Notes

Since the 1970s, we have seen a fall in average global inflation rates. There have been periods of inflation (often due to rise in oil prices), but the overall trend has seen much lower inflation rates. In the 1970s, inflation was seen as one of the main macro-economic challenges, but now many feel the challenge is that inflation has become too low risking deflation.

global-inflation-rate
Source: World Bank
Global inflation shows a marked fall since 1977.

The spike in inflation in 2008, was mostly due to cost-push factors; in particular a rise in oil prices.

us-euro-inflation
Source: World Bank
Inflation has fallen in both the US and Eurozone area. The Eurozone has been struggling to reach the inflation target of 2%, with current inflation rates hovering just above 0%, and the threat of deflation looming.

This graph also shows the close connection between global inflation rates.

UK inflation

annual-inflation ukUK inflation spiked in the 1970s and also in the late 1980s.

oil-pricesOil price spike of 2008 was main cause of global inflation.

Why has global inflation fallen?

Secular stagnation – demand and supply side factors are contributing to lower rates of economic growth. There is little, if any, demand pull pressures.
Technological changes are helping to reduce costs, especially in electronics and computing.
Globalisation increasing competitiveness of world economy. Growth of low cost Chinese manufacturing, which is exporting low inflation across the world.
Glut (excess supply) in many markets, e.g. steel, automobiles, oil. This has put downward pressure on prices.
Low wage growth. In many developed economies we have seen stagnant wage growth – especially for lower skilled workers. This low wage growth is due to many factors, such as globalisation, monopsony power.
Inflation targeting by Central banks have helped to avoid boom and bust cycles, more common in the 1970s and 1980s. For example, UK made Central Bank independent in 1997.
Fall in commodity prices since 2010. Oil and other commodities have fallen since 2010.
Deflationary pressures of the Eurozone. See: Deflationary pressures in Eurozone