http://federal-tax-rates.insidegov.com/ http://federal-tax-rates.insidegov.com/ Some samples (cap gains rates, via whatever method is used on the site above):

http://federal-tax-rates.insidegov.com/ http://federal-tax-rates.insidegov.com/ Some samples (cap gains rates, via whatever method is used on the site above): 2015: 25% 2010: 15% 2005: 16.1% 2000: 21.2% 1995: 29.2% 1990: 28% 1985: 20% 1980: 28% 1975: 36.5% 1970: 32.3% 1965: 25% 1960: 25% 1955: 25% 1950: 25% 1945: 25% 1940: 30% 1935: 31.5% 1930: 12.5% 1925: 12.5% 1920: 73% 1915: 15% Cap gains rates policies have fluctuated a bit throughout the decades as well. One could argue (unless it's in one's interest NOT to) that there is at least some correlation between rates lower than 25% and hyperactivity leading to crashes. E.g. 1925/1930; 1985; 2000-2010. Or one could argue that correlation is not causation (in which case, why not "fund the commons", since tax rate doesn't affect business cycle outcomes, anyway).