Inflation is generally defined as the continued increase in the average prices of goods and services in a given region. Following the extremely high global inflation experienced in the 1980s and 1990s, global inflation has been relatively stable since the turn of the millennium, usually hovering between three and five percent per year. There was a sharp increase in 2008 due to the global financial crisis now known as the Great Recession, but inflation was fairly stable throughout the 2010s, before the current inflation crisis began in 2021. Recent years Despite the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the global inflation rate fell to 3.26 percent in the pandemic's first year, before rising to 4.66 percent in 2021. This increase came as the impact of supply chain delays began to take more of an effect on consumer prices, before the Russia-Ukraine war exacerbated this further. A series of compounding issues such as rising energy and food prices, fiscal instability in the wake of the pandemic, and consumer insecurity have created a new global recession, and global inflation in 2024 is estimated to have reached 5.76 percent. This is the highest annual increase in inflation since 1996. Venezuela Venezuela is the country with the highest individual inflation rate in the world, forecast at around 200 percent in 2022. While this is figure is over 100 times larger than the global average in most years, it actually marks a decrease in Venezuela's inflation rate, which had peaked at over 65,000 percent in 2018. Between 2016 and 2021, Venezuela experienced hyperinflation due to the government's excessive spending and printing of money in an attempt to curve its already-high inflation rate, and the wave of migrants that left the country resulted in one of the largest refugee crises in recent years. In addition to its economic problems, political instability and foreign sanctions pose further long-term problems for Venezuela. While hyperinflation may be coming to an end, it remains to be seen how much of an impact this will have on the economy, how living standards will change, and how many refugees may return in the coming years.

This data package includes the underlying data to replicate the charts, tables, and calculations presented in Labor market tightness and inflation before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, PIIE Working Paper 24-23.

If you use the data, please cite as:

Bloesch, Justin. 2024. Labor market tightness and inflation before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. PIIE Working Paper 24-23. Washington: Peterson Institute for International Economics.

In January 2025, prices had increased by three percent compared to January 2024 according to the 12-month percentage change in the consumer price index — the monthly inflation rate for goods and services in the United States. The data represents U.S. city averages. In economics, the inflation rate is a measure of the change in price level over time. The rate of decrease in the purchasing power of money is approximately equal. A projection of the annual U.S. inflation rate can be accessed here and the actual annual inflation rate since 1990 can be accessed here. InflationOne of the most important economic indicators is the development of the Consumer Price Index in a country. The change in this price level of goods and services is defined as the rate of inflation. The inflationary situation in the United States had been relatively severe in 2022 due to global events relating to COVID-19, supply chain restrains, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. More information on U.S. inflation may be found on our dedicated topic page. The annual inflation rate in the United States has increased from 3.2 percent in 2011 to 8.3 percent in 2022. This means that the purchasing power of the U.S. dollar has weakened in recent years. The purchasing power is the extent to which a person has available funds to make purchases. According to the data published by the International Monetary Fund, the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) was about 258.84 in 2020 and is forecasted to grow up to 325.6 by 2027, compared to the base period from 1982 to 1984. The monthly percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for urban consumers in the United States was 0.1 percent in March 2023 compared to the previous month. In 2022, countries all around the world are experienced high levels of inflation. Although Brazil already had an inflation rate of 8.3 percent in 2021, compared to the previous year, while the inflation rate in China stood at 0.85 percent.

In March 2025, inflation amounted to 2.4 percent, while wages grew by 4.3 percent. The inflation rate has not exceeded the rate of wage growth since January 2023. Inflation in 2022 The high rates of inflation in 2022 meant that the real terms value of American wages took a hit. Many Americans report feelings of concern over the economy and a worsening of their financial situation. The inflation situation in the United States is one that was experienced globally in 2022, mainly due to COVID-19 related supply chain constraints and disruption due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The monthly inflation rate for the U.S. reached a 40-year high in June 2022 at 9.1 percent, and annual inflation for 2022 reached eight percent. Without appropriate wage increases, Americans will continue to see a decline in their purchasing power. Wages in the U.S. Despite the level of wage growth reaching 6.7 percent in the summer of 2022, it has not been enough to curb the impact of even higher inflation rates. The federally mandated minimum wage in the United States has not increased since 2009, meaning that individuals working minimum wage jobs have taken a real terms pay cut for the last twelve years. There are discrepancies between states - the minimum wage in California can be as high as 15.50 U.S. dollars per hour, while a business in Oklahoma may be as low as two U.S. dollars per hour. However, even the higher wage rates in states like California and Washington may be lacking - one analysis found that if minimum wage had kept up with productivity, the minimum hourly wage in the U.S. should have been 22.88 dollars per hour in 2021. Additionally, the impact of decreased purchasing power due to inflation will impact different parts of society in different ways with stark contrast in average wages due to both gender and race.

