The U.S. bank prime loan rate has undergone significant fluctuations over the past three decades, reflecting broader economic trends and monetary policy decisions. From a high of 10.1 percent in 1990, the rate has seen periods of decline, stability, and recent increases. As of February 2025, the prime rate stood at 7.5 percent, marking a notable rise from the historic lows seen in the early 2020s. Federal Reserve's impact on lending rates The prime rate's trajectory closely mirrors changes in the federal funds rate, which serves as a key benchmark for the U.S. financial system. In 2023, the Federal Reserve implemented a series of rate hikes, pushing the federal funds target range to 5.25-5.5 percent by year-end. This aggressive monetary tightening was aimed at combating rising inflation, and its effects rippled through various lending rates, including the prime rate. Long-term investment outlook While short-term rates have risen, long-term investment yields have also seen changes. The 10-year U.S. Treasury bond, a benchmark for long-term interest rates, showed an average market yield of 2.13 percent in the second quarter of 2024, adjusted for constant maturity and inflation. This figure represents a recovery from negative real returns seen in 2021, reflecting shifting expectations for economic growth and inflation. The evolving yield environment has implications for both borrowers and investors, influencing decisions across the financial landscape.

The benchmark interest rate in China was last recorded at 3.10 percent. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - China Interest Rate - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

United States - Bank Prime Loan Rate was 7.50% in March of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Bank Prime Loan Rate reached a record high of 21.50 in December of 1980 and a record low of 3.25 in August of 1955. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Bank Prime Loan Rate - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on March of 2025.

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.

United States Prime Lending Rate: Month Average data was reported at 7.500 % pa in Feb 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 7.500 % pa for Jan 2025. United States Prime Lending Rate: Month Average data is updated monthly, averaging 5.835 % pa from Jan 1949 (Median) to Feb 2025, with 914 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 20.500 % pa in Aug 1981 and a record low of 2.000 % pa in Aug 1950. United States Prime Lending Rate: Month Average data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal Reserve Board. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.M009: Lending Rates.

South Africa Prime Lending Rate data was reported at 11.000 % pa in Feb 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 11.000 % pa for Jan 2025. South Africa Prime Lending Rate data is updated monthly, averaging 10.500 % pa from Jan 2000 (Median) to Feb 2025, with 302 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 17.000 % pa in May 2003 and a record low of 7.000 % pa in Oct 2021. South Africa Prime Lending Rate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by South African Reserve Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.M005: Prime Lending Rate.

Graph and download economic data for Bank Prime Loan Rate (DPRIME) from 1955-08-04 to 2025-03-24 about prime, loans, interest rate, banks, interest, depository institutions, rate, and USA.

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.

Bank Lending Rate in Thailand remained unchanged at 6.75 percent in February. This dataset provides - Thailand Prime Lending Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Key information about United States Bank Lending Rate

• United States Bank Lending Rate was reported at 7.500 % pa in Mar 2025.
• This stayed constant from the previous number of 7.500 % pa for Mar 2025.
• US Bank Lending Rate data is updated daily, averaging 4.250 % pa from Aug 1955 to 24 Mar 2025, with 25436 observations.
• The data reached an all-time high of 8.500 % pa in 18 Sep 2024 and a record low of 3.250 % pa in 16 Mar 2022.
• US Bank Lending Rate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by CEIC Data.
• The data is categorized under World Trend Plus’s Global Economic Monitor – Table: Bank Lending Rate: Daily.

The benchmark interest rate in Mexico was last recorded at 9.50 percent. This dataset provides - Mexico Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Nigeria Prime Lending Rate data was reported at 18.490 % pa in Jan 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 18.560 % pa for Dec 2024. Nigeria Prime Lending Rate data is updated monthly, averaging 16.530 % pa from Jan 2006 (Median) to Jan 2025, with 229 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 19.660 % pa in Nov 2009 and a record low of 11.130 % pa in Mar 2021. Nigeria Prime Lending Rate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Bank of Nigeria. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Nigeria – Table NG.M003: Lending Rates.

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 another cut in early 2025, setting the rate at 2.9 percent. 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.

Key information about Uruguay Bank Lending Rate

• Uruguay Bank Lending Rate was reported at 16.893 % pa in Jan 2025.
• This records a decrease from the previous number of 17.505 % pa for Dec 2024.
• Uruguay Bank Lending Rate data is updated monthly, averaging 21.541 % pa from Jan 1998 to Jan 2025, with 325 observations.
• The data reached an all-time high of 169.991 % pa in Oct 2002 and a record low of 11.771 % pa in Jul 2021.
• Uruguay Bank Lending Rate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by CEIC Data.
• The data is categorized under World Trend Plus’s Global Economic Monitor – Table: Bank Lending Rate: Monthly.

This dataset provides values for LENDING 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 Denmark Bank Lending Rate

• Denmark Bank Lending Rate was reported at 2.500 % pa in Feb 2025.
• This stayed constant from the previous number of 2.500 % pa for Jan 2025.
• Denmark Bank Lending Rate data is updated monthly, averaging 2.250 % pa from Apr 1992 to Feb 2025, with 395 observations.
• The data reached an all-time high of 15.000 % pa in Nov 1992 and a record low of 0.050 % pa in Aug 2022.
• Denmark Bank Lending Rate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by CEIC Data.
• The data is categorized under World Trend Plus’s Global Economic Monitor – Table: Bank Lending Rate: Monthly.

Key information about Indonesia Bank Lending Rate

• Indonesia Bank Lending Rate was reported at 8.620 % pa in Jan 2025.
• This stayed constant from the previous number of 8.620 % pa for Dec 2024.
• Indonesia Bank Lending Rate data is updated monthly, averaging 13.335 % pa from Apr 1993 to Jan 2025, with 382 observations.
• The data reached an all-time high of 35.720 % pa in Sep 1998 and a record low of 8.400 % pa in Jun 2022.
• Indonesia Bank Lending Rate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by CEIC Data.
• The data is categorized under World Trend Plus’s Global Economic Monitor – Table: Bank Lending Rate: Monthly.

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.

Overnight Lending Rate: Bank of Russia data was reported at 22.000 % pa in 26 Mar 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 22.000 % pa for 25 Mar 2025. Overnight Lending Rate: Bank of Russia data is updated daily, averaging 9.000 % pa from Jun 1998 (Median) to 26 Mar 2025, with 9772 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 22.000 % pa in 26 Mar 2025 and a record low of 5.250 % pa in 21 Mar 2021. Overnight Lending Rate: Bank of Russia data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bank of Russia. The data is categorized under High Frequency Database’s Lending Rates – Table RU.MB002: Lending Rate: Bank of Russia Operations. [COVID-19-IMPACT]

Loan Prime Rate(LPR): 5 Year data was reported at 3.600 % pa in 19 Mar 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 3.600 % pa for 18 Mar 2025. Loan Prime Rate(LPR): 5 Year data is updated daily, averaging 4.450 % pa from Aug 2019 (Median) to 19 Mar 2025, with 2039 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4.850 % pa in 19 Nov 2019 and a record low of 3.600 % pa in 19 Mar 2025. Loan Prime Rate(LPR): 5 Year data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Interbank Funding Center. The data is categorized under Global Database’s China – Table CN.MA: Rediscount and Lending Rate. [COVID-19-IMPACT]