Inflation United States 2004
Average inflation: 2.7%
Current Inflation
Inflation is normal at 2.7%, around the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in November at 3.5%. The lowest inflation was in February at 1.7%.
- Highest month
- November: 3.5%
- Lowest month
- February: 1.7%
- Difference
- 1.8 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 3.8%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 3.8%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 3.8%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 3.8%
Historical Context
Current inflation is around the 5-year average of 2.6%.
- 5-year average
- 2.6%
- 10-year average
- 2.5%
- All-time high (1990)
- 5.4%
- All-time low (2002)
- 1.6%
Trend
Inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 2003, inflation has risen by +0.4 percentage point.
- Change vs. previous year
- +0.4 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- November: +1.7 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 0.7% 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 €102.70 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 2004
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 2003 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1.9% | -0.7 |
| February | 1.7% | -1.3 |
| March | 1.7% | -1.3 |
| April | 2.3% | +0.1 |
| May | 3.1% | +1.0 |
| June | 3.3% | +1.2 |
| July | 3.0% | +0.9 |
| August | 2.7% | +0.5 |
| September | 2.5% | +0.2 |
| October | 3.2% | +1.2 |
| November | 3.5% | +1.7 |
| December | 3.3% | +1.4 |
| Average | 2.7% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 17/12/2025.