In April 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 21 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 April 2025. In contrast, Russia maintained a high inflation rate of 10.2 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 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, potentially signaling a new phase in the global economic cycle and monetary policy approach.

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. 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.

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.

Lombard Repo Rate: Central Bank of Armenia data was reported at 8.250 % pa in Apr 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 8.250 % pa for Mar 2025. Lombard Repo Rate: Central Bank of Armenia data is updated monthly, averaging 9.875 % pa from May 2001 (Median) to Apr 2025, with 288 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 40.000 % pa in Sep 2001 and a record low of 5.750 % pa in Nov 2020. Lombard Repo Rate: Central Bank of Armenia data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Bank of Armenia. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Armenia – Table AM.M001: Central Bank Interest Rates.

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.

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.

China Central Bank Benchmark Interest Rate: Loan to FI: 1 Year data was reported at 3.500 % pa in 18 May 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 3.500 % pa for 17 May 2025. China Central Bank Benchmark Interest Rate: Loan to FI: 1 Year data is updated daily, averaging 3.500 % pa from Jan 1987 (Median) to 18 May 2025, with 14018 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3.850 % pa in 23 Oct 2015 and a record low of 3.500 % pa in 18 May 2025. China Central Bank Benchmark Interest Rate: Loan to FI: 1 Year data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by The People's Bank of China. The data is categorized under High Frequency Database’s Lending Rates – Table CN.MA: Rediscount and Lending Rate.

India Key Interest Rate: Central Banks data was reported at 5.250 % in Dec 2026. This stayed constant from the previous number of 5.250 % for Sep 2026. India Key Interest Rate: Central Banks data is updated quarterly, averaging 6.500 % from Sep 2001 (Median) to Dec 2026, with 102 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 9.000 % in Sep 2008 and a record low of 4.000 % in Mar 2022. India Key Interest Rate: Central Banks data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s India – Table IN.OECD.EO: Interest Rate: Forecast: Non OECD Member: Quarterly.

Slovenia ECB Interest Rate: Marginal Lending Facility data was reported at 2.650 % pa in Apr 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 2.900 % pa for Mar 2025. Slovenia ECB Interest Rate: Marginal Lending Facility data is updated monthly, averaging 2.125 % pa from Jan 1999 (Median) to Apr 2025, with 316 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5.750 % pa in Apr 2001 and a record low of 0.250 % pa in Jun 2022. Slovenia ECB Interest Rate: Marginal Lending Facility data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by European Central Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Slovenia – Table SI.M001: Key Interest Rates: European Central Bank.

Brazil's inflation rate and central bank interest rate have experienced significant fluctuations from 2018 to 2025, reflecting broader global economic trends. The country's inflation peaked at ***** percent in April 2020, followed by a gradual decline and subsequent rise, while the central bank adjusted its Selic rate in response to these economic dynamics. This pattern of volatility and monetary policy adjustments mirrors similar experiences in other major economies during the same period. Global context of inflation and interest rates Brazil's economic indicators align with the global trend of rising inflation and subsequent central bank responses observed in many countries. Like Brazil, other major economies such as the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union implemented aggressive rate hikes throughout 2022-2023 to combat inflationary pressures. However, a coordinated shift began in mid-2024, with many central banks initiating rate cuts. This global trend is reflected in Brazil's monetary policy decisions, as the country began reducing its Selic rate in August 2023 after maintaining it at ***** percent for several months. Comparison with other economies While Brazil's inflation rate reached **** percent in April 2025, other major economies exhibited varying levels of inflationary pressure. For instance, China reported a deflationary rate of **** percent, while Russia maintained a high inflation rate of **** percent during the same period. The United Kingdom, which experienced similar volatility in its inflation rate, saw it peak at *** percent in October 2022 before moderating to *** percent by September 2024. These comparisons highlight the diverse economic conditions and policy responses across different countries, with Brazil's experience falling somewhere in the middle of this spectrum.

Key information about Germany Long Term Interest Rate

• Germany Long Term Interest Rate: Month Avg: Germany: ECB Harmonised was reported at 2.41 % pa in Feb 2025, compared with 2.48 % pa in the previous month.
• Germany Long Term Interest Rate data is updated monthly, available from Jan 1990 to Feb 2025.
• The data reached an all-time high of 9.09 % pa in Oct 1990 and a record low of -0.65 % pa in Aug 2019.
• Long Term Interest Rate is reported by reported by CEIC Data.

