Generally accepted definition of hyperinflation

The generally accepted definition of hyperinflation in the world economy is 100% cumulative inflation over three years. It comes to 26% annual or 1.95% monthly inflation for three years in a row.

The above definition is currently being used by the 147 countries that implement International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. This definition has been used since April 1989 by the millions of accountants, business people, economists and all governments who implement IFRS. 

This definition of hyperinflation is contained in IAS 29 Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies that was authorized by the IASB in April 1989. 

"Par 3. This Standard does not establish an absolute rate at which hyperinflation is deemed to arise. It is a matter of judgement when restatement of financial statements in accordance with this Standard becomes necessary. Hyperinflation is indicated by characteristics of the economic environment of a country which include, but are not limited to, the following:

(a) the general population prefers to keep its wealth in non-monetary assets
or in a relatively stable foreign currency. Amounts of local currency held
are immediately invested to maintain purchasing power;

(b) the general population regards monetary amounts not in terms of the
local currency but in terms of a relatively stable foreign currency. Prices
may be quoted in that currency;

(c) sales and purchases on credit take place at prices that compensate for
the expected loss of purchasing power during the credit period, even if
the period is short;

(d) interest rates, wages and prices are linked to a price index; and

(e) the cumulative inflation rate over three years is approaching, or exceeds, 100%."

There is today not one government in the world economy that uses any other definition of hyperinflation. 

Nicolaas Smith Copyright (c) 2005-2014 Nicolaas J Smith. All rights reserved. No reproduction without permission.