Inflation United States 1979
Average inflation: 11.2%
Current Inflation
Inflation is very high at 11.2%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in December at 13.3%. The lowest inflation was in January at 9.3%.
- Highest month
- December: 13.3%
- Lowest month
- January: 9.3%
- Difference
- 4.0 percentage points
- Months with data
- 12 of 12
Category Insights
The highest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 10.9%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 10.9%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 10.9%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 10.9%
Historical Context
Current inflation is around the 5-year average of 11.2%. This approaches the highest level since records began (11.2% in 1979).
- 5-year average
- 11.2%
- 10-year average
- 11.2%
- All-time high (1979)
- 11.2%
- All-time low (1979)
- 11.2%
Trend
ECB Target
Inflation is 9.2% 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 €111.20 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1979
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation |
|---|---|
| January | 9.3% |
| February | 9.9% |
| March | 10.1% |
| April | 10.5% |
| May | 10.9% |
| June | 10.9% |
| July | 11.3% |
| August | 11.8% |
| September | 12.2% |
| October | 12.1% |
| November | 12.6% |
| December | 13.3% |
| Average | 11.2% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 17/12/2025.