The optimal rate of inflation and the inflation target: international experience and the Hungarian perspective

This article discusses the main factors considered in defining the country’s inflation target which was revised this year. Three key issues are covered: the theoretical and empirical literature dealing with the optimal level of inflation, international best practice and individual, country-specific factors that may justify deviation in any direction from best practice. The article finds that the 3% inflation target set by the MNB is consistent with all the three aspects reviewed and, consequently, contributes to the MNB achieving its primary statutory objective of price stability.