CPIindexniveau

CPIindexniveau refers to the numerical level of a Consumer Price Index (CPI) at a specific date. In statistical practice, the CPI is a measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a representative basket of goods and services. The CPIindexniveau is the index value produced by the CPI, typically with a base period indexed to 100. Values above 100 indicate price increases since the base year, while values below 100 indicate price declines.

CPI calculations are carried out by national statistical agencies using price observations for a fixed basket and weights that reflect consumption patterns. Some measures use chain-linking to update weights over time. The resulting index can be reported as level values (monthly and yearly) and as inflation rates derived from the percent change over a period.

Uses of the CPIindexniveau include wage and pension indexation, contractual escalators, and monetary policy analysis. It is a key indicator for measuring inflation and for adjusting real terms in contracts, taxes, and social benefits. Different countries publish their own CPI with variations in coverage, methodology, and base year; therefore, index values are not directly comparable across countries.

Limitations include substitution bias, quality changes, new goods, and geographic coverage differences. The CPIindexniveau should be interpreted in context and often complemented by measures such as core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices.

See also: Consumer Price Index, inflation, indexation, base year, chain-weighted index, core inflation.