Inflation United States 1988
Average inflation: 4.1%
Current Inflation
Inflation is high at 4.1%, well above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in December at 4.4%. The lowest inflation was in February at 3.9%.
- Highest month
- December: 4.4%
- Lowest month
- February: 3.9%
- Difference
- 0.5 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 4.2%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 4.2%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 4.2%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 4.2%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 0.6% higher than the 5-year average of 3.5%.
- 5-year average
- 3.5%
- 10-year average
- 6.2%
- All-time high (1980)
- 13.6%
- All-time low (1986)
- 1.9%
Trend
Inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 1987, inflation has risen by +0.4 percentage point.
- Change vs. previous year
- +0.4 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- January: +2.5 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 2.1% 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 €104.10 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1988
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1987 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4.0% | +2.5 |
| February | 3.9% | +1.8 |
| March | 3.9% | +0.9 |
| April | 3.9% | +0.1 |
| May | 3.9% | 0.0 |
| June | 4.0% | +0.3 |
| July | 4.1% | +0.2 |
| August | 4.0% | -0.3 |
| September | 4.2% | -0.2 |
| October | 4.2% | -0.3 |
| November | 4.2% | -0.3 |
| December | 4.4% | 0.0 |
| Average | 4.1% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 17/12/2025.