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What is hyperinflation?

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Quick answer

Hyperinflation is extremely rapid, out-of-control price inflation — often more than 50% per month. Money loses value so fast that prices can change within hours, savings become worthless, and people rush to spend cash before it depreciates. It's runaway inflation, often exceeding 50% a month.

Key things to understand

  1. It's runaway inflation, often exceeding 50% a month.
  2. Money loses value extraordinarily fast.
  3. Prices can change multiple times a day.
  4. It often stems from printing too much money.

People also ask

What causes hyperinflation?
Usually a government printing huge amounts of money, often amid crisis, collapsing confidence in the currency.
How is hyperinflation different from normal inflation?
Normal inflation is a few percent a year; hyperinflation can exceed 50% a month, spiraling out of control.
What are examples of hyperinflation?
Weimar Germany in the 1920s and Zimbabwe in the 2000s are famous cases.