide information to the Central Bank of Brazil. The Central Bank of Brazil assumes no responsibility for delay, error or other deficiency of information provided for purposes of calculating average rates presented in this

The benchmark interest rate in Switzerland was last recorded at 0 percent. This dataset provides - Switzerland Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Brazil Lending Rate: per Month: Post-Fixed: Individuals: Mortgages with Market Rates: BIORC CFI data was reported at 0.000 % per Month in 03 Jul 2019. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 % per Month for 02 Jul 2019. Brazil Lending Rate: per Month: Post-Fixed: Individuals: Mortgages with Market Rates: BIORC CFI data is updated daily, averaging 0.000 % per Month from Jan 2012 (Median) to 03 Jul 2019, with 1867 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.000 % per Month in 03 Jul 2019 and a record low of 0.000 % per Month in 03 Jul 2019. Brazil Lending Rate: per Month: Post-Fixed: Individuals: Mortgages with Market Rates: BIORC CFI data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Bank of Brazil. The data is categorized under Brazil Premium Database’s Interest and Foreign Exchange Rates – Table BR.MB021: Lending Rate: per Month: by Banks: Post-Fixed: Individuals: Mortgages with Market Rates. Lending Rate: Daily: Interest rates disclosed represent the total cost of the transaction to the client, also including taxes and operating. These rates correspond to the average fees in the period indicated in the tables. There are presented only institutions that had granted during the period determined. In general, institutions practicing different rates within the same type of credit. Thus, the rate charged to a customer may differ from the average. Several factors such as the time and volume of the transaction, as well as the guarantees offered, explain the differences between interest rates. Certain institutions grant allowance of the use of the term overdraft. However, this is not considered in the calculation of rates of this type. It should be noted that the overdraft is a modality that has high interest rates. Thus, its use should be restricted to short periods. If the customer needs resources for a longer period, should find ways to offer lower rates. The Brazilian Central Bank publishes these data with a delay about 20 days with relation to the reference period, thus allowing sufficient time for all Financial Institutions to deliver the relevant information. Interest rates presented in this set of tables correspond to averages weighted by the values of transactions conducted in the five working days specified in each table. These rates represent the average effective cost of loans to customers, consisting of the interest rates actually charged by financial institutions in their lending operations, increased tax burdens and operational incidents on the operations. The interest rates shown are the average of the rates charged in the various operations performed by financial institutions, in each modality. In one discipline, interest rates may differ between customers of the same financial institution. Interest rates vary according to several factors, such as the value and quality of collateral provided in the operation, the proportion of down payment operation, the history and the registration status of each client, the term of the transaction, among others . Institutions with “zero” did not operate on modalities for those periods or did not provide information to the Central Bank of Brazil. The Central Bank of Brazil assumes no responsibility for delay, error or other deficiency of information provided for purposes of calculating average rates presented in this

The benchmark interest rate in Czech Republic was last recorded at 3.50 percent. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - Czech Republic Interest Rate - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

Brazil Lending Rate: per Month: Post-Fixed: Individuals: Mortgages with Market Rates: Portoseg S.A. Credito Financiamento e Investimento data was reported at 0.000 % per Month in 03 Jul 2019. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 % per Month for 02 Jul 2019. Brazil Lending Rate: per Month: Post-Fixed: Individuals: Mortgages with Market Rates: Portoseg S.A. Credito Financiamento e Investimento data is updated daily, averaging 0.000 % per Month from Jan 2012 (Median) to 03 Jul 2019, with 1867 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.000 % per Month in 03 Jul 2019 and a record low of 0.000 % per Month in 03 Jul 2019. Brazil Lending Rate: per Month: Post-Fixed: Individuals: Mortgages with Market Rates: Portoseg S.A. Credito Financiamento e Investimento data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Bank of Brazil. The data is categorized under Brazil Premium Database’s Interest and Foreign Exchange Rates – Table BR.MB021: Lending Rate: per Month: by Banks: Post-Fixed: Individuals: Mortgages with Market Rates. Lending Rate: Daily: Interest rates disclosed represent the total cost of the transaction to the client, also including taxes and operating. These rates correspond to the average fees in the period indicated in the tables. There are presented only institutions that had granted during the period determined. In general, institutions practicing different rates within the same type of credit. Thus, the rate charged to a customer may differ from the average. Several factors such as the time and volume of the transaction, as well as the guarantees offered, explain the differences between interest rates. Certain institutions grant allowance of the use of the term overdraft. However, this is not considered in the calculation of rates of this type. It should be noted that the overdraft is a modality that has high interest rates. Thus, its use should be restricted to short periods. If the customer needs resources for a longer period, should find ways to offer lower rates. The Brazilian Central Bank publishes these data with a delay about 20 days with relation to the reference period, thus allowing sufficient time for all Financial Institutions to deliver the relevant information. Interest rates presented in this set of tables correspond to averages weighted by the values of transactions conducted in the five working days specified in each table. These rates represent the average effective cost of loans to customers, consisting of the interest rates actually charged by financial institutions in their lending operations, increased tax burdens and operational incidents on the operations. The interest rates shown are the average of the rates charged in the various operations performed by financial institutions, in each modality. In one discipline, interest rates may differ between customers of the same financial institution. Interest rates vary according to several factors, such as the value and quality of collateral provided in the operation, the proportion of down payment operation, the history and the registration status of each client, the term of the transaction, among others . Institutions with “zero” did not operate on modalities for those periods or did not provide information to the Central Bank of Brazil. The Central Bank of Brazil assumes no responsibility for delay, error or other deficiency of information provided for purposes of calculating average rates presented in this

