Inflation United States 1986
Average inflation: 1.9%
Current Inflation
Inflation is low at 1.9%, below the ECB target of 2%.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in January at 3.9%. The lowest inflation was in December at 1.1%.
- Highest month
- January: 3.9%
- Lowest month
- December: 1.1%
- Difference
- 2.8 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 2.9%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 2.9%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 2.9%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 2.9%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 1.9% lower than the 5-year average of 3.8%. This approaches the lowest level since records began (1.9% in 1986).
- 5-year average
- 3.8%
- 10-year average
- 6.8%
- All-time high (1980)
- 13.6%
- All-time low (1986)
- 1.9%
Trend
Inflation shows a downward trend. Compared to 1985, inflation has fallen by +1.6 percentage point.
- Change vs. previous year
- -1.6 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- December: -2.7 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is close to the ECB target of 2.0%.
Purchasing Power
At this inflation rate, purchasing power gradually decreases. The impact on daily expenses is relatively limited.
What you could buy for €100 this year will cost approximately €101.90 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1986
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1985 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3.9% | +0.4 |
| February | 3.1% | -0.4 |
| March | 2.3% | -1.4 |
| April | 1.6% | -2.1 |
| May | 1.5% | -2.3 |
| June | 1.8% | -2.0 |
| July | 1.6% | -2.0 |
| August | 1.6% | -1.7 |
| September | 1.8% | -1.3 |
| October | 1.5% | -1.7 |
| November | 1.3% | -2.2 |
| December | 1.1% | -2.7 |
| Average | 1.9% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 17/12/2025.