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.

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 the first half of 2025, setting the rate at 2.15 percent in June 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.

Graph and download economic data for ECB Deposit Facility Rate for Euro Area (ECBDFR) from 1999-01-01 to 2025-12-02 about overnight, Euro Area, deposits, Europe, and rate.

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. Moreover, 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 2.15 percent by October 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 October 2025, the United States had the highest 10-year government bond yield among developed economies at 4.09 percent, while Switzerland had the lowest at 0.27 percent. These rates serve as important benchmarks for borrowing costs and economic expectations worldwide.

In June 2024, the European Central Bank (ECB) reduced the interest rate on its marginal lending facility by 0.25 percentage points, marking the first cut since 2016. Three months later, the ECB implemented another cut, setting the rate at 3.9 percent. It was followed by two further cuts at the end of 2024 and four more in the first half of 2025, the latest one setting the rate at 2.4 percent. The marginal lending rate had previously been adjusted on March 16, 2016, when it was lowered from 0.3 percent to 0.25 percent, remaining unchanged until July 2022, when it was raised to 0.75 percent. After September 2022, the rate saw regular increases, reaching 4.75 percent by April 2024.

Deposit Interest Rate In the Euro Area remained unchanged at 2 percent in October. This dataset provides - Euro Area Deposit Interest Rate- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Graph and download economic data for ECB Main Refinancing Operations Rate: Fixed Rate Tenders for Euro Area (ECBMRRFR) from 1999-01-01 to 2025-12-02 about operating, liquidity, Euro Area, fixed, Europe, and rate.

In June 2024, the European Central Bank (ECB) lowered its deposit facility interest rate for the first time in over two years, marking a shift in its monetary policy stance. This move was followed by a gradual adjustment, with the rate reaching 3.25 percent six months later. By December 2024, the ECB had implemented an additional rate cut, bringing the rate down to three percent. In the first half of 2025, the ECB implemented four further cuts, setting the rate at two percent in June 2025. These reductions came after a prolonged period of steady rate increases, signaling a measured response to evolving economic conditions and a potential recalibration of its approach to support growth and stability.

Graph and download economic data for ECB Marginal Lending Facility Rate for Euro Area (ECBMLFR) from 1999-01-01 to 2025-12-02 about margin, overnight, Euro Area, Europe, loans, and rate.

Key information about European Union Long Term Interest Rate

• European Union Government Bond Yield: Monthly Average: Euro: 10 Years was reported at 3.14 % pa in Nov 2025, compared with 3.12 % pa in the previous month.
• EU Long Term Interest Rate data is updated monthly, available from Jan 1970 to Nov 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 2.15 % pa in Nov 2025.
• EU Exchange Rate against USD averaged 0.86 (USD/EUR) in Oct 2025.

Central Bank Balance Sheet In the Euro Area decreased to 6152427 EUR Million in November 21 from 6157668 EUR Million in the previous week. This dataset provides - Euro Area Central Bank Balance Sheet - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

In September 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 September 2025, Russia maintained the highest interest rate at 17 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 -0.3 percent in September 2025. In contrast, Russia maintained a high inflation rate of 8 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.

Lending Rate In the Euro Area remained unchanged at 2.40 percent in October. This dataset provides - Euro Area Lending Rate- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

View daily updates and historical trends for Euro Short-Term Rate. from Eurozone. Source: European Central Bank. Track economic data with YCharts analytic…

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 2025, 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 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.

View monthly updates and historical trends for Netherlands Long Term Interest Rate. Source: European Central Bank. Track economic data with YCharts analyt…

Key information about France Long Term Interest Rate

• France Long Term Interest Rate: Month Avg: France: ECB Harmonised was reported at 3.44 % pa in Oct 2025, compared with 3.51 % pa in the previous month.
• France Long Term Interest Rate data is updated monthly, available from Jan 1986 to Oct 2025.
• The data reached an all-time high of 10.70 % pa in Oct 1987 and a record low of -0.34 % pa in Dec 2020.
• Long Term Interest Rate is reported by reported by CEIC Data.

• In the latest reports, France 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 2.15 % pa in Nov 2025.
• France Exchange Rate against USD averaged 0.86 (USD/EUR) in Oct 2025.

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.

Key information about Spain Long Term Interest Rate

• Spain Long Term Interest Rate: Month Avg: Spain: ECB Harmonised was reported at 3.15 % pa in Oct 2025, compared with 3.26 % pa in the previous month.
• Spain Long Term Interest Rate data is updated monthly, available from Nov 1991 to Oct 2025.
• The data reached an all-time high of 517.90 % pa in Oct 2016 and a record low of 137.40 % pa in Mar 2020.
• Long Term Interest Rate is reported by reported by CEIC Data.

• In the latest reports, Spain 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 2.15 % pa in Nov 2025.
• Spain Exchange Rate against USD averaged 0.86 (USD/EUR) in Oct 2025.

View monthly updates and historical trends for United Kingdom Long Term Interest Rate (DISCONTINUED). Source: European Central Bank. Track economic data w…