In January 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 21 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 0.5 percent in January 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.

This paper describes the relationship between central bank interest rates and exchange rates under a capital control regime. Higher interest rates may strengthen the currency by inducing owners of local currency assets not to sell local currency off shore. There is also an effect that goes in the opposite direction: higher interest rates may also increase the flow of interest income to foreigners through the current account, making the exchange rate fall. The historical financial crisis now under way in Iceland provides excellent testing grounds for the analysis. Overall, the experience does not suggest that cutting interest rates moderately from a very high level is likely to make a currency depreciate in a capital control regime, but it highlights the importance of effective enforcement of the controls.

A graphic that displays the dollar performance against other currencies reveals that economic developments had mixed results on currency exchanges. The third quarter of 2023 marked a period of disinflation in the euro area, while China's projected growth was projected to go up. The United States economy was said to have a relatively strong performance in Q3 2023, although growing capital market interest rate and the resumption of student loan repayments might dampen this growth at the end of 2023. A relatively weak Japanese yen Q3 2023 saw pressure from investors towards Japanese authorities on how they would respond to the situation surrounding the Japanese yen. The USD/JPY rate was close to 150, whereas analysts suspected it should be around 90 given the country's purchase power parity. The main reason for this disparity is said to be the differences in central bank interest rates between the United States, the euro area, and Japan. Any future aggressive changes from, especially the U.S. Fed might lower those differences. Financial markets responded somewhat disappoint when Japan did not announce major plans to tackle the situation. Potential rent decreases in 2024 Central bank rates peak in 2023, although it is expected that some of these will decline in early 2024. That said, analysts expect overall policies will remain restrictive. For example, the Bank of England's interest rate remained unchanged at 5.25 percent in Q3 2023. It is believed the United Kingdom's central bank will ease its interest rate in 2024 but less than either the U.S. Fed or the European Central Bank. This should be a positive development for the pound compared to either the euro or the dollar.

The global foreign exchange market size was valued at USD 861 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 1,535 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.64% from 2025-2033. North America currently dominates the market, holding a significant share of 25.8% in 2024. The dominance is attributed to the rising integration of modern technology in trading platforms, the globalization of businesses resulting in the consequent need for currency exchange services, and the growing influence of various economic factors such as inflation, interest rates, and GDP growth.

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global foreign exchange market, along with forecast at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on counterparty and type.

Brazil Lending Rate: per Annum: Post-Fixed: Corporate Entities: Advances on Foreign Exchange Contracts: Banco Fibra S.A. data was reported at 0.000 % pa in 03 Jul 2019. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 % pa for 02 Jul 2019. Brazil Lending Rate: per Annum: Post-Fixed: Corporate Entities: Advances on Foreign Exchange Contracts: Banco Fibra S.A. data is updated daily, averaging 5.370 % pa from Jan 2012 (Median) to 03 Jul 2019, with 1864 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 19.000 % pa in 07 Jul 2016 and a record low of 0.000 % pa in 03 Jul 2019. Brazil Lending Rate: per Annum: Post-Fixed: Corporate Entities: Advances on Foreign Exchange Contracts: Banco Fibra S.A. data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Bank of Brazil. The data is categorized under Brazil Premium Database’s Interest and Foreign Exchange Rates – Table BR.MB051: Lending Rate: per Annum: by Banks: Post-Fixed: Corporate Entities: Advances on Foreign Exchange Contracts. Lending Rate: Daily: Interest rates disclosed represent the total cost of the transaction to the client, also including taxes and operating. These rates correspond to the average fees in the period indicated in the tables. There are presented only institutions that had granted during the period determined. In general, institutions practicing different rates within the same type of credit. Thus, the rate charged to a customer may differ from the average. Several factors such as the time and volume of the transaction, as well as the guarantees offered, explain the differences between interest rates. Certain institutions grant allowance of the use of the term overdraft. However, this is not considered in the calculation of rates of this type. It should be noted that the overdraft is a modality that has high interest rates. Thus, its use should be restricted to short periods. If the customer needs resources for a longer period, should find ways to offer lower rates. The Brazilian Central Bank publishes these data with a delay about 20 days with relation to the reference period, thus allowing sufficient time for all Financial Institutions to deliver the relevant information. Interest rates presented in this set of tables correspond to averages weighted by the values of transactions conducted in the five working days specified in each table. These rates represent the average effective cost of loans to customers, consisting of the interest rates actually charged by financial institutions in their lending operations, increased tax burdens and operational incidents on the operations. The interest rates shown are the average of the rates charged in the various operations performed by financial institutions, in each modality. In one discipline, interest rates may differ between customers of the same financial institution. Interest rates vary according to several factors, such as the value and quality of collateral provided in the operation, the proportion of down payment operation, the history and the registration status of each client, the term of the transaction, among others . Institutions with “zero” did not operate on modalities for those periods or did not provide information to the Central Bank of Brazil. The Central Bank of Brazil assumes no responsibility for delay, error or other deficiency of information provided for purposes of calculating average rates presented in this

