US Misery Index Jan. 2001 to Nov. 2009 [Obama's latest surpasses G.W. Bush's highest]

SUMMARY: The misery index is the unemployment rate added to the inflation rate. During the 96 months of G.W. Bush's administration the highest misery index was 11.47% in Aug. 2008. In the 11 months of the Obama administration for which data is available, the misery index peaked at 11.84% in Nov. 2009 (the last month for which complete data is available).

PREVIEW: The misery index under Obama is trending to enter Carter era levels within the next two months. The lowest misery index under Carter was 12.60% in April 1978. Once the misery index reaches this level, we will officially be in Jimmy Carter territory. In Nov. 2009 inflation spiked dramatically due mostly to increased energy costs. With the increasingly cold winter across the US, this inflationary pressure will likely increase. December numbers should be available on or about Jan. 15.

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