Consumer Price Index: All Items: City: Total for United States

CPALCY01USM661N • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

124.61

Year-over-Year Change

2.86%

Date Range

1/1/1960 - 12/1/2023

Summary

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the average change in prices paid by urban consumers for a basket of consumer goods and services. It is a key indicator of inflation and helps guide economic policy decisions.

Analysis & Context

This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.

Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.

About This Dataset

The CPI All Items index tracks the prices of a representative basket of consumer goods and services, including food, housing, transportation, and medical care. It is a widely used measure of the overall cost of living and general price inflation in the United States.

Methodology

The Bureau of Labor Statistics collects data on prices from around 23,000 retail and service establishments each month to calculate the CPI.

Historical Context

The CPI is a crucial data point for the Federal Reserve and other policymakers in assessing inflationary pressures and making monetary policy decisions.

Key Facts

  • The CPI All Items index has a base period of 1982-1984 = 100.
  • The CPI is published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  • The CPI is a widely watched indicator of overall price changes in the economy.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the average change in prices paid by urban consumers for a basket of consumer goods and services.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: The CPI is a crucial indicator of inflation and the overall cost of living, making it highly relevant for policymakers, businesses, and consumers.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The Bureau of Labor Statistics collects price data from around 23,000 retail and service establishments each month to calculate the CPI.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: The CPI is a key data point used by the Federal Reserve and other policymakers in assessing inflationary pressures and making monetary policy decisions.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The CPI is published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics with a typical release lag of around two weeks.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Consumer Price Index: All Items: City: Total for United States (CPALCY01USM661N), retrieved from FRED.