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 other cuts in early 2025, setting the rate at 2.4 percent in April 2025. 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.

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.

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.

Graph and download economic data for ECB Deposit Facility Rate for Euro Area (ECBDFR) from 1999-01-01 to 2025-07-17 about overnight, Euro Area, deposits, Europe, and rate.

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.

European Union BLS: CC: General Level of Interest Rates: Increase data was reported at 7.773 % in Apr 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 6.917 % for Jan 2025. European Union BLS: CC: General Level of Interest Rates: Increase data is updated quarterly, averaging 7.773 % from Apr 2015 (Median) to Apr 2025, with 41 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 26.076 % in Jan 2017 and a record low of 0.020 % in Jan 2023. European Union BLS: CC: General Level of Interest Rates: Increase data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by European Central Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s European Union – Table EU.KB020: European Central Bank: Bank Lending Survey: Factor Affecting Demand for Loans to Household.

Between January 2018 and March 2025, Germany's inflation rate experienced significant volatility. Initially fluctuating between 0.3 and 3.1 percent, the rate escalated dramatically, reaching a peak of 10.4 percent in October 2022. By September 2024, the inflation rate had moderated to 1.6 percent. However, inflation began rising again towards the end of 2024, standing at 2.6 percent in December. Early 2025 saw inflation decrease to 2.2 percent. The European Central Bank (ECB) responded to these inflationary pressures with a series of interest rate adjustments. After maintaining historically low rates, the ECB initiated its first rate hike since March 2016 in July 2022, raising the rate to 0.5 percent. The interest rate continued to increase, stabilizing at 4.5 percent from September 2023 to June 2024. In a notable shift, June 2024 marked the first rate cut during this period. It was followed by a series of rate cuts until the end of the year, with the last cut in 2024 setting the rate at 3.15 percent. Two further cuts were implemented in early 2025, setting the rate at 2.65 percent in March 2025.

Deposit Interest Rate In the Euro Area decreased to 2 percent in June from 2.25 percent in April of 2025. This dataset provides - Euro Area Deposit Interest Rate- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

European Union BLS: CC: General Level of Interest Rates: Unchanged data was reported at 92.095 % in Apr 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 90.957 % for Jan 2025. European Union BLS: CC: General Level of Interest Rates: Unchanged data is updated quarterly, averaging 84.625 % from Apr 2015 (Median) to Apr 2025, with 41 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 97.258 % in Jul 2024 and a record low of 62.269 % in Jan 2023. European Union BLS: CC: General Level of Interest Rates: Unchanged data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by European Central Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s European Union – Table EU.KB020: European Central Bank: Bank Lending Survey: Factor Affecting Demand for Loans to Household.

European Union BLS: HP: General Level of Interest Rates: Somewhat Lower data was reported at 3.690 % in Apr 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 1.226 % for Jan 2025. European Union BLS: HP: General Level of Interest Rates: Somewhat Lower data is updated quarterly, averaging 2.257 % from Apr 2015 (Median) to Apr 2025, with 41 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 62.044 % in Apr 2023 and a record low of 0.000 % in Oct 2021. European Union BLS: HP: General Level of Interest Rates: Somewhat Lower data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by European Central Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s European Union – Table EU.KB020: European Central Bank: Bank Lending Survey: Factor Affecting Demand for Loans to Household.

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.

This dataset provides values for INTEREST RATE reported in several countries. The data includes current values, previous releases, historical highs and record lows, release frequency, reported unit and currency.

European Union BLS: CC: General Level of Interest Rates: Net data was reported at 7.640 % in Apr 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 4.791 % for Jan 2025. European Union BLS: CC: General Level of Interest Rates: Net data is updated quarterly, averaging 7.640 % from Apr 2015 (Median) to Apr 2025, with 41 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 25.245 % in Jan 2017 and a record low of -37.691 % in Jan 2023. European Union BLS: CC: General Level of Interest Rates: Net data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by European Central Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s European Union – Table EU.KB020: European Central Bank: Bank Lending Survey: Factor Affecting Demand for Loans to Household.

