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Understanding Consumer Price Index

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the average change over time in the prices paid by consumers for a basket of goods and services. It is calculated by comparing the cost of this basket in the current year to the cost in a base year and is expressed as a percentage. Understanding CPI is crucial for analyzing inflation rates and the cost of living, as it helps economists and policymakers make informed decisions about monetary policy and economic health.

17 practice questions with detailed explanations

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1

What is the effect of deflation on the Consumer Price Index (CPI)?

Deflation means prices are going down. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that lower prices mean the CPI goes up; It may seem like p...

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2

How does the Consumer Price Index (CPI) affect cost of living adjustments when comparing nominal and real values?

The CPI shows how prices change over time. Other options are incorrect because This answer suggests that CPI only increases nominal values; This optio...

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3

How does an increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) typically affect inflationary pressures and the standard of living in an economy?

When the Consumer Price Index goes up, it means prices for goods and services are rising. Other options are incorrect because Some might think rising ...

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4

Which of the following statements best explains the relationship between the Consumer Price Index (CPI), nominal value, and real value in a deflationary context?

When the CPI goes down, it means prices are falling. Other options are incorrect because This answer suggests that prices are rising, which is not tru...

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5

How does the Consumer Price Index (CPI) help in making cost of living adjustments, particularly when distinguishing between nominal and real values in economic indicators?

The CPI helps adjust nominal income to show real purchasing power. Other options are incorrect because Some might think the CPI only looks at nominal ...

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6

What does the Consumer Price Index (CPI) primarily measure?

The CPI tracks how prices change over time for things people buy, like food and clothes. Other options are incorrect because Some might think the CPI ...

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7

What does an increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) typically indicate about the inflation rate in an economy?

When the Consumer Price Index goes up, it means prices for goods and services are rising. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that ri...

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8

What is the primary purpose of establishing a base year in the Consumer Price Index (CPI)?

The base year helps us see how prices change over time. Other options are incorrect because Some might think the base year shows how much money people...

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9

How does the Consumer Price Index (CPI) influence the decision-making process of policymakers regarding inflation?

The CPI shows how prices change over time. Other options are incorrect because This answer suggests that CPI only measures income; This option claims ...

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10

Which of the following statements about the Consumer Price Index (CPI) are true? Select all that apply.

All the options given about CPI are incorrect. Other options are incorrect because This statement is misleading; An increase in CPI means prices are g...

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11

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is essential for measuring inflation because it reflects the average change in prices for a specific group of items, known as the __________. This index is pivotal for understanding how cost-of-living adjustments affect consumers.

The CPI tracks how prices change for a set group of items people buy. Other options are incorrect because Base year prices are the starting point for ...

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12

Consumer Price Index (CPI) is to inflation as unemployment rate is to what economic concept?

The natural rate of unemployment is the level of unemployment that exists when the economy is healthy. Other options are incorrect because Some might ...

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13

Maria is reviewing her monthly expenses and notices that the cost of food and transportation has increased significantly over the past year. If the Consumer Price Index (CPI) indicates a rise in prices, what should Maria consider about her purchasing power and cost of living?

When prices go up, Maria can buy less with the same amount of money. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that rising prices mean they...

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14

How does the Consumer Price Index (CPI) influence monetary policy decisions?

The CPI shows how prices change over time. Other options are incorrect because This option confuses CPI with unemployment data; This option suggests C...

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15

If the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is observed to increase over a year, what is the most likely underlying cause of this change?

When people want to buy more things, prices usually go up. Other options are incorrect because Some might think fewer goods always means higher prices...

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16

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates how the Consumer Price Index (CPI) can be impacted by changes in consumer behavior during economic fluctuations?

When gas prices go up, people drive less. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that higher wages automatically raise the CPI; It's a c...

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17

Arrange the following steps in the correct order to analyze the impact of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) on economic policy decisions: A) Analyze the calculated CPI to identify inflation trends, B) Compare the current CPI with the base year CPI, C) Use inflation trends to inform monetary policy adjustments, D) Determine the basket of goods and services used for CPI calculation.

First, we compare the current CPI with the base year CPI to see how prices have changed. Other options are incorrect because This option suggests star...

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