Principles of Finance

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Consumer price index (CPI)

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Principles of Finance

Definition

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services. It is a key indicator used to assess inflation and the cost of living.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. CPI is calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on a monthly basis.
  2. It includes various categories such as food, housing, apparel, transportation, medical care, recreation, education, and communication.
  3. CPI can be used to adjust wages, pensions, and cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs).
  4. A rising CPI indicates inflation, while a falling CPI indicates deflation.
  5. Core CPI excludes volatile food and energy prices to provide a clearer view of long-term inflation trends.

Review Questions

  • What government agency is responsible for calculating the Consumer Price Index?
  • Which components are typically excluded from the Core CPI?
  • How does an increase in the CPI affect purchasing power?
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