From January 2022 to July 2024, a global trend emerged as almost all advanced and emerging economies increased their central bank policy rates. This widespread tightening of monetary policy was in response to inflationary pressures and economic challenges. However, a shift occurred in the latter half of 2024, with most countries beginning to lower their rates, potentially signaling a new phase in the global economic cycle and monetary policy approach.

Throughout 2022, central bank benchmark interest rates were hiked in most Asia-Pacific countries and territories. The State Bank of Pakistan set the highest interest rate in the region throughout the year, raising it from 9.75 percent in January to 15 percent as of October 2022. September 2022 saw the central banks of all Southeast Asian economies as well as India and Taiwan raise benchmark interest rates in order to curb inflation.

In 2018, the Central Bank of Paraguay set the monetary policy rate at 5.25 percent, having gradually decreased after reaching 6.73 percent in 2014. Monetary policy rate, also known as base interest rate or base rate, is a percentage defined by central banks to determine the cost of credit in a given economy. This indicator serves as a guide for other financial institutions to set their own interest rates.

Monetary policy rate, also known as base interest rate or base rate, is a percentage defined by central banks to determine the cost of credit in a given economy. This indicator serves as a guide for other financial institutions to set their own interest rates. In 2022, the Bolivian Central Bank set the monetary policy rate at 6 percent, slightly up from 5.25 percent a year earlier.

Monetary policy rate, also known as base interest rate or base rate, is a percentage defined by central banks to determine the cost of credit in a given economy. This indicator serves as a guide for other financial institutions to set their own interest rates. In 2024, Brazil's Central Bank set the monetary policy rate at 10.8 percent, down from 13.3 percent in the previous year.

Venezuela is one of the Latin American countries with the highest monetary policy rates. Monetary policy rate, also known as base interest rate or base rate, is a percentage defined by central banks to determine the cost of credit in a given economy. This indicator serves as a guide for other financial institutions to set their own interest rates. Between 2010 and 2017, Venezuela's monetary policy rate has remained fairly stable, ranging between 6.18 percent (2015) and 6.5 percent (2016). In 2017, the latest year with available data, the Central bank of Venezuela set the base rate at 6.37 percent.

Mexico's monetary policy rates have been continuously increasing since 2015. In 2010, the Bank of Mexico set the base interest rate at 4.5 percent, and it remained at the same level until 2012. In 2018, the rate reached 7.64 percent, the highest level registered this decade so far. Monetary policy rate, also known as base interest rate or base rate, is a percentage defined by central banks to determine the cost of credit in a given economy. This indicator serves as a guide for other financial institutions to set their own interest rates.

In 2017, the monetary policy rate in Nicaragua stood at four percent, up from 2.96 percent registered in 2014. Monetary policy rate, also known as base interest rate or base rate, is a percentage defined by central banks to determine the cost of credit in a given economy. This indicator serves as a guide for other financial institutions to set their own interest rates.

Argentina is by far the Latin American country with the highest monetary policy rate as of 2018. Monetary policy rate, also known as base interest rate or base rate, is a percentage defined by central banks to determine the cost of credit in a given economy. This indicator serves as a guide for other financial institutions to set their own interest rates. The base interest rate defined by Argentina's Central Bank more than doubled from 12.25 percent in 2010 to 26.42 percent in 2017.

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.

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.

Peru is one of the Latin American countries with the lowest monetary policy rates. Monetary policy rate, also known as base interest rate or base rate, is a percentage defined by central banks to determine the cost of credit in a given economy. This indicator serves as a guide for other financial institutions to set their own interest rates. In 2018, the Central Reserve Bank of Peru set the monetary policy rate at 2.79 percent, down from 4.23 percent in 2016, the year with the highest rate at least since 2010.

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.

Honduras is one of the Latin American countries with the highest monetary policy rates. Monetary policy rate, also known as base interest rate or base rate, is a percentage defined by central banks to determine the cost of credit in a given economy. This indicator serves as a guide for other financial institutions to set their own interest rates. Both in 2017 and 2018, Honduras' monetary policy rate was set at 5.5 percent, down from seven percent in 2013 and 2014.

Trinidad and Tobago is one of the Latin American and Caribbean countries whose monetary policy rates have been increasing in the last few years. Monetary policy rate, also known as base interest rate or base rate, is a percentage defined by central banks to determine the cost of credit in a given economy. This indicator serves as a guide for other financial institutions to set their own interest rates. In 2018, the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago set the monetary policy rate at 4.91 percent, an increase of more than two percentage points when compared to 2013, when it stood at 2.75 percent.

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 0.1 percent. This historic low came just one week after the Bank of England cut rates from 0.75 percent to 0.25 percent in a bid to prevent mass job cuts in the United Kingdom. It remained at 0.1 percent until December 2021 and was increased to one percent in May 2022 and to 2.25 percent in October 2022. After that, the bank rate increased almost on a monthly basis, reaching 5.25 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.

Among the Latin American and Caribbean countries shown in this graph, Argentina had the highest monetary policy rate as of 2018. The monetary policy rate, also known as base interest rate or base rate, is a percentage defined by central banks to determine the cost of credit in a given economy. This indicator serves as a guide for other financial institutions to set their own interest rates. In 2017, the latest year with available data according to the source, Argentina's Central Bank set the monetary policy rate at 26.42 percent. In 2018, the base interest rate in Mexico stood at 7.64 percent.

The central bank policy rate in Japan stood at 0.5 percent in February 2025. In March 2024, the Bank of Japan raised short-term interest rates for the first time in 17 years, ending its negative interest rate policy. From August 2024 onwards, the central bank encouraged the uncollaterized overnight call rate to remain at 0.25 percent. A third rate hike to 0.5 percent was implemented in January 2025. In 2016, the Bank of Japan had introduced a policy of quantitative and qualitative monetary easing (QQE) with yield curve control, one component of which included controlling short-term and long-term interest rates through market operations.

Guatemala is one of the Latin American countries with relatively low monetary policy rates. This indicator, also known as base interest rate or base rate, is a percentage defined by central banks to determine the cost of credit in a given economy, and it serves as a guide for other financial institutions to set their own interest rates. In 2018, Guatemala's Central Bank set the base interest rate at 2.75 percent.

Chile is one of the few Latin American countries whose monetary policy rates have stayed relatively low in the past decade. Monetary policy rate, also known as base interest rate or base rate, is a percentage defined by central banks to determine the cost of credit in a given economy. This indicator serves as a guide for other financial institutions to set their own interest rates. In 2018, the Central Bank of Chile set the monetary policy rate at 2.56 percent in 2018, slightly down from 2.67 percent a year earlier.