• In the latest reports, Germany Short Term Interest Rate: Month End: EURIBOR: 3 Months was reported at -0.57 % pa in Nov 2021.
• The cash rate (Policy Rate: Month End: Main Refinancing Operations) was set at 2.90 % pa in Feb 2025.
• Germany Exchange Rate against USD averaged 0.92 (USD/EUR) in Jun 2023.

Netherlands - Debt sec, interest rate-linked, issued by central bank, in all markets at all original maturities denominated in all currencies at nominal value stocks

Slovakia - Debt sec, interest rate-linked, issued by central bank, in all markets at all original maturities denominated in all currencies at nominal value stocks

Ireland ECB Interest Rate: Marginal Lending Facility data was reported at 2.650 % pa in Apr 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 2.900 % pa for Mar 2025. Ireland ECB Interest Rate: Marginal Lending Facility data is updated monthly, averaging 2.125 % pa from Jan 1999 (Median) to Apr 2025, with 316 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5.750 % pa in Apr 2001 and a record low of 0.250 % pa in Jun 2022. Ireland ECB Interest Rate: Marginal Lending Facility data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by European Central Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Ireland – Table IE.M001: Key Interest Rates: European Central Bank.

Loans Default Interest Rate data was reported at 13.000 % pa in Sep 2018. This stayed constant from the previous number of 13.000 % pa for Aug 2018. Loans Default Interest Rate data is updated monthly, averaging 14.000 % pa from Dec 2005 (Median) to Sep 2018, with 154 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 19.500 % pa in Jan 2010 and a record low of 13.000 % pa in Sep 2018. Loans Default Interest Rate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Macedonia – Table MK.M002: Central Bank Interest Rates.

Central banks worldwide bought a record ****** tonnes of gold in the third quarter of 2022, as they looked for safe investment havens. Gold prices were relatively low during the end of 2022, making it easy for central banks to stock up gold reserves. Demand remained high in the first quarter of 2025, however. The United States, Germany, and Italy made up the top three of countries with the highest gold reserves in the world.

Madagascar MG: External Debt: Average Interest on New External Debt Commitments: Official data was reported at 0.872 % in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 0.493 % for 2015. Madagascar MG: External Debt: Average Interest on New External Debt Commitments: Official data is updated yearly, averaging 1.165 % from Dec 1970 (Median) to 2016, with 47 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 6.012 % in 1983 and a record low of 0.000 % in 2010. Madagascar MG: External Debt: Average Interest on New External Debt Commitments: Official data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Madagascar – Table MG.World Bank: External Debt: Terms and Undisbursed Debt. Interest represents the average interest rate on all new public and publicly guaranteed loans contracted during the year. To obtain the average, the interest rates for all public and publicly guaranteed loans have been weighted by the amounts of the loans. Debt from official creditors includes loans from international organizations (multilateral loans) and loans from governments (bilateral loans). Loans from international organization include loans and credits from the World Bank, regional development banks, and other multilateral and intergovernmental agencies. Excluded are loans from funds administered by an international organization on behalf of a single donor government; these are classified as loans from governments. Government loans include loans from governments and their agencies (including central banks), loans from autonomous bodies, and direct loans from official export credit agencies.; ; World Bank, International Debt Statistics.; Weighted average;

China Central Bank Benchmark Interest Rate: Loan to FI: 6 Month or Less data was reported at 3.400 % pa in 18 May 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 3.400 % pa for 17 May 2025. China Central Bank Benchmark Interest Rate: Loan to FI: 6 Month or Less data is updated daily, averaging 3.400 % pa from Apr 1991 (Median) to 18 May 2025, with 12447 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3.750 % pa in 23 Oct 2015 and a record low of 3.400 % pa in 18 May 2025. China Central Bank Benchmark Interest Rate: Loan to FI: 6 Month or Less data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by The People's Bank of China. The data is categorized under High Frequency Database’s Lending Rates – Table CN.MA: Rediscount and Lending Rate.

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.