In June 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 the first half of 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 June 2025. In contrast, Russia maintained a high inflation rate of 9.4 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.

Graph and download economic data for Personal Saving Rate (PSAVERT) from Jan 1959 to Jun 2025 about savings, personal, rate, and USA.

Personal savings in the United States reached a value of 975 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, marking a slight increase compared to 2023. Personal savings peaked in 2020 at nearly 2.7 trillion U.S. dollars. Those figures remained very high until 2021. The excess savings during the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. and other countries were the main reason for that increase, as the measures implemented to contain the spread of the virus had an impact on consumer spending. Saving before and after the 2008 financial crisis During the periods of growth and certain economic stability in the pre-2008 crisis period, there were falling savings rates. People were confident the good times would stay and felt comfortable borrowing money. Credit was easily accessible and widely available, which encouraged people to spend money. However, in times of austerity, people generally tend to their private savings due to a higher economic uncertainty. That was also the case in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. Savings and inflation The economic climate of high inflation and rising Federal Reserve interest rates in the U.S. made it increasingly difficult to save money in 2022. Not only does inflation affect the ability of people to save, but reversely, consumer behavior also affects inflation. On the one hand, prices can increase when the production costs are higher. That can be the case, for example, when the price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil or other raw materials increases. On the other hand, when people have a lot of savings and the economy is strong, high levels of consumer demand can also increase the final price of products.

Real interest rates describe the growth in the real value of the interest on a loan or deposit, adjusted for inflation. Nominal interest rates on the other hand show us the raw interest rate, which is unadjusted for inflation. If the inflation rate in a certain country were zero percent, the real and nominal interest rates would be the same number. As inflation reduces the real value of a loan, however, a positive inflation rate will mean that the nominal interest rate is more likely to be greater than the real interest rate. We can see this in the recent inflationary episode which has taken place in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, with nominal interest rates rising over the course of 2022, but still lagging far behind the rate of inflation, meaning these rate rises register as smaller increases in the real interest rate.

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.

The benchmark interest rate in the United Kingdom was last recorded at 4 percent. This dataset provides - United Kingdom Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Between January 2018 and June 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, and it remained on a slightly upward trajectory in the first half of 2025. 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 statistic shows the inflation rate in India from 1987 to 2024, with projections up until 2030. The inflation rate is calculated using the price increase of a defined product basket. This product basket contains products and services, on which the average consumer spends money throughout the year. They include expenses for groceries, clothes, rent, power, telecommunications, recreational activities and raw materials (e.g. gas, oil), as well as federal fees and taxes. In 2024, the inflation rate in India was around 4.67 percent compared to the previous year. See figures on India's economic growth for additional information. India's inflation rate and economy Inflation is generally defined as the increase of prices of goods and services over a certain period of time, as opposed to deflation, which describes a decrease of these prices. Inflation is a significant economic indicator for a country. The inflation rate is the rate at which the general rise in the level of prices, goods and services in an economy occurs and how it affects the cost of living of those living in a particular country. It influences the interest rates paid on savings and mortgage rates but also has a bearing on levels of state pensions and benefits received. A 4 percent increase in the rate of inflation in 2011 for example would mean an individual would need to spend 4 percent more on the goods he was purchasing than he would have done in 2010. India’s inflation rate has been on the rise over the last decade. However, it has been decreasing slightly since 2010. India’s economy, however, has been doing quite well, with its GDP increasing steadily for years, and its national debt decreasing. The budget balance in relation to GDP is not looking too good, with the state deficit amounting to more than 9 percent of GDP.

