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. The first rate cut in 2025 then set the rate at 4.33 percent. 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.

Graph and download economic data for St. Louis Fed Economic News Index: Real GDP Nowcast (STLENI) from Q2 2013 to Q1 2025 about nowcast, projection, real, GDP, rate, indexes, and USA.

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.

Richmond Fed Manufacturing Index in the United States decreased to -4 points in March from 6 points in February of 2025. This dataset provides - United States Richmond Fed Manufacturing Index - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

UBS Group revises its gold forecast to $3,200 an ounce amidst escalating global trade tensions, highlighting increased demand for safe investments like gold amid economic uncertainty.

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.

Graph and download economic data for Housing Inventory: Median Days on Market in the United States (MEDDAYONMARUS) from Jul 2016 to Feb 2025 about median and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Unit Labor Costs for Retail Trade: Book Stores and News Dealers (NAICS 45121) in the United States (IPUHN45121U101000000) from 1988 to 2023 about book, unit labor cost, dealers, NAICS, retail trade, sales, retail, and USA.

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.

Graph and download economic data for Labor Compensation for Retail Trade: Book Stores and News Dealers (NAICS 4512) in the United States (IPUHN4512L021000000) from 1988 to 2023 about book, dealers, compensation, NAICS, retail trade, labor, sales, retail, and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Employment for Retail Trade: Book Stores and News Dealers (NAICS 4512) in the United States (IPUHN4512W010000000) from 1987 to 2023 about book, dealers, NAICS, retail trade, sales, retail, employment, and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Sectoral Output for Retail Trade: Book Stores and News Dealers (NAICS 45121) in the United States (IPUHN45121T300000000) from 1987 to 2023 about book, dealers, NAICS, retail trade, production, sales, retail, and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Hours Worked for Retail Trade: Book Stores and News Dealers (NAICS 4512) in the United States (IPUHN4512L200000000) from 1987 to 2023 about book, dealers, NAICS, hours, retail trade, sales, retail, and USA.