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Why do we care about "core" inflation?

Mar 9, 2022
The core measure strips out food and energy prices, two of the biggest contributors to inflation today.
Food prices were up 7% year over year in January, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but core inflation takes food and energy out of the equation.
Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

What is CPI, and what exactly does it measure?

Aug 10, 2020
The consumer price index can affect your next raise, and Social Security cost-of-living adjustments are tied to it.
A woman checks out her purchases at a grocery store in New Jersey. CPI tracks the monthly change in the cost of consumer goods and services.
Michael Loccisano/Getty Images