The industry has largely continued on its long-term trajectory of decline over the last five years. The industry continues to lose market share to more dynamic commercial banks as well as financial technology companies. The industry received tailwinds from regulations and the real estate market as a result of the recovering economy and low interest rates related to the pandemic at the onset of the period, limiting the industry's overall decline. However, interest rates were raised significantly by the Federal Reserve following the pandemic to tackle rampant inflation, which attracted customers to low-risk and high-yield savings accounts. However, in 2024, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates as inflationary pressures eased and is anticipated to cut rates further in the near future, limiting demand for industry services. Savings institutions' revenue has lagged at a CAGR of 1.4% to $73.2 billion over the past five years, including an expected jump of 0.9% in 2024 alone. The main story of this industry over the last five years has been interest rate fluctuations. The Federal Reserve lowered rates to near-zero to save the economy from the global shutdowns and general fear. Lowered rates reduced interest income from deposits, but increased revenue related to the fervorous real estate market. In 2022, the Federal Reserve reversed course and began hiking rates to control inflation. This had the inverse effects of low rates. The Federal Reserve cut interest rates in 2024 but interest rates remain elevated. Although, reduced rates will decrease interest income from deposits but increase demand from real estate-related financial products. Decreased regulatory oversight and a broad-based economic recovery are expected to drive some industry growth in the next five years. Savings institutions' revenue is expected to grow at a CAGR of 0.9% to $76.7 billion over the five years to 2029.

In the 1st quarter of 2025, personal savings amounted to 3.97 percent of the disposable income in the United States. The personal savings rate peaked in 2020, when U.S. households saved on average over 15 percent of their income. After that, it has remained between three and five percent. Savings during recessions During recessions, households often tend to increase their savings due to economic uncertainty and to compensate for any possible loss of income, which could occur, for example, in the case of falling into unemployment. For example, as seen in this statistic, the savings rate increased noticeably between 2007 and 2012, coinciding with a period of crisis. However, there are also factors that affect the amount of money that households can manage to set aside, such as inflation. Saving can be particularly difficult during periods when the inflation rate has been higher than the growth rates of wages. Savings accounts The value of savings deposits and other checkable deposits in the U.S. amounted to roughly 11 trillion U.S. dollars in early 2025, even after a significant fall in the amount of money placed in those types of instruments. In other words, savings accounts are a type of financial asset that is very widely used among households to save money. Nevertheless, interest rates of savings’ accounts differ a lot from one financial institution to another. Some of the lesser-known online banks had the highest interest rates, while the major banks often offered lower interest rates.

Economic welfare is essential in the modern economy since it directly reflects the standard of living, distribution of resources, and general social satisfaction, which influences individual and social well-being. This study aims to explore the relationship between national income accounting different attributes and the economic welfare in Pakistan. However, this study used data from 1950 to 2022, and data was downloaded from the World Bank data portal. Regression analysis is used to investigate the relationship between them and is very effective in measuring the relationship between endogenous and exogenous variables. Moreover, generalized methods of movement (GMM) are used as the robustness of the regression. Our results show that foreign direct investment outflow, Gross domestic product growth rate, GDP per capita, higher Interest, market capitalization, and population growth have a significant negative on the unemployment rate, indicating the rise in these factors leads to a decrease in the employment rate in Pakistan. Trade and savings have a significant positive impact on the unemployment rate, indicating the rise in these factors leads to an increase in the unemployment rate for various reasons. Moreover, all the factors of national income accounting have a significant positive relationship with life expectancy, indicating that an increase in these factors leads to an increase in economic welfare and life expectancy due to better health facilities, many resources, and correct economic policies. However, foreign direct investment, inflation rate, lending interest rate, and population growth have significant positive effects on age dependency, indicating these factors increase the age dependency. Moreover, GDP growth and GDP per capita negatively impact age dependency. Similarly, all the national income accounting factors have a significant negative relationship with legal rights that leads to decreased legal rights. Moreover, due to better health facilities and health planning, there is a negative significant relationship between national income accounting attributes and motility rate among children. Our study advocated the implications for the policymakers and the government to make policies for the welfare and increase the social factors.