The benchmark interest rate in Germany was last recorded at 4.50 percent. This dataset provides - Germany Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

The U.S. federal funds rate peaked in 2023 at its highest level since the 2007-08 financial crisis, reaching 5.33 percent by December 2023. A significant shift in monetary policy occurred in the second half of 2024, with the Federal Reserve implementing regular rate cuts. By December 2024, the rate had declined to 4.48 percent. What is a central bank rate? The federal funds rate determines the cost of overnight borrowing between banks, allowing them to maintain necessary cash reserves and ensure financial system liquidity. When this rate rises, banks become more inclined to hold rather than lend money, reducing the money supply. While this decreased lending slows economic activity, it helps control inflation by limiting the circulation of money in the economy. Historic perspective The federal funds rate historically follows cyclical patterns, falling during recessions and gradually rising during economic recoveries. Some central banks, notably the European Central Bank, went beyond traditional monetary policy by implementing both aggressive asset purchases and negative interest rates.

European Union BLS: HP: General Level of Interest Rates: Considerably Higher data was reported at 3.211 % in Apr 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 2.319 % for Jan 2025. European Union BLS: HP: General Level of Interest Rates: Considerably Higher data is updated quarterly, averaging 1.455 % from Apr 2015 (Median) to Apr 2025, with 41 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5.020 % in Oct 2015 and a record low of 0.000 % in Jul 2024. European Union BLS: HP: General Level of Interest Rates: Considerably Higher data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by European Central Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s European Union – Table EU.KB020: European Central Bank: Bank Lending Survey: Factor Affecting Demand for Loans to Household.

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.

Mortgage interest rates in Europe soared in 2022 and remained elevated in the following two years. In many countries, this resulted in interest rates more than doubling. In the UK, the average mortgage interest rate rose from **** percent in 2020 to **** percent in 2023, before falling to **** in 2024. Why did mortgage interest rates increase? Mortgage rates have risen as a result of the European Central Bank (ECB) interest rate increase. The ECB increased its interest rates to tackle inflation. As inflation calms, the ECB is expected to cut rates, which allows mortgage lenders to reduce mortgage interest rates. What is the impact of interest rates on home buying? Lower interest rates make taking out a housing loan more affordable, and thus, encourage homebuying. That can be seen in many countries across Europe: In France, the number of residential properties sold rose in the years leading up to 2021, and fell as interest rates increased. The number of houses sold in the UK followed a similar trend.

European Union BLS: HP: General Level of Interest Rates: Somewhat Higher data was reported at 53.050 % in Apr 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 46.266 % for Jan 2025. European Union BLS: HP: General Level of Interest Rates: Somewhat Higher data is updated quarterly, averaging 20.050 % from Apr 2015 (Median) to Apr 2025, with 41 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 53.050 % in Apr 2025 and a record low of 0.000 % in Oct 2023. European Union BLS: HP: General Level of Interest Rates: Somewhat Higher data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by European Central Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s European Union – Table EU.KB020: European Central Bank: Bank Lending Survey: Factor Affecting Demand for Loans to Household.

The U.S. federal funds effective rate underwent a dramatic reduction in early 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The rate plummeted from 1.58 percent in February 2020 to 0.65 percent in March, and further decreased to 0.05 percent in April. This sharp reduction, accompanied by the Federal Reserve's quantitative easing program, was implemented to stabilize the economy during the global health crisis. After maintaining historically low rates for nearly two years, the Federal Reserve began a series of rate hikes in early 2022, with the rate moving from 0.33 percent in April 2022 to 5.33 percent in August 2023. The rate remained unchanged for over a year, before the Federal Reserve initiated its first rate cut in nearly three years in September 2024, bringing the rate to 5.13 percent. By December 2024, the rate was cut to 4.48 percent, signaling a shift in monetary policy in the second half of 2024. In January 2025, the Federal Reserve implemented another cut, setting the rate at 4.33 percent, which remained unchanged throughout the following months. What is the federal funds effective rate? The U.S. federal funds effective rate determines the interest rate paid by depository institutions, such as banks and credit unions, that lend reserve balances to other depository institutions overnight. Changing the effective rate in times of crisis is a common way to stimulate the economy, as it has a significant impact on the whole economy, such as economic growth, employment, and inflation. Central bank policy rates The adjustment of interest rates in response to the COVID-19 pandemic was a coordinated global effort. In early 2020, central banks worldwide implemented aggressive monetary easing policies to combat the economic crisis. The U.S. Federal Reserve's dramatic reduction of its federal funds rate - from 1.58 percent in February 2020 to 0.05 percent by April - mirrored similar actions taken by central banks globally. While these low rates remained in place throughout 2021, mounting inflationary pressures led to a synchronized tightening cycle beginning in 2022, with central banks pushing rates to multi-year highs. By mid-2024, as inflation moderated across major economies, central banks began implementing their first rate cuts in several years, with the U.S. Federal Reserve, Bank of England, and European Central Bank all easing monetary policy.