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.

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.

Forex daily volume was nearly six billion U.S. dollars for the USD currency, an amount three times higher than for the euro (EUR). The forex - or foreign exchange market - turnover per day is a figure that is not often measured, only once every three years. No figures are available for 2020, for instance. What figures are available, however, indicate that the USD currency far outweighs that of many other currencies all over the world.

What is the forex market?

The forex market is based on the fluctuations in the value of currency interest rates. For example, the U.S. dollar performs differently against other major currencies. If one can properly predict these fluctuations, they can buy a weaker currency with a stronger one. After the currencies rebalance, the original currency will be worth more terms of the exchange rate, giving the investor a profit. There are many foreign exchange trading services, including many multinational banks which already work in multiple currencies.

Other currency trading functions

Countries and central banks often hold foreign currencies. These international reserves help facilitate the transactions in international trade, which is one reason China’s foreign reserves are so high. Countries can buy and sell foreign currencies to maintain a particular exchange rate. This is necessary for currencies which are pegged to another currency, such as the U.S. dollar. However, some countries are accused of exchange rate manipulation in order to make their exports seem more attractive. Finally, certain currencies are considered safer. Citizens and firms in a country with an unstable currency will buy these currencies to avoid volatility, or even hyperinflation, in their home currency.

Brazil Lending Rate: per Annum: Post-Fixed: Corporate Entities: Advances on Foreign Exchange Contracts: Caruana SCFI data was reported at 0.000 % pa in 03 Jul 2019. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 % pa for 02 Jul 2019. Brazil Lending Rate: per Annum: Post-Fixed: Corporate Entities: Advances on Foreign Exchange Contracts: Caruana SCFI data is updated daily, averaging 0.000 % pa from Jan 2012 (Median) to 03 Jul 2019, with 1865 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.000 % pa in 03 Jul 2019 and a record low of 0.000 % pa in 03 Jul 2019. Brazil Lending Rate: per Annum: Post-Fixed: Corporate Entities: Advances on Foreign Exchange Contracts: Caruana SCFI data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Bank of Brazil. The data is categorized under Brazil Premium Database’s Interest and Foreign Exchange Rates – Table BR.MB051: Lending Rate: per Annum: by Banks: Post-Fixed: Corporate Entities: Advances on Foreign Exchange Contracts. Lending Rate: Daily: Interest rates disclosed represent the total cost of the transaction to the client, also including taxes and operating. These rates correspond to the average fees in the period indicated in the tables. There are presented only institutions that had granted during the period determined. In general, institutions practicing different rates within the same type of credit. Thus, the rate charged to a customer may differ from the average. Several factors such as the time and volume of the transaction, as well as the guarantees offered, explain the differences between interest rates. Certain institutions grant allowance of the use of the term overdraft. However, this is not considered in the calculation of rates of this type. It should be noted that the overdraft is a modality that has high interest rates. Thus, its use should be restricted to short periods. If the customer needs resources for a longer period, should find ways to offer lower rates. The Brazilian Central Bank publishes these data with a delay about 20 days with relation to the reference period, thus allowing sufficient time for all Financial Institutions to deliver the relevant information. Interest rates presented in this set of tables correspond to averages weighted by the values of transactions conducted in the five working days specified in each table. These rates represent the average effective cost of loans to customers, consisting of the interest rates actually charged by financial institutions in their lending operations, increased tax burdens and operational incidents on the operations. The interest rates shown are the average of the rates charged in the various operations performed by financial institutions, in each modality. In one discipline, interest rates may differ between customers of the same financial institution. Interest rates vary according to several factors, such as the value and quality of collateral provided in the operation, the proportion of down payment operation, the history and the registration status of each client, the term of the transaction, among others . Institutions with “zero” did not operate on modalities for those periods or did not provide information to the Central Bank of Brazil. The Central Bank of Brazil assumes no responsibility for delay, error or other deficiency of information provided for purposes of calculating average rates presented in this