The savings banks sector has developed negatively over the last five years. Since 2019, their turnover, which is made up of interest and commission income, has fallen by an average of 1% per year. The reason for the decline was the phase of low interest rates, which made it difficult for savings banks to generate increasing income in their traditional business. The most recent upturn is due to the European Central Bank's increase in the base rate to combat high inflation in Europe. At the same time, however, the tense global situation, demographic change and continued high inflation are having a negative impact on the industry. Turnover of €40.8 billion is expected for 2024, which corresponds to an increase of 0.8% compared to the previous year.The digitalisation of society is also fundamentally changing the sector. Branches are being closed and staff cut. The number of branches has fallen from over 12,000 in 2013 to around 7,300 in the current year. Companies are increasingly focussing on conducting their business online and using modern technologies. However, the investments associated with the integration of apps and online banking into business processes, as well as the high personnel costs in relation to turnover, have led to a reduction in profit margins in the low-interest phase. The pandemic-related increase in write-downs on non-performing loans and intensified price competition are also likely to have contributed to this. The sector is characterised above all by its strong focus on small and medium-sized enterprises. Savings banks account for a high percentage of loan financing for these companies, but banks from outside the sector, fintechs and other competitors are also pushing into this market. For the next five years, IBISWorld expects sales to increase slightly. The industry's turnover is expected to grow by an average of 0.5% per year during this period, meaning that it is likely to amount to 41.8 billion euros in 2029. How the industry reacts to change will be shown by how the savings banks and Landesbanken deal with new technologies and their use. At the same time, it can be assumed that increasing regulation and the tightening of rules will weaken the positive effects of the key interest rate hike. The number of institutions and branches is likely to continue to decline, as is the number of employees. However, this should have a positive impact on the profitability of the sector.

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.

Cryptocurrency Health Savings Accounts Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global Cryptocurrency Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) market size reached USD 1.43 billion in 2024, reflecting a robust surge in adoption and innovation within the digital health finance sector. The market is experiencing a strong annual growth trajectory, with a CAGR of 32.6% projected from 2025 to 2033. By 2033, the Cryptocurrency HSAs market size is expected to reach USD 17.91 billion, driven by increasing consumer demand for decentralized financial solutions and greater integration of blockchain technology in healthcare savings. This rapid expansion is underpinned by growing awareness of cryptocurrency as a viable asset class for health-related savings, along with a global shift toward digitalization in both healthcare and financial services.

One of the principal growth factors for the Cryptocurrency Health Savings Accounts market is the rising consumer preference for flexible, high-yield savings mechanisms that transcend traditional banking limitations. As healthcare costs continue to rise globally, individuals and families are seeking innovative ways to maximize the value of their health savings. Cryptocurrency HSAs offer unique advantages such as potential appreciation of assets, reduced transaction fees, and cross-border accessibility. These accounts empower users to diversify their savings portfolios, hedge against inflation, and potentially benefit from the long-term growth of digital assets. The integration of blockchain technology also enhances transparency and security, reducing the risk of fraud and administrative overhead associated with conventional health savings accounts.

Another significant driver propelling the growth of the Cryptocurrency HSAs market is the expanding ecosystem of digital asset management platforms and regulatory developments supporting crypto adoption in healthcare finance. Financial institutions and fintech startups are increasingly collaborating to offer compliant, user-friendly cryptocurrency HSA products tailored to diverse consumer needs. The evolution of stablecoins and the emergence of crypto-backed debit cards have further streamlined the process of using digital assets for medical expenses. Additionally, employers are recognizing the value of offering cryptocurrency HSAs as part of their benefits packages, enhancing employee retention and satisfaction. These trends are fostering a competitive landscape that encourages product innovation, improved user experience, and broader market penetration.

The market is also benefiting from the increasing digital literacy and comfort with decentralized finance (DeFi) among younger demographics, particularly millennials and Generation Z. As these cohorts become a larger proportion of the workforce and primary healthcare spenders, their openness to alternative financial products is driving demand for cryptocurrency HSAs. The proliferation of educational resources, online communities, and advisory services focused on crypto health savings is reducing barriers to entry and demystifying the process for new users. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital health and financial solutions, highlighting the need for more resilient, accessible, and borderless savings instruments.

Regionally, North America leads the market, accounting for the largest share due to its advanced fintech infrastructure, favorable regulatory environment, and high rates of cryptocurrency adoption. The United States, in particular, is at the forefront, with several pioneering platforms offering integrated crypto HSA solutions. Europe is following closely, driven by progressive regulatory frameworks and increasing acceptance of digital assets in mainstream finance. Asia Pacific is emerging as a high-growth region, fueled by rapid digitalization, expanding middle-class populations, and government initiatives promoting blockchain technology. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also witnessing gradual uptake, supported by efforts to improve financial inclusion and healthcare access through innovative digital solutions.

