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Canadian Inflation Heats Up: CPI Rises 2.0% in October
What is CPI?
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the average change in prices over time in a fixed basket of goods and services purchased by households. The CPI is used to gauge inflation and to adjust wages, pensions, and other payments.
How is CPI Calculated?
Statistics Canada collects CPI data from over 70,000 outlets across the country. The agency tracks the prices of over 600 goods and services, including food, shelter, transportation, and clothing. The CPI is calculated by comparing the average price of these goods and services in a given month to their average price in a base year.
Why is CPI Important?
The CPI is an important economic indicator because it provides insights into the cost of living and the rate of inflation. Inflation is the rate at which prices for goods and services increase over time. Inflation can erode the value of savings and make it more difficult for people to afford basic necessities.
How Does CPI Affect Me?
The CPI can affect you in several ways. For example, if inflation is high, your wages may not keep pace with the rising cost of living. This can make it more difficult to make ends meet. Conversely, if inflation is low, your wages may outpace the cost of living, which can improve your standard of living.
What is the Current CPI in Canada?
In October 2022, the CPI rose by 2.0% compared to the same month in 2021. This is the largest year-over-year increase since August 2020. The increase was largely due to higher prices for food, energy, and shelter.
What is the Outlook for CPI?
The outlook for CPI is uncertain. Some economists believe that inflation will continue to rise in the coming months due to ongoing supply chain disruptions and the war in Ukraine. Others believe that inflation will start to moderate as the economy slows down.