'Inflation' becomes least searched topic: Google

With softening of prices across segments, including global crude rates, the word 'inflation' was the lowest searched topic on search engine Google.
"Inflation, which saw tremendous search interest during the past few years, not only saw a decline in search interest this year but was also the lowest in terms of online search interest," Google said in its latest search trends analysis.
Searches around 'inflation' had peaked around mid-August to end of October in 2013, but trends in the same period in 2014 reflected a lowering of interest on the word linked searches, the global search engine said.
"Even as continuous rate cuts in crude oil prices offered respite to the government, bad weather condition coupled with unexpected rain and dense fog triggered a sudden rise in wholesale prices of vegetables," the statement said.

In relation to regional interest around inflation related queries, Uttar Pradesh leads the states with the maximum hits, followed by Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.
The year-on-year analysis indicates that 2010 had the highest search interest around inflation and this gradually witnessed a slight in 2011.

"Bank interest rates are also affected by inflation. Searches around repo rate decisions by the Reserve bank of India are also important indicators and triggers of public perception on prices and inflation," Google said.
Consequently, with a gradual increase in inflation in 2013, repo rate searches peaked on Google search trends during September 2013, the report pointed out.

"Now with recent roll-backs on fuel prices, all eyes, including that of industry and governments is on the RBI and expectations of a repo rate cut before February 3, 2015 is increasing," Google said.