Inflation G20 2008

Average inflation: 5.0%

Current Inflation

Inflation is very high at 5.0%, far above the ECB target.

Peak and Trough

The highest inflation was in July at 6.0%. The lowest inflation was in December at 3.1%.

Highest month
July: 6.0%
Lowest month
December: 3.1%
Difference
2.9 percentage points
Months with data
12 of 12

Historical Context

Current inflation is 1.4% higher than the 5-year average of 3.6%. This approaches the highest level since records began (5.0% in 2008).

5-year average
3.6%
10-year average
3.8%
All-time high (2008)
5%
All-time low (2004)
3.1%

Trend

Inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 2007, inflation has risen by +1.6 percentage point.

Change vs. previous year
+1.6 percentage points
Largest monthly swing
July: +2.9 percentage points

ECB Target

Inflation is 3.0% above the ECB target of 2.0%. This means purchasing power is declining faster than intended.

Purchasing Power

At this high inflation rate, purchasing power rapidly decreases. This has a major impact on households, especially without adequate salary increases.

What you could buy for €100 this year will cost approximately €105.00 next year at this inflation rate.

Multi-year trend

Monthly figures 2008

Month overview

Month Inflation Difference vs. 2007
January 4.6% +1.8
February 4.7% +1.7
March 5.0% +1.8
April 5.0% +1.9
May 5.3% +2.2
June 5.7% +2.6
July 6.0% +2.9
August 5.8% +2.7
September 5.7% +2.3
October 5.1% +1.2
November 3.8% -0.6
December 3.1% -1.2
Average 5.0%

Data source

Data from OECD. Last updated: 24/11/2025.

See also