A new ECB publication, that looks at inflation from the statistical perspective is now online. It explains in detail what inflation is and how it is measured by statistical offices at the national and European levels. It helps to clarify how inflation is a factor in central banks' tasks and how the European Central Bank (ECB) monitors inflation. It also gives reasons why people may perceive inflation to be higher or lower than the officially measured inflation rate.
The publication presents easy to understand statistics on inflation using interactive visuals that allow inflation rates to be compared across countries. The visuals also offer a more in-depth view of the various goods and services included in the 'shopping basket' that is used for officially calculating inflation.
