Index 2010=1, Quarterly, Seasonally Adjusted

MABMBM01CAQ661S • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

1.27

Year-over-Year Change

24.46%

Date Range

1/1/1970 - 10/1/2013

Summary

This quarterly index tracks the price of merchandise and services purchased by U.S. consumers, with a base year of 2010. It is a key measure of inflation used by policymakers and economists to assess changes in consumer spending and the overall health of the economy.

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 Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a widely-used measure of the average change in prices paid by consumers for a basket of goods and services. It is calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and serves as an indicator of inflation in the broader economy.

Methodology

The CPI is calculated based on price data collected from a sample of retail stores, service establishments, and rental units across the United States.

Historical Context

The CPI is a crucial input for Federal Reserve monetary policy decisions and is closely watched by financial markets.

Key Facts

  • The CPI is calculated monthly and published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  • The CPI basket includes over 80,000 consumer items across 200 categories.
  • The CPI is a key input for adjusting Social Security benefits and federal income tax brackets.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the average change in prices paid by consumers for a basket of goods and services. It is a widely-used indicator of inflation in the U.S. economy.

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

A: The CPI is a crucial economic indicator used by policymakers, businesses, and consumers to assess changes in the cost of living and the overall health of the economy. It informs decisions around monetary policy, government benefits, and consumer spending.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The CPI is calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics based on price data collected from a sample of retail stores, service establishments, and rental units across the United States.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: The CPI is a key input for Federal Reserve monetary policy decisions, as it helps the central bank assess inflationary pressures and set appropriate interest rates. It also informs adjustments to government benefits and tax brackets.

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. While it is a comprehensive measure, the CPI may not fully capture price changes for all consumer goods and services.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Index 2010=1, Quarterly, Seasonally Adjusted (MABMBM01CAQ661S), retrieved from FRED.