<P> The Federal Reserve has responded to a potential slow - down by lowering the target federal funds rate during recessions and other periods of lower growth . In fact, the Committee's lowering has recently predated recessions, in order to stimulate the economy and cushion the fall . Reducing the Fed Funds Rate makes money cheaper, allowing an influx of credit into the economy through all types of loans . </P> <P> The charts linked below show the relation between S&P 500 and interest rates . </P> <Ul> <Li> July 13, 1990--Sept 4, 1992: 8.00%--3.00% (Includes 1990--1991 recession) </Li> <Li> Feb 1, 1995--Nov 17, 1998: 6.00--4.75 </Li> <Li> May 16, 2000--June 25, 2003: 6.50--1.00 (Includes 2001 recession) </Li> <Li> June 29, 2006--(Oct. 29 2008): 5.25--1.00 </Li> <Li> Dec 16, 2008--0.0--0.25 </Li> <Li> Dec 16, 2015--0.25--0.50 </Li> <Li> Dec 14, 2016--0.50--0.75 </Li> <Li> Mar 15, 2017--0.75--1.00 </Li> <Li> Jun 14, 2017--1.00--1.25 </Li> <Li> Dec 13, 2017--1.25--1.50 </Li> <Li> Mar 21, 2018--1.50--1.75 </Li> <Li> Jun 13, 2018--1.75--2.00 </Li> <Li> Sep 26, 2018--2.00--2.25 </Li> </Ul> <Li> July 13, 1990--Sept 4, 1992: 8.00%--3.00% (Includes 1990--1991 recession) </Li>

When did the federal reserve start raising interest rates