Fed’s interest rate history: The federal funds rate from 1981 to the present
The key benchmark has been as high as 20 percent — and as low as 0 percent.
13 min read
Mar 19, 2025
Chris Kahn
Managing Editor, Surveys and Data Studies
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24year news veteran
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3years at Bankrate
EXPERTISE
- Surveys
- Data journalism
- Personal finance
EDUCATION
- Master’s of Mass Communications, Arizona State University
- Bachelor’s of Science (Physics), University of Arizona
- Bachelor’s of Arts (Anthropology), University of Arizona
About the author
Managing Editor Chris Kahn leads the data journalism for Bankrate. He works with reporters to gather, analyze and publish data-driven projects such as our True Cost Report. Drawing on his years of experience, Chris coaches writers and editors on the art of asking survey questions so that we can get the most out of our consumer surveys. He helps teams identify statistical trends and explain what it means for readers.
Prior to joining Bankrate, Chris managed opinion surveys at McKinsey & Co. and Reuters. He ran the political polling operation at Reuters from 2015 to 2021 along with the organization’s polling partner, Ipsos. Chris also covered personal finance at Newsday and was a national business writer at the Associated Press. He started his career covering the agricultural report for the AP in Richmond, Va.
Chris beyond Bankrate
Chris wants you to know
Readers will see Chris’ work on rankings like the Best States to Retire, as well as other data studies. He will also assist Bankrate with its extensive consumer survey program.
Chris's latest articles
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March Fed meeting recap: Powell acknowledges that Trump tariffs are already boosting inflation as Fed keeps rates steady
Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
27 min read Mar 19, 2025 -
Trump’s tariffs are raising fears of a recession. What can the Fed do about it?
Still wrestling with inflation, Fed officials might not be so quick to rescue the economy.
7 min read Mar 19, 2025 -
6 key ways the Federal Reserve impacts your money
Every financial decision you make is impacted by the Federal Reserve.
9 min read Mar 17, 2025 -
Women with student loans are more likely to be overwhelmed as repayment plans keep changing. These tips can help
Women make up the biggest share of the college population, and they carry more student loan debt on average.
8 min read Mar 10, 2025 -
What should you do (and not do) with your money because of Trump’s tariffs? We asked the experts
The bottom line? Don’t let emotions guide your financial decision-making.
10 min read Feb 28, 2025 -
Survey: You’re more likely to get a raise if you learned about money as a kid
A new Bankrate survey shows how our childhood influences our money habits.
9 min read Feb 24, 2025 -
Study shows limited progress in closing the gender gap in lucrative college majors
Women outnumber men at college, but they’re under-represented among top-paying degrees.
8 min read Feb 07, 2025