CPI Inflation

    Consumer Price Index Inflation

    Macroeconomics

    The rate of change in the prices of a consumption basket of goods and services. India's monetary policy targets CPI inflation at 4%, within a 2 to 6% band.

    Formula

    Inflation = (CPI now - CPI year ago) / CPI year ago

    Why it matters

    CPI drives RBI policy and erodes real returns. Every nominal return must be judged against it to know what purchasing power actually grew.

    Indian example

    Related terms