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.

One United States dollar was worth over 15,000 Indonesian rupiah in March 2024, the highest value in a comparison of over 50 different currencies worldwide. All countries and territories shown here are based on the Big Mac Index - a measurement of how much a single Big Mac is worth across different areas in the world. This exchange rate comparison reveals a strong position of the dollar in Asia and Latin America. Note, though, that several of the top currencies shown here do not rank among the most traded. The quarterly U.S. dollar exchange rate against the 10 biggest forex currencies only contains the Korean won and the Japanese yen.

Graph and download economic data for ICE BofA Euro High Yield Index Effective Yield (BAMLHE00EHYIEY) from 1997-12-31 to 2025-03-25 about Euro Area, Europe, yield, interest rate, interest, rate, and indexes.

The benchmark interest rate in Turkey was last recorded at 42.50 percent. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - Turkey Interest Rate - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

As of December 30, 2024, the major economy with the highest yield on 10-year government bonds was Turkey, with a yield of 27.38 percent. This is due to the risks investors take when investing in Turkey, notably due to high inflation rates potentially eradicating any profits made when using a foreign currency to investing in securities denominated in Turkish lira. Of the major developed economies, United States had one the highest yield on 10-year government bonds at this time with 4.59 percent, while Switzerland had the lowest at 0.27 percent. How does inflation influence the yields of government bonds? Inflation reduces purchasing power over time. Due to this, investors seek higher returns to offset the anticipated decrease in purchasing power resulting from rapid price rises. In countries with high inflation, government bond yields often incorporate investor expectations and risk premiums, resulting in comparatively higher rates offered by these bonds. Why are government bond rates significant? Government bond rates are an important indicator of financial markets, serving as a benchmark for borrowing costs, interest rates, and investor sentiment. They affect the cost of government borrowing, influence the price of various financial instruments, and serve as a reflection of expectations regarding inflation and economic growth. For instance, in financial analysis and investing, people often use the 10-year U.S. government bond rates as a proxy for the longer-term risk-free 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, 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.

