Perceived vs. observed inflation. Perceived inflation in connection with the euro adoption

This thesis deals with the difference between observed and perceived inflation. It builds on literature which focuses on perceived inflation and its difference from observed inflation. The thesis broadens existing literature with detailed analysis of factors affecting the difference between observed and perceived inflation (inflation gap) and its size. There are numerous theoretical explanations for the gap increase which followed the euro-changeover. This thesis summarizes these reasons and analyzes what and to what extent affects the size of the inflation gap using data about awareness about the euro among public, macroeconomic (GDP, rate of inflation, rate of unemployment etc.) and social variables (sex, age). Result of the analysis is that the size of the gap is affected particularly by the euro introduction. Extent of this impact differs for men and women, but is very similar across age groups. The impact of HICP and its components in various sectors was in most models larger in periods when countries were using euro as their national currency. Hypothesis stating that the higher is the awareness about the euro among public, the smaller is the inflation gap was confirmed in models considering later waves of the euro introduction