Inflation United States 1989
Average inflation: 4.8%
Current Inflation
Inflation is high at 4.8%, well above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in May at 5.4%. The lowest inflation was in September at 4.3%.
- Highest month
- May: 5.4%
- Lowest month
- September: 4.3%
- Difference
- 1.1 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 6.6%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 6.6%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 6.6%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 6.6%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 1.2% higher than the 5-year average of 3.6%.
- 5-year average
- 3.6%
- 10-year average
- 5.6%
- All-time high (1980)
- 13.6%
- All-time low (1986)
- 1.9%
Trend
Inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 1988, inflation has risen by +0.7 percentage point.
- Change vs. previous year
- +0.7 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- May: +1.5 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 2.8% 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 €104.80 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1989
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1988 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4.7% | +0.7 |
| February | 4.8% | +0.9 |
| March | 5.0% | +1.1 |
| April | 5.1% | +1.2 |
| May | 5.4% | +1.5 |
| June | 5.2% | +1.2 |
| July | 5.0% | +0.9 |
| August | 4.7% | +0.7 |
| September | 4.3% | +0.1 |
| October | 4.5% | +0.3 |
| November | 4.7% | +0.5 |
| December | 4.6% | +0.2 |
| Average | 4.8% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 17/12/2025.