Central-bank rate sources and methodology

Each history preserves the named instrument, effective date, observation coverage and source attribution. Cross-bank comparisons summarise selected rates without treating those instruments as interchangeable.

Updated 8 of 8 banks have public observations

Instrument definitions

The rate shown follows the central bank's named policy instrument in the shared registry. A target range remains a range; its midpoint is used only as a labelled comparison value. A change event is shown only when the public projection links it to an accepted observation and source.

Dates and freshness

Effective date describes when a rate applies. Published date describes when a source released it. Observed-through date describes the latest period covered by a comparison feed. Successful retrieval time describes when Squawkdeck last fetched the source. These dates remain separate because delayed coverage can lag a newer official decision.

Direct and comparison history

Each observation is labelled as direct or comparison evidence and links to its source. Comparison series can extend history where direct coverage is absent, but instrument transitions and differing publication schedules limit cross-bank interpretation. Stale or unavailable data is labelled rather than described as a current official decision.

Publication cadence and instrument boundaries

BIS central-bank policy-rate comparisons are published weekly and can lag a national decision. The observed-through date is therefore shown separately from retrieval time. The Federal Reserve direct target range retains both bounds; its midpoint is only a comparison value. The ECB series starts with the deposit facility instrument on 18 September 2024 and does not stitch earlier main refinancing rates into the same history. Dates and explanatory limits on each bank page describe additional breaks in its official instrument.

Named policy instruments and their source conventions
BankInstrumentRate conventionComparison historyOfficial source
Federal ReserveUnited StatesFederal funds target rangeFOMC target range; rateBps is the midpoint and the published bounds remain available.BIS midpoint is a comparison series and never replaces the direct target range.Fed
European Central BankEuro areaDeposit facility rateDeposit facility rate. Earlier main refinancing operations rates are not joined to this series.BIS central-bank policy rate series before the instrument transition.ECB
Bank of EnglandUnited KingdomBank RateOfficial MPC Bank Rate.BIS central-bank policy rate series where direct historical coverage is unavailable.BoE
Bank of JapanJapanUncollateralized overnight call rateOfficial overnight policy target; historical target bands remain explicitly bounded.BIS central-bank policy rate series where direct historical coverage is unavailable.BoJ
Bank of CanadaCanadaOvernight rate targetOfficial overnight rate target.BIS central-bank policy rate series where direct historical coverage is unavailable.BoC
Reserve Bank of AustraliaAustraliaCash rate targetOfficial cash rate target.BIS central-bank policy rate series where direct historical coverage is unavailable.RBA
Reserve Bank of New ZealandNew ZealandOfficial Cash RateOfficial Cash Rate.BIS central-bank policy rate series where direct historical coverage is unavailable.RBNZ
Swiss National BankSwitzerlandSNB policy rateOfficial SNB policy rate; monthly observations are context and do not define transition dates.BIS central-bank policy rate series for event history and direct-coverage gaps.SNB
Central Bank Rate Methodology | Squawkdeck