Since its introduction in October 2019, the Euro Short-Term Rate (€STR) has remained constant at between -0.51 and -0.59 percent until the second half 2022. Since then, it increased, peaking at 3.9 between the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024. As of January 2025, the rate stood at 2.92 percent. The €STR is an interest rate benchmark designed to replace the Euro OverNight Index Average (EOIA), adopting a different calculation methodology that returns significantly lower rates. It is intended that the EOIA will be discontinued from January 3, 2022. How is the Euro Short-Term Rate calculated? The €STR uses transaction data included in daily reporting on monetary exchanges from the 52 largest eurozone banks to calculate the average interests rate attached to loans throughout a business day. Only unsecured loans are included, as the rate on secured loans would be affected by the type of underlying collateral. Several key respects distinguish the €STR from alternative benchmarks like the EOIA, and the London Intrabank Offered Rate (LIBOR). First, the €STR is based on transaction data alone, whereas the LIBOR asking major banks directly what rate they would charge other banks for short terms loans. The second main difference is that, by considering money market transactions rather than only intrabank lending (like the EOIA and LIBOR), the €STR incorporates the role of other major actors like money market funds, insurance companies, and other financial corporations. Difference between €STR and EURIBOR The Euro Interbank Offered Rate (EURIBOR) is the other main reference interest rate governing eurozone lending. The EURIBOR differs from €STR though as it is based on a survey of the interest rates a panel of major banks would offer other major banks for interbank term deposits. There are therefore different reference rates published for different maturities, for example the EURIBOR one month rate, the EURIBOR six month rate, and the EURIBOR 12 month rate. In contrast, the €STR is intended to track the cost of overnight borrowing.

Key information about European Union Long Term Interest Rate

• European Union Government Bond Yield: Monthly Average: Euro: 10 Years was reported at 2.99 % pa in Feb 2025, compared with 3.09 % pa in the previous month.
• EU Long Term Interest Rate data is updated monthly, available from Jan 1970 to Feb 2025.
• The data reached an all-time high of 15.44 % pa in Sep 1981 and a record low of -0.09 % pa in Dec 2020.
• Long Term Interest Rate is reported by reported by European Central Bank.

• In the latest reports, EU 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.
• EU Exchange Rate against USD averaged 0.92 (USD/EUR) in Jun 2023.

The benchmark interest rate In the Euro Area was last recorded at 2.65 percent. This dataset provides - Euro Area Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Key information about European Union Short Term Interest Rate

• European Union Short Term Interest Rate: Month End: EURIBOR: 3 Months was reported at -0.57 % pa in Nov 2021, compared with -0.55 % pa in the previous month.
• EU Short Term Interest Rate data is updated monthly, available from Dec 1998 to Nov 2021.
• The data reached an all-time high of 5.28 % pa in Sep 2008 and a record low of -0.57 % pa in Nov 2021.
• Short Term Interest Rate is reported by reported by European Money Markets Institute.

• In the latest reports, EU Government Bond Yield: Monthly Average: Euro: 10 Years was reported at 2.90 % pa in Jan 2024.
• The cash rate (Policy Rate: Month End: Main Refinancing Operations) was set at 4.50 % pa in Jan 2024.
• EU Exchange Rate against USD averaged 0.92 (USD/EUR) in Jun 2023.

From 2010 to 2017, Australia had the highest short-term interest rate among selected countries worldwide. Afterward, its rates became more aligned with those of Canada and the United States. The lowest short-term interest rates during this period were found in the Euro area and Japan, as well as in the United States until 2015, where rates remained below 1 percent. In 2021, all regions except Japan experienced a decrease in interest rates. However, in the following years, rates increased again to between 3 and 5 percent, with the exception of Japan, which maintained an interest rate close to zero.

Graph and download economic data for Interest Rates: Long-Term Government Bond Yields: 10-Year: Main (Including Benchmark) for Euro Area (19 Countries) from Jan 1970 to Feb 2025 about long-term, Euro Area, 10-year, Europe, bonds, yield, government, interest rate, interest, and rate.

