United States Real Interest Rate
Real interest rate FR.INR.RINR
United States's real interest rate was -1.09% in 2021, ranked 33rd globally. This represents a 138.2% decrease from 2020. Data from World Bank, covering 1961–2021.
Overview
United States's real interest rate stood at -1.09% in 2021, a decline of +3.93pp from 2020. United States ranked 33rd globally.
The real interest rate in the United States has fluctuated significantly over the past six decades, ranging from a high of 8.59% in 1981 to a low of -1.28% in 1975. Compared to its peers, the US has seen a relatively stable real interest rate, with Pakistan experiencing a more pronounced decline, reaching -1.45% in 2021. In contrast, the US has maintained a position in the middle of the global ranking, reaching as low as #33 globally by 2021 with a real interest rate of -1.09%. While the US has experienced a prolonged decline in real interest rates, the current level remains higher than the trough of 1975. A change in monetary policy or an economic downturn could potentially alter this trajectory, potentially leading to further declines in real interest rates.
Data & projection
| Year | Real Interest Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | -1.09% | −3.93pp | #33 |
| 2020 | 2.85% | −0.87pp | #26 |
| 2019 | 3.72% | +1.26pp | #30 |
| 2018 | 2.46% | +0.09pp | #35 |
| 2017 | 2.37% | −0.27pp | #43 |
| 2016 | 2.64% | +0.16pp | #26 |
| 2015 | 2.48% | +0.89pp | #22 |
| 2014 | 1.59% | −0.16pp | #17 |
| 2013 | 1.75% | +0.39pp | #18 |
| 2012 | 1.36% | +0.20pp | #26 |
| 2011 | 1.16% | −0.85pp | #42 |
| 2010 | 2.01% | −0.61pp | #48 |
| 2009 | 2.62% | −0.48pp | #28 |
| 2008 | 3.10% | −2.10pp | #70 |
| 2007 | 5.20% | +0.47pp | #78 |
Analysis
United States's real interest rate was -1.09% in 2021, a decline of −3.93pp from 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
United States's real interest rate was -1.09% in 2021. Ranked 33rd globally. This represents a 138.2% decrease from the previous year.
United States's real interest rate peaked at 8.59% in 1981.
The lowest real interest rate in United States was -1.28% in 1975.
United States ranks 33rd globally in real interest rate as of 2021.
The World Bank indicator code is FR.INR.RINR. Data sourced from World Bank.
The real interest rate of United States in 2021 was -1.09%. This ranks 33rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-states_real-interest-rate,
title = {United States Real Interest Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-states/real-interest-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}