Inflation United States 1987

Average inflation: 3.7%

Current Inflation

Inflation is high at 3.7%, well above the ECB target.

Peak and Trough

The highest inflation was in October at 4.5%. The lowest inflation was in January at 1.5%.

Highest month
October: 4.5%
Lowest month
January: 1.5%
Difference
3.0 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 4.3%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 4.3%.

Highest increase
Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 4.3%
Lowest increase
Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 4.3%

Historical Context

Current inflation is around the 5-year average of 3.3%.

5-year average
3.3%
10-year average
6.4%
All-time high (1980)
13.6%
All-time low (1986)
1.9%

Trend

Inflation has remained relatively stable. Compared to 1986, the difference is minimal (+1.8 percentage point).

Change vs. previous year
+1.8 percentage points
Largest monthly swing
December: +3.3 percentage points

ECB Target

Inflation is 1.7% above the ECB target of 2.0%. This means purchasing power is declining faster than intended.

Purchasing Power

At this inflation rate, purchasing power noticeably decreases. Without a salary increase, you can buy less with the same money.

What you could buy for €100 this year will cost approximately €103.70 next year at this inflation rate.

Multi-year trend

Monthly figures 1987

Inflation by category

Food and non-alcoholic beverages
4.3%
+0.6vs avg.
More details →

Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.

Month overview

Month Inflation Difference vs. 1986
January 1.5% -2.4
February 2.1% -1.0
March 3.0% +0.7
April 3.8% +2.2
May 3.9% +2.4
June 3.7% +1.9
July 3.9% +2.3
August 4.3% +2.7
September 4.4% +2.6
October 4.5% +3.0
November 4.5% +3.2
December 4.4% +3.3
Average 3.7%

Data source

Data from OECD. Last updated: 17/12/2025.

See also