In June 2024, the European Central Bank (ECB) began reducing its fixed interest rate for the first time since 2016, implementing a series of cuts. The rate decreased from 4.5 percent to 3.15 percent by year-end: a 0.25 percentage point cut in June, followed by additional reductions in September, October, and December. The central bank implemented another cut in early 2025, setting the rate at 2.9 percent. This marked a significant shift from the previous rate hike cycle, which began in July 2022 when the ECB raised rates to 0.5 percent and subsequently increased them almost monthly, reaching 4.5 percent by December 2023 - the highest level since the 2007-2008 global financial crisis. How does this ensure liquidity? Banks typically hold only a fraction of their capital in cash, measured by metrics like the Tier 1 capital ratio. Since this ratio is low, banks prefer to allocate most of their capital to revenue-generating loans. When their cash reserves fall too low, banks borrow from the ECB to cover short-term liquidity needs. On the other hand, commercial banks can also deposit excess funds with the ECB at a lower interest rate. Reasons for fluctuations
The ECB’s primary mandate is to maintain price stability. The Euro area inflation rate is, in theory, the key indicator guiding the ECB's actions. When the fixed interest rate is lower, commercial banks are more likely to borrow from the ECB, increasing the money supply and, in turn, driving inflation higher. When inflation rises, the ECB increases the fixed interest rate, which slows borrowing and helps to reduce inflation.

Graph and download economic data for Euro Short-Term Rate: Volume-Weighted Trimmed Mean Rate (ECBESTRVOLWGTTRMDMNRT) from 2019-10-01 to 2025-03-26 about volume, trimmed mean, interbank, Euro Area, Europe, average, and rate.

Key information about Germany Long Term Interest Rate

• Germany Long Term Interest Rate: Month Avg: Germany: ECB Harmonised was reported at 2.18 % pa in Dec 2024, compared with 2.31 % pa in the previous month.
• Germany Long Term Interest Rate data is updated monthly, available from Jan 1990 to Dec 2024.
• 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 3.15 % pa in Dec 2024.
• Germany Exchange Rate against USD averaged 0.92 (USD/EUR) in Jun 2023.

Key information about France Short Term Interest Rate

• France Short Term Interest Rate: Month End: EURIBOR: 3 Months was reported at -0.57 % pa in Nov 2021, compared with -0.55 % pa in the previous month.
• France Short Term Interest Rate data is updated monthly, available from Dec 1998 to Nov 2021.
• The data reached an all-time high of 5.28 % pa in Sep 2008 and a record low of -0.57 % pa in Nov 2021.
• Short Term Interest Rate is reported by reported by European Money Markets Institute.

• In the latest reports, France Long Term Interest Rate: Month Avg: France: ECB Harmonised was reported at 2.85 % pa in Feb 2024.
• The cash rate (Policy Rate: Month End: Main Refinancing Operations) was set at 4.50 % pa in Apr 2024.
• France Exchange Rate against USD averaged 0.92 (USD/EUR) in Jun 2023.

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 June 2024, the United States had the highest 10-year government bond yield among developed economies at 4.09 percent, while Switzerland had the lowest at 0.69 percent. These rates serve as important benchmarks for borrowing costs and economic expectations worldwide.

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.

Key information about Austria Short Term Interest Rate

• Austria Short Term Interest Rate: Month End: EURIBOR: 3 Months was reported at -0.57 % pa in Nov 2021, compared with -0.55 % pa in the previous month.
• Austria Short Term Interest Rate data is updated monthly, available from Dec 1998 to Nov 2021.
• The data reached an all-time high of 5.28 % pa in Sep 2008 and a record low of -0.57 % pa in Nov 2021.
• Short Term Interest Rate is reported by reported by European Money Markets Institute.

• In the latest reports, Austria Long Term Interest Rate: Month Avg: Austria: ECB Harmonised was reported at 3.05 % pa in Jun 2023.
• The cash rate (Policy Rate: Month End: Main Refinancing Operations) was set at 4.00 % pa in Jul 2023.
• Austria Exchange Rate against USD averaged 0.92 (USD/EUR) in Jun 2023.

As of July 2024, Estonia was the euro area country with the highest interest rate for loans. The long-term maturities in that Baltic country were on average over 8.64 percent. Meanwhile, the composite cost for short-term loans in the Netherlands amounted to 4.43 percent, which was the lowest rate in the Eurozone.

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 5.38 percent at the end of 2023, the European Central Bank deposit rate at four percent, and the Swiss National Bank policy rate at 1.75 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 3.5 percent, the ECB refi rate to 2.65 percent, the Bank of England bank rate to 3.33 percent, and the Swiss National Bank policy rate to 0.75 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.

