The Big Mac index: United States

Macro

2026-03-02

Description

The big mac index was invented by The Economist in 1986 as a lighthearted guide to whether currencies are at their “correct” level. It is based on the theory of purchasing-power parity (PPP), the notion that in the long run exchange rates should move towards the rate that would equalise the prices of an identical basket of goods and services (in this case, a burger) in any two countries.

Published by
The Economist
Frequency
Aperiodically
Next Update
Hashtags
Big Mac index PPP

AI Data Insight

In the first quarter of 2026, the US Big Mac Index climbed to $6.12, rising further from the previous quarter's $6.01, indicating that pressure on dining-out costs has not abated. Despite market expectations of slowing inflation, the pass-through effects of service sector wages and operating costs have caused core dining prices to demonstrate high stickiness, continuously eroding consumer purchasing power.

You May Also Like

AI Data Insight

In the first quarter of 2026, the US Big Mac Index climbed to $6.12, rising further from the previous quarter's $6.01, indicating that pressure on dining-out costs has not abated. Despite market expectations of slowing inflation, the pass-through effects of service sector wages and operating costs have caused core dining prices to demonstrate high stickiness, continuously eroding consumer purchasing power.

You May Also Like

Other Industry

Semiconductor
Display
LED
Energy
Electronics
Telecom
Emerging Tech
Macro
Description

The big mac index was invented by The Economist in 1986 as a lighthearted guide to whether currencies are at their “correct” level. It is based on the theory of purchasing-power parity (PPP), the notion that in the long run exchange rates should move towards the rate that would equalise the prices of an identical basket of goods and services (in this case, a burger) in any two countries.

Published by
The Economist
Frequency
Aperiodically
Next Update
Hashtags
Big Mac index PPP