Brazil Lending Rate: per Month: Post-Fixed: Corporate Entities: Advances on Foreign Exchange Contracts: Banco Cooperativo do Brasil S.A.Bancoob data was reported at 0.000 % per Month in 03 Jul 2019. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 % per Month for 02 Jul 2019. Brazil Lending Rate: per Month: Post-Fixed: Corporate Entities: Advances on Foreign Exchange Contracts: Banco Cooperativo do Brasil S.A.Bancoob data is updated daily, averaging 0.000 % per Month from Jan 2012 (Median) to 03 Jul 2019, with 1865 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.000 % per Month in 03 Jul 2019 and a record low of 0.000 % per Month in 03 Jul 2019. Brazil Lending Rate: per Month: Post-Fixed: Corporate Entities: Advances on Foreign Exchange Contracts: Banco Cooperativo do Brasil S.A.Bancoob data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Bank of Brazil. The data is categorized under Brazil Premium Database’s Interest and Foreign Exchange Rates – Table BR.MB026: Lending Rate: per Month: by Banks: Post-Fixed: Corporate Entities: Advances on Foreign Exchange Contracts. Lending Rate: Daily: Interest rates disclosed represent the total cost of the transaction to the client, also including taxes and operating. These rates correspond to the average fees in the period indicated in the tables. There are presented only institutions that had granted during the period determined. In general, institutions practicing different rates within the same type of credit. Thus, the rate charged to a customer may differ from the average. Several factors such as the time and volume of the transaction, as well as the guarantees offered, explain the differences between interest rates. Certain institutions grant allowance of the use of the term overdraft. However, this is not considered in the calculation of rates of this type. It should be noted that the overdraft is a modality that has high interest rates. Thus, its use should be restricted to short periods. If the customer needs resources for a longer period, should find ways to offer lower rates. The Brazilian Central Bank publishes these data with a delay about 20 days with relation to the reference period, thus allowing sufficient time for all Financial Institutions to deliver the relevant information. Interest rates presented in this set of tables correspond to averages weighted by the values of transactions conducted in the five working days specified in each table. These rates represent the average effective cost of loans to customers, consisting of the interest rates actually charged by financial institutions in their lending operations, increased tax burdens and operational incidents on the operations. The interest rates shown are the average of the rates charged in the various operations performed by financial institutions, in each modality. In one discipline, interest rates may differ between customers of the same financial institution. Interest rates vary according to several factors, such as the value and quality of collateral provided in the operation, the proportion of down payment operation, the history and the registration status of each client, the term of the transaction, among others . Institutions with “zero” did not operate on modalities for those periods or did not provide information to the Central Bank of Brazil. The Central Bank of Brazil assumes no responsibility for delay, error or other deficiency of information provided for purposes of calculating average rates presented in this

The U.S. dollar was the currency most commonly used for deals on the international debt capital market in the fourth quarter of 2024. At that time, the value of deals in that currency was 639 billion U.S. dollars. What is debt capital market? The debt market is the part of the capital market on which fixed-interest securities are traded. These securities include, for example, government, municipal, corporate or mortgage bonds. It allows the companies and governments to raise capital through issuance of debt securities. In case a company or a government decides to collect additional money on debt capital market, it issues debt securities and sells them to investors. Depending on financial situation of the company issued bonds can obtain different ratings. The better the company is perceived in the market, the lower interest rates it has to pay for raised capital. Other ways of raising capital Some companies can access money via venture capital or private equity funding, where money comes from high net worth individuals, investment funds, banks or other financial institutions. For larger and well-established companies going public can be an option and raising money among investors. This process is called initial public offering (IPO).

In 2021, Ethereum and Dogecoin had the highest search interest compared to other cryptocurrencies, amounting to a search dominance of 25.6 percent for each currency. Cryptocurrencies have been in high demand among Thai investors in recent years.

Brazil Lending Rate: per Month: Post-Fixed: Corporate Entities: Advances on Foreign Exchange Contracts: HSBC Finance Brasil S.A. Banco Multiplo data was reported at 0.000 % per Month in 03 Jul 2019. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 % per Month for 02 Jul 2019. Brazil Lending Rate: per Month: Post-Fixed: Corporate Entities: Advances on Foreign Exchange Contracts: HSBC Finance Brasil S.A. Banco Multiplo data is updated daily, averaging 0.000 % per Month from Jan 2012 (Median) to 03 Jul 2019, with 1865 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.000 % per Month in 03 Jul 2019 and a record low of 0.000 % per Month in 03 Jul 2019. Brazil Lending Rate: per Month: Post-Fixed: Corporate Entities: Advances on Foreign Exchange Contracts: HSBC Finance Brasil S.A. Banco Multiplo data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Bank of Brazil. The data is categorized under Brazil Premium Database’s Interest and Foreign Exchange Rates – Table BR.MB026: Lending Rate: per Month: by Banks: Post-Fixed: Corporate Entities: Advances on Foreign Exchange Contracts. Lending Rate: Daily: Interest rates disclosed represent the total cost of the transaction to the client, also including taxes and operating. These rates correspond to the average fees in the period indicated in the tables. There are presented only institutions that had granted during the period determined. In general, institutions practicing different rates within the same type of credit. Thus, the rate charged to a customer may differ from the average. Several factors such as the time and volume of the transaction, as well as the guarantees offered, explain the differences between interest rates. Certain institutions grant allowance of the use of the term overdraft. However, this is not considered in the calculation of rates of this type. It should be noted that the overdraft is a modality that has high interest rates. Thus, its use should be restricted to short periods. If the customer needs resources for a longer period, should find ways to offer lower rates. The Brazilian Central Bank publishes these data with a delay about 20 days with relation to the reference period, thus allowing sufficient time for all Financial Institutions to deliver the relevant information. Interest rates presented in this set of tables correspond to averages weighted by the values of transactions conducted in the five working days specified in each table. These rates represent the average effective cost of loans to customers, consisting of the interest rates actually charged by financial institutions in their lending operations, increased tax burdens and operational incidents on the operations. The interest rates shown are the average of the rates charged in the various operations performed by financial institutions, in each modality. In one discipline, interest rates may differ between customers of the same financial institution. Interest rates vary according to several factors, such as the value and quality of collateral provided in the operation, the proportion of down payment operation, the history and the registration status of each client, the term of the transaction, among others . Institutions with “zero” did not operate on modalities for those periods or did not provide information to the Central Bank of Brazil. The Central Bank of Brazil assumes no responsibility for delay, error or other deficiency of information provided for purposes of calculating average rates presented in this