Revenue growth for the Finance and Insurance sector has varied in recent years, as a result of differing economic trends. The sector plays a vital role in facilitating necessary financial transactions between consumers, businesses and government agencies. The core services provided by operators in this sector include providing insurance products needed by businesses and consumers to legally operate corporations and assets; offering, borrowing and depository services needed to finance new projects and safely save money; and investing to create and preserve investors' assets. A wide range of operators in the sector benefited from improving macroeconomic conditions over the past five years. For example, In 2022, the Fed increased interest rates in an effort to curb historically high inflation. Although higher interest rates increased investment income from fixed-income securities for the finance and insurance sector. Recently in 2024, the Fed cut interest rates as inflationary pressured have eased. Reduced interest rates will enable consumers to borrow money at lower interest rates which will increase loan demand although reduced rates will hinder investment income from fixed-income securities for the sector. The Fed is anticipated to cut rates further in 2025, boosting loan demand but hindering interest income from each loan. In addition, the growing prevalence of emerging technologies such as AI and data analytic tools has streamlined operations and helped reduce operational costs. These tools help industry companies identify trends and potential risks more efficiently. Also the growth of mobile and digital platforms has increased customer satisfaction and accessibility, boosting demand for finance and insurance products and services. Over the past five years, industry revenue grew at a CAGR of 3.8% to $7.4 trillion, including a 2.9% jump in 2025 alone, with profit climbing to 23.6% in the same year. Sector revenue will increase at a CAGR of 2.5% to $8.4 trillion over the five years to 2030. As the economy continues to improve, per capita disposable income is expected to increase. This will likely lead to increased financial activity by consumers, which will likely be processed and facilitated by operators in the sector. The Federal Reserve is also anticipated to cut interest rates further. Reduced interest rates will reduce interest income for operators but will increase the volume of loans. In addition, the acquisition of financial technology start-ups to compete in a changing technological and financial environment will increase.

The global precious metal accounts market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing investor interest in alternative assets and a desire for wealth preservation amid economic uncertainty. The market, estimated at $15 billion in 2025, is projected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8% from 2025 to 2033, reaching approximately $28 billion by 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors. Firstly, the ongoing inflation in many global economies is driving investors towards precious metals like gold and silver as hedges against inflation and currency devaluation. Secondly, increasing geopolitical instability and economic uncertainty are further boosting demand for safe-haven assets, making precious metal accounts increasingly attractive. The rise of digital platforms offering accessible investment options is also contributing to market expansion. Significant growth is anticipated in regions like North America and Asia-Pacific, reflecting strong economic activity and growing awareness of precious metals' investment potential. However, regulatory changes and fluctuations in precious metal prices pose potential challenges. The market is segmented by application (wealth preservation, tax planning, retirement planning, others) and type (investment accounts, savings accounts, others), offering diverse investment strategies catering to individual investor needs. Key players like IFB Bank, HSBC, and others are shaping the market through product innovation and strategic partnerships. The market segmentation highlights various investment strategies. Wealth preservation accounts dominate the application segment due to the inherent value stability of precious metals. Tax planning accounts are gaining traction as investors seek to optimize their portfolios, while retirement planning accounts offer long-term growth potential. The investment account type is most prevalent, offering flexibility in buying and selling precious metals. The geographical distribution shows strong growth prospects in North America and Asia-Pacific due to robust economies and growing investor sophistication. Europe also remains a substantial market, while the Middle East and Africa present emerging opportunities. Competition is intense among banks and specialized financial institutions, requiring continuous innovation and strategic partnerships to maintain a strong market position. The forecast period anticipates consistent growth, although fluctuating precious metal prices and macroeconomic conditions will inevitably influence market performance.