We examine the transmission of monetary policy to bank interest rates in the euro area, using a rolling estimation. The results, using various fixations for the Euribor rate and different maturities for bond yields, suggest that the pass through of policy rates to bank interest rates was relatively stable prior to the use of unconventional monetary policy measures. After the use of unconventional policies, the pass-through multiplier from the Euribor rate and the short-term bonds increased, while the pass-through from longer-term bonds markedly decreased. It appears that unconventional monetary policy operations allow for bank lending rates to further decline, which could lead to higher lending, with potential financial stability issues arising. In addition to the excess liquidity created by asset purchases, factors such as credit risk and house price growth also appear to impact the pass through.

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

Key information about Slovenia Short Term Interest Rate

• Slovenia Short Term Interest Rate: Month End: EURIBOR: 3 Months was reported at -0.57 % pa in Nov 2021, compared with -0.55 % pa in the previous month.
• Slovenia Short Term Interest Rate data is updated monthly, available from Dec 1998 to Nov 2021.
• The data reached an all-time high of 5.28 % pa in Sep 2008 and a record low of -0.57 % pa in Nov 2021.
• Short Term Interest Rate is reported by reported by European Money Markets Institute.

• In the latest reports, Slovenia Long Term Interest Rate: Month Avg: Slovenia: ECB Harmonised was reported at 3.20 % pa in Mar 2024.
• The cash rate (Policy Rate: Month End: Main Refinancing Operations) was set at 4.50 % pa in Apr 2024.
• Slovenia Exchange Rate against USD averaged 0.92 (USD/EUR) in Jun 2023.

Key information about Luxembourg Short Term Interest Rate

• Luxembourg Short Term Interest Rate: Month End: EURIBOR: 3 Months was reported at -0.57 % pa in Nov 2021, compared with -0.55 % pa in the previous month.
• Luxembourg Short Term Interest Rate data is updated monthly, available from Dec 1998 to Nov 2021.
• The data reached an all-time high of 5.28 % pa in Sep 2008 and a record low of -0.57 % pa in Nov 2021.
• Short Term Interest Rate is reported by reported by European Money Markets Institute.

• In the latest reports, Luxembourg Long Term Interest Rate: Month Avg: Luxembourg: ECB Harmonised was reported at 3.16 % pa in Sep 2023.
• The cash rate (Policy Rate: Month End: Main Refinancing Operations) was set at 4.50 % pa in Sep 2023.
• Luxembourg Exchange Rate against USD averaged 0.92 (USD/EUR) in Jun 2023.

The long-term interest rate on government debt is a key indicator of the economic health of a country. The rate reflects financial market actors' perceptions of the creditworthiness of the government and the health of the domestic economy, with a strong and robust economic outlook allowing governments to borrow for essential investments in their economies, thereby boosting long-term growth.

The Euro and converging interest rates in the early 2000s

In the case of many Eurozone countries, the early 2000s were a time where this virtuous cycle of economic growth reduced the interest rates they paid on government debt to less than 5 percent, a dramatic change from the pre-Euro era of the 1990s. With the outbreak of the Global Financial Crisis and the subsequent deep recession, however, the economies of Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Ireland were seen to be much weaker than previously assumed by lenders. Interest rates on their debt gradually began to rise during the crisis, before rapidly increasing beginning in 2010, as first Greece and then Ireland and Portugal lost the faith of financial markets.

The Eurozone crisis

This market adjustment was initially triggered due to revelations by the Greek government that the country's budget deficit was much larger than had been previously expected, with investors seeing the country as an unreliable debtor. The crisis, which became known as the Eurozone crisis, spread to Ireland and then Portugal, as lenders cut-off lending to highly indebted Eurozone members with weak fundamentals. During this period there was also intense speculation that due to unsustainable debt loads, some countries would have to leave the Euro currency area, further increasing the interest on their debt. Interest rates on their debt began to come back down after ECB Chief Mario Draghi signaled to markets that the central bank would intervene to keep the states within the currency area in his famous "whatever it takes" speech in Summer 2012.

The return of higher interest rates in the post-COVID era

Since this period of extremely high interest rates on government debt for these member states, the interest they are charged for borrowing has shrunk considerably, as the financial markets were flooded with "cheap money" due to the policy measures of central banks in the aftermath of the financial crisis, such as near-zero policy rates and quantitative easing. As interest rates have risen to combat inflation since 2022, so have the interest rates on government debt in the Eurozone also risen, however, these rises are modest compared to during the Eurozone crisis.