Related Web Links – Module 14 - Inflation: An Overview

For more on measuring inflation:

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is used to calculate the rate of inflation.  This index is tracked by federal agency, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For information, go to:  http://www.bls.gov/cpi/home.htm

CPI FAQs is a great source of information: http://www.bls.gov/cpi/cpifaq.htm

The data sets on the home page will allow you to compare components (e.g. medical care expenditures).

 “Health-Care Premiums Rise 7.7%, Outpacing Wages and Inflation,” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB115927289880274192.html

For information on the Producer Price Index (PPI), go to: http://www.bls.gov/ppi/

For information on import/export price indexes (MXP), go to:  http://www.bls.gov/mxp/

For information on inflation and deflation:

The winners and losers; an example from the UK: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/money/savings/article5949477.ece

An example of the debate: http://money.cnn.com/2009/06/23/news/economy/inflation_deflation_debate/index.htm

Mortgages and inflation: http://www.fool.com/personal-finance/home/2007/10/31/mortgage-inflation-how-bad-is-bad.aspx

OECD Consumer Prices: http://www.oecd.org/document/3/0,3343,en_2649_33715_43801027_1_1_1_1,00.html

“Deflation doldrums?” http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/5/2/business/3798768&sec=business

For articles on inflation and the Financial Crisis of 2008-2009:

“We Need Inflation to Spur a Recovery,” http://moneywatch.bnet.com/economic-news/blog/blog-war/we-need-inflation-to-spur-a-recovery/447/

“The Premature Exit: Moving to fight inflation too soon,” http://www.newsweek.com/id/216226