1. Home
  2. Business & Finance
  3. Investing for Beginners

Consumer Price Index

By Joshua Kennon, About.com

Definition: The consumer price index is one of the most important benchmarks and economic indicators because it measures the prices of goods and services for the consumer. The consumer price index is published monthly by the U.S. Department of Labor and measures inflation. The CPI tracks price changes from the consumer's perspective, whereas the PPI measures it from the seller's / manufacturer's perspective.

To further understand the concept, read What Is Inflation?.

Also Known As: CPI
Explore Investing for Beginners
About.com Special Features

Start your new business on the right foot with these helpful tips. More >

Easy steps to take control of your credit card debt. More >

  1. Home
  2. Business & Finance
  3. Investing for Beginners
  4. Investing 101
  5. Investing Glossary
  6. Consumer Price Index>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.