The benchmark interest rate in China was last recorded at 3 percent. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - China Interest Rate - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

The benchmark interest rate in Mexico was last recorded at 8 percent. This dataset provides - Mexico Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

The benchmark interest rate in Brazil was last recorded at 15 percent. This dataset provides - Brazil Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

As of January 2025, the Bank of Israel's declared interest rate was *** percent. This was following the Bank's decision to reduce its declared rate by one quarter of a point in January 2024. Between ********** and *************, the country went through a period of rate hikes in an effort to curb inflation. During the observed period, interest rates in Israel peaked at ** percent in ************* and *********. Following the global financial crisis between 2008 and 2011, rates were reduced to near-zero levels until **********.

Brazil Lending Rate: per Month: Pre-Fixed: Individuals: Purchase Other Goods: Deutsche Bank S.A. - Banco Alemao data was reported at 0.000 % per Month in 03 Jul 2019. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 % per Month for 02 Jul 2019. Brazil Lending Rate: per Month: Pre-Fixed: Individuals: Purchase Other Goods: Deutsche Bank S.A. - Banco Alemao data is updated daily, averaging 0.000 % per Month from Jan 2012 (Median) to 03 Jul 2019, with 1867 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.000 % per Month in 03 Jul 2019 and a record low of 0.000 % per Month in 03 Jul 2019. Brazil Lending Rate: per Month: Pre-Fixed: Individuals: Purchase Other Goods: Deutsche Bank S.A. - Banco Alemao data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Bank of Brazil. The data is categorized under Brazil Premium Database’s Interest and Foreign Exchange Rates – Table BR.MB002: Lending Rate: per Month: by Banks: Pre-Fixed: Individuals: Purchase Other Goods. Lending Rate: Daily: Interest rates disclosed represent the total cost of the transaction to the client, also including taxes and operating. These rates correspond to the average fees in the period indicated in the tables. There are presented only institutions that had granted during the period determined. In general, institutions practicing different rates within the same type of credit. Thus, the rate charged to a customer may differ from the average. Several factors such as the time and volume of the transaction, as well as the guarantees offered, explain the differences between interest rates. Certain institutions grant allowance of the use of the term overdraft. However, this is not considered in the calculation of rates of this type. It should be noted that the overdraft is a modality that has high interest rates. Thus, its use should be restricted to short periods. If the customer needs resources for a longer period, should find ways to offer lower rates. The Brazilian Central Bank publishes these data with a delay about 20 days with relation to the reference period, thus allowing sufficient time for all Financial Institutions to deliver the relevant information. Interest rates presented in this set of tables correspond to averages weighted by the values of transactions conducted in the five working days specified in each table. These rates represent the average effective cost of loans to customers, consisting of the interest rates actually charged by financial institutions in their lending operations, increased tax burdens and operational incidents on the operations. The interest rates shown are the average of the rates charged in the various operations performed by financial institutions, in each modality. In one discipline, interest rates may differ between customers of the same financial institution. Interest rates vary according to several factors, such as the value and quality of collateral provided in the operation, the proportion of down payment operation, the history and the registration status of each client, the term of the transaction, among others . Institutions with “zero” did not operate on modalities for those periods or did not provide information to the Central Bank of Brazil. The Central Bank of Brazil assumes no responsibility for delay, error or other deficiency of information provided for purposes of calculating average rates presented in this