[经济学]24measuring_cost.pptVIP

24 Measuring the Cost of Living Measuring the Cost of Living Inflation refers to a situation in which the economy’s overall price level is rising. The inflation rate is the percentage change in the price level from the previous period. THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX The consumer price index (CPI) is a measure of the overall cost of the goods and services bought by a typical consumer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the CPI each month. It is used to monitor changes in the cost of living over time. When the CPI rises, the typical family has to spend more dollars to maintain the same standard