Fed Funds Rate History & Prime Rate Chart

This chart shows the monthly changes in the Federal Funds Rate (Fed Funds), Prime Rate, and Consumer Price Index (CPI), in relation to the S&P 500.  Interest rates are a key indicator of the current state of the economy.  The Fed Funds Rate and Prime Rate are base lines for interest rates borrowers must pay to expand their businesses, or make large purchases.  High rates slow borrowing and expansion, and vice versa.  Fed Funds Rate historical data is shown in the above interest rate chart, to demonstrate the correlation with recessions and the stock market.

For a more detailed history of the Fed's rate decisions, visit bankrate.com's history of the Fed Funds Rate