The benchmark interest rate in Pakistan was last recorded at 11 percent. This dataset provides - Pakistan Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Canada's inflation rate experienced significant fluctuations from 2018 to 2025. Inflation peaked at *** percent in June 2022 before steadily declining to *** percent by December 2024. In early 2025, inflation began to increase again, rising to *** percent in February, and dropping to *** percent in March. In response to rising inflation between 2020 and 2022, the Bank of Canada implemented aggressive interest rate hikes. The bank rate reached a maximum of **** percent in July 2023 and remained stable until June 2024. As inflationary pressures eased in the second half of 2024, the central bank reduced interest rates to *** percent in December 2024. In 2025, the bank rate witnessed two cuts, standing at ***** percent in June 2025. This pattern reflected broader global economic trends, with most advanced and emerging economies experiencing similar inflationary challenges and monetary policy adjustments. Global context of inflation and interest rates The Canadian experience aligns with the broader international trend of central banks raising policy rates to combat inflation. Between 2021 and 2023, nearly all advanced and emerging economies increased their central bank rates. However, a shift occurred in the latter half of 2024, with many countries, including Canada, beginning to lower rates. This change suggests a new phase in the global economic cycle and monetary policy approach. Notably, among surveyed countries, Russia maintained the highest interest rate in early 2025, while Japan had the lowest rate. Comparison with the United States The United States experienced a similar trajectory in inflation and interest rates. U.S. inflation peaked at *** percent in June 2022, slightly higher than Canada's peak. The Federal Reserve responded with a series of rate hikes, reaching **** percent in August 2023. This rate remained unchanged until September 2024, when the first cut since September 2021 was implemented. In contrast, Canada's bank rate peaked at **** percent and began decreasing earlier, with cuts in June and July 2024. These differences highlight the nuanced approaches of central banks in managing their respective economies amid global inflationary pressures.

The building society sector has experienced a negative trend over the last five years. Since 2019, the industry's turnover, which is made up of the interest and commission income of industry players, has fallen by an average of 2.7% per year. In the low interest rate environment in the first half of the five-year period, the conditions offered by building societies were unattractive compared to those of other lenders. Allocated building society loans were not utilised due to their high interest rates, but instead continued to be held as investments, which placed a heavy burden on the earnings situation of building societies.In view of the rapid rise in inflation, the European Central Bank (ECB) raised its key interest rate in 2022 for the first time in a long time. As building interest rates have also risen again as a result, making building loans and other forms of property financing that compete with industry products more expensive, the situation for building societies is expected to improve. In 2024, interest and commission income and thus industry turnover are expected to increase by 0.8% year-on-year to €7.1 billion. Despite this trend reversal, the industry is likely to continue its previous restructuring efforts, in particular by pushing ahead with digitalisation. Building societies will continue to offer loans that are not linked to a home loan and savings contract.The upward trend that began last year is likely to continue over the next five years. IBISWorld expects industry turnover to increase by an average of 0.7% annually during this period and reach €7.4 billion in 2029. However, low interest income from contracts still concluded in the low-interest market is likely to weaken this positive trend and eat into the industry's profit margin.

Isolated by nature, lacking major mineral resources, and punished by several devastating wars, Paraguay is among the lesser developed countries in Latin America. In the early 1980s, macroeconomic management deteriorated as Government policies aggravated the recession that began with the end of the Itaipu hydroelectric construction boom. Balance of payments problems became chronic, foreign debt surged and went into arrears, public finances weakened, inflation accelerated, and the economy stagnated. In a vain attempt to improve the balance of payments, the Government imposed a distortionary system of multiple exchange rates, that fueled corruption and inflation. Since 1989, macroeconomic management has improved dramatically. The exchange rate was unified. Public finances were strengthened, although in 1992 there was a temporary slippage because of a rise in public consumption. Strengthened public finances, plus the ending of the Central Bank's inflationary financing of the multiple exchange rates, eventually curtailed domestic credit growth and led to a sharp drop in inflation. The balance of payments has been strong, albeit increasingly dependent on potentially volatile short term capital inflows. Interest rates on deposits and loans were freed, eliminating the negative effect on financial savings of several years of repressed rates. Tax distortions have been reduced significantly, although collection remains low. The public sector remains small by international standards. To help sustain this strong policy record, the report makes a number of suggestions, the key ones being: to tighten the Central Government~^!!^s wage bill, which has recently been rising rapidly; to make the tax and regulatory systems more transparent and improve enforcement; to keep the public sector small and tax rates low; to make more flexible the exchange rate and interest rates; to encourage increases in interest rates on deposits in local currency; and to limit directed, subsidized credit.