Brazil Lending Rate: per Month: Post-Fixed: Corporate Entities: Advances on Foreign Exchange Contracts: Barigui S.A. Credito Financiamento e Investimento data was reported at 0.000 % per Month in 03 Jul 2019. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 % per Month for 02 Jul 2019. Brazil Lending Rate: per Month: Post-Fixed: Corporate Entities: Advances on Foreign Exchange Contracts: Barigui S.A. Credito Financiamento e Investimento data is updated daily, averaging 0.000 % per Month from Jan 2012 (Median) to 03 Jul 2019, with 1865 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.000 % per Month in 03 Jul 2019 and a record low of 0.000 % per Month in 03 Jul 2019. Brazil Lending Rate: per Month: Post-Fixed: Corporate Entities: Advances on Foreign Exchange Contracts: Barigui S.A. Credito Financiamento e Investimento data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Bank of Brazil. The data is categorized under Brazil Premium Database’s Interest and Foreign Exchange Rates – Table BR.MB026: Lending Rate: per Month: by Banks: Post-Fixed: Corporate Entities: Advances on Foreign Exchange Contracts. Lending Rate: Daily: Interest rates disclosed represent the total cost of the transaction to the client, also including taxes and operating. These rates correspond to the average fees in the period indicated in the tables. There are presented only institutions that had granted during the period determined. In general, institutions practicing different rates within the same type of credit. Thus, the rate charged to a customer may differ from the average. Several factors such as the time and volume of the transaction, as well as the guarantees offered, explain the differences between interest rates. Certain institutions grant allowance of the use of the term overdraft. However, this is not considered in the calculation of rates of this type. It should be noted that the overdraft is a modality that has high interest rates. Thus, its use should be restricted to short periods. If the customer needs resources for a longer period, should find ways to offer lower rates. The Brazilian Central Bank publishes these data with a delay about 20 days with relation to the reference period, thus allowing sufficient time for all Financial Institutions to deliver the relevant information. Interest rates presented in this set of tables correspond to averages weighted by the values of transactions conducted in the five working days specified in each table. These rates represent the average effective cost of loans to customers, consisting of the interest rates actually charged by financial institutions in their lending operations, increased tax burdens and operational incidents on the operations. The interest rates shown are the average of the rates charged in the various operations performed by financial institutions, in each modality. In one discipline, interest rates may differ between customers of the same financial institution. Interest rates vary according to several factors, such as the value and quality of collateral provided in the operation, the proportion of down payment operation, the history and the registration status of each client, the term of the transaction, among others . Institutions with “zero” did not operate on modalities for those periods or did not provide information to the Central Bank of Brazil. The Central Bank of Brazil assumes no responsibility for delay, error or other deficiency of information provided for purposes of calculating average rates presented in this