The Covid-19 Pandemic has led to changes in expenditure patterns that can introduce significant bias in the measurement of Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation. I use publicly-available data on credit and debit card transactions to update the official CPI weights and re-calculate inflation with Covid consumption baskets. I find that the US CPI \emph{underestimated} the Covid inflation rate, particularly during the first three months of the Pandemic, as consumers spent relatively more on food and categories with inflation, and less on transportation and other categories experiencing deflation. By September, US Covid inflation was 1.90\% compared to 1.41\% in the official CPI, and was impacting low-income households the most. I also find evidence of higher Covid inflation in 12 out of 19 additional countries.

This data package includes the underlying data to replicate the charts, tables, and calculations presented in Fiscal policy and the pandemic-era surge in US inflation: Lessons for the future, PIIE Working Paper 24-22.

If you use the data, please cite as:

Dynan, Karen, and Douglas Elmendorf. 2024. Fiscal policy and the pandemic-era surge in US inflation: Lessons for the future. PIIE Working Paper 24-22. Washington: Peterson Institute for International Economics.

The UK inflation rate was 3.6 percent in June 2025, up from 3.4 percent in the previous month, and the fastest rate of inflation since January 2024. Between September 2022 and March 2023, the UK experienced seven months of double-digit inflation, which peaked at 11.1 percent in October 2022. Due to this long period of high inflation, UK consumer prices have increased by over 20 percent in the last three years. As of the most recent month, prices were rising fastest in the communications sector, at 6.1 percent, but were falling in both the furniture and transport sectors, at -0.3 percent and -0.6 percent, respectively.
The Cost of Living Crisis High inflation is one of the main factors behind the ongoing Cost of Living Crisis in the UK, which, despite subsiding somewhat in 2024, is still impacting households going into 2025. In December 2024, for example, 56 percent of UK households reported their cost of living was increasing compared with the previous month, up from 45 percent in July, but far lower than at the height of the crisis in 2022. After global energy prices spiraled that year, the UK's energy price cap increased substantially. The cap, which limits what suppliers can charge consumers, reached 3,549 British pounds per year in October 2022, compared with 1,277 pounds a year earlier. Along with soaring food costs, high-energy bills have hit UK households hard, especially lower income ones that spend more of their earnings on housing costs. As a result of these factors, UK households experienced their biggest fall in living standards in decades in 2022/23. Global inflation crisis causes rapid surge in prices The UK's high inflation, and cost of living crisis in 2022 had its origins in the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the initial waves of the virus, global supply chains struggled to meet the renewed demand for goods and services. Food and energy prices, which were already high, increased further in 2022. Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 brought an end to the era of cheap gas flowing to European markets from Russia. The war also disrupted global food markets, as both Russia and Ukraine are major exporters of cereal crops. As a result of these factors, inflation surged across Europe and in other parts of the world, but typically declined in 2023, and approached more usual levels by 2024.

Inflation Rate in China decreased to 0 percent in July from 0.10 percent in June of 2025. This dataset provides - China Inflation Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Inflation Rate in Russia decreased to 8.80 percent in July from 9.40 percent in June of 2025. This dataset provides - Russia Inflation Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Inflation Rate in Japan decreased to 3.10 percent in July from 3.30 percent in June of 2025. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - Japan Inflation Rate - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

United States Breakeven Inflation: 5-Year data was reported at 2.410 % in 15 May 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 2.440 % for 14 May 2025. United States Breakeven Inflation: 5-Year data is updated daily, averaging 1.900 % from Jan 2003 (Median) to 15 May 2025, with 5597 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3.590 % in 25 Mar 2022 and a record low of 0.140 % in 19 Mar 2020. United States Breakeven Inflation: 5-Year data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.I: Breakeven Inflation Rate. [COVID-19-IMPACT]

This data package includes the underlying data files to replicate the data and charts presented in The Inflation Surge in Europe by Patrick Honohan, PIIE Policy Brief 24-2.

