US Inflation 1950 to 2026 by Administration

US inflation by administration

Annual-average CPI-U, 1950–2026 · bar color changes each administration · 2026 provisional (through Aug)

US average

US annual-average inflation, 1950 to 2026: overall average about 3.5%, peaks of 13.5% in 1980 and 8% in 2022.

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI-U (annual average). Geekerati Media.

Dow Jones: Nominal and Inflation Adjusted

Dow Jones — year-end close, nominal

DJIA December close, 1950–2026 · 2026 = mid-Sep level, not year-end

Nominal year-end Dow: 235 in 1950, 964 in 1980, 11,497 in 1999, 30,606 in 2020, about 52,400 in 2026.

Source: Dow Jones Industrial Average, year-end closing values. Geekerati Media.

Dow Jones — year-end close, real

In constant 2025 dollars (CPI-U), 1950–2026 · 2026 = mid-Sep level, not year-end

Real year-end Dow in 2025 dollars: about 3,100 in 1950, 7,800 in 1966, 3,500 in 1982, 22,200 in 1999, 47,300 in 2025.

Source: DJIA year-end close deflated by CPI-U (annual average), 2025 dollars. Geekerati Media.