Inflation Since 1872: A Long-Term Look at the CPI

The March release of the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (CPI-U) places the year-over-year inflation rate at 3.26%. While this marks the 33rd consecutive month that inflation has remained below the post-WWII average of 3.72%, we are seeing a shift in the medium-term trend. For the first time in over a year, the current rate has dipped below the 10-year moving average, which currently sits at 3.22%.