hausse

Hausse is a French noun (la hausse) meaning an increase or rise. It is used to describe upward movements in prices, values, or indicators, and is common in economics, finance, and public discourse. The word derives from the verb hausser, meaning to raise. In formal writing it is often employed with modifiers like modérée or marquée to indicate the magnitude of the move.

In economics and finance, a hausse denotes an upward change in a metric such as prices, wages, interest rates, or stock indices. It contrasts with baisse, the corresponding decrease. The term tends to be neutral, but its connotations depend on context—for example, a moderate hausse in inflation may reflect improving demand, whereas a sharp hausse may signal overheating or volatile markets. Hausses are discussed in relation to policy decisions, market expectations, and macroeconomic indicators.

Usage and nuance: hausses may be one-off spikes or part of a sustained trend. They are commonly described as la hausse des prix, la hausse des salaires, or la hausse des taux. Related terms include augmentation and progression; however, augmentation is more general, while hausse often emphasizes a discrete movement on a chart. The word is widely understood in French-speaking media, academia, and policy discussions, where it functions as a precise, measurable term for upward movement.