If you use the data, please cite as: Honohan, Patrick. 2024. The Inflation Surge in Europe. PIIE Policy Brief 24-2. Washington, DC: Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Graph and download economic data for Inflation, consumer prices for the United States (FPCPITOTLZGUSA) from 1960 to 2024 about consumer, CPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

Inflation Rate: 12 Months Expectation: Average data was reported at 7.000 % in Apr 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 6.000 % for Mar 2025. Inflation Rate: 12 Months Expectation: Average data is updated monthly, averaging 4.800 % from Aug 1987 (Median) to Apr 2025, with 453 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 7.900 % in Jun 2022 and a record low of 3.600 % in Oct 1995. Inflation Rate: 12 Months Expectation: Average data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by The Conference Board. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.H050: Consumer Confidence Index: Inflation Rate Expectation. [COVID-19-IMPACT]

Over the five years through 2024-25, travel insurance revenue is expected to fall at a compound annual rate of 2% to £554.7 million. The industry has been marked by fierce volatility in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and turbulent economic conditions in the years following clobbering international travel. The COVID-19 outbreak clobbered international travel in 2020-21, brining demand for travel insurance down with it. Although insurers were quick to adapt, providing COVID-specific coverage for cancellations and unexpected medical expenses, this wasn’t enough to offset the drastic drop-off in demand. This resulted in many travel insurers suspending services during the pandemic, contributing to a mighty fall in revenue in the two years through 2021-22. As travel restrictions fully eased in 2022-23, travel rebounded and incited a rally in claims costs. However, rising premiums were able to absorb these costs, supporting profitability and driving revenue growth during the year. Demand for travel insurance has slowed in the years since as international travel closes in on pre-pandemic heights, beginning to plateau. At the same time, the cost-of-living crisis has dented consumer confidence and resulted in many opting out of holidays, weighing on revenue growth. Still, revenue is slated to spike by 12.9% in 2024-25. Additionally, COVID-19 was arguably a blessing in disguise, highlighting the importance of travel insurance and incentivising insurers to offer more personalised coverage, something allowed for by technological developments like AI. Over the five years through 2029-30, travel insurance revenue is forecast to swell at a compound annual rate of 4.9% to £705.7 million. Demand will to remain robust in the coming years as the effects of COVID-19 on travel remain at the forefront of holidaymakers’ minds, encouraging them to seek protection from unexpected disruption like political instability and natural disasters. The improving economic environment is also set to lift demand for travel insurance, making people more willing to go on holiday. Yet, despite inflation coming down, prices are still rising, placing continued pressure on people’s finances and weighing on revenue growth in the short term. Technological developments will continue to shake up the industry, providing insurers with niche markets to capitalise on and price risk effectively, something that wouldn’t have been possible before advancements in data analytics and AI.

United States Breakeven Inflation: 10-Year data was reported at 2.340 % in 15 May 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 2.370 % for 14 May 2025. United States Breakeven Inflation: 10-Year data is updated daily, averaging 2.130 % from Jan 2003 (Median) to 15 May 2025, with 5597 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3.020 % in 21 Apr 2022 and a record low of 0.500 % in 19 Mar 2020. United States Breakeven Inflation: 10-Year data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.I: Breakeven Inflation Rate. [COVID-19-IMPACT]

Inflation Rate in Canada decreased to 1.70 percent in July from 1.90 percent in June of 2025. This dataset provides - Canada Inflation Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Iceland Businesses Inflation Expectations: 2 year: Average data was reported at 3.700 % in Mar 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 3.800 % for Dec 2024. Iceland Businesses Inflation Expectations: 2 year: Average data is updated quarterly, averaging 3.950 % from Sep 2008 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 50 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 7.100 % in Sep 2008 and a record low of 2.900 % in Mar 2020. Iceland Businesses Inflation Expectations: 2 year: Average data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Bank of Iceland. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Iceland – Table IS.I017: Inflation Expectations. [COVID-19-IMPACT]

Israel Expected Inflation Rate: Capital Market: 3-5 Years Forward data was reported at 2.300 % in Mar 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 2.400 % for Feb 2025. Israel Expected Inflation Rate: Capital Market: 3-5 Years Forward data is updated monthly, averaging 2.400 % from Jan 2008 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 207 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3.600 % in Apr 2009 and a record low of 1.200 % in Mar 2020. Israel Expected Inflation Rate: Capital Market: 3-5 Years Forward data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bank of Israel. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Israel – Table IL.I067: Inflation Expectations. [COVID-19-IMPACT]

Russia Inflation Expectation: Next 1-2 Months: Increase Significantly data was reported at 30.764 % in Mar 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 29.826 % for Feb 2025. Russia Inflation Expectation: Next 1-2 Months: Increase Significantly data is updated monthly, averaging 34.000 % from Jun 2012 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 97 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 60.742 % in Feb 2022 and a record low of 20.000 % in Feb 2018. Russia Inflation Expectation: Next 1-2 Months: Increase Significantly data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Russian Public Opinion Research Center. The data is categorized under Russia Premium Database’s Household Survey – Table RU.HE007: Inflation Expectations and Perception: Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM). [COVID-19-IMPACT]