Each month, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) releases
an estimate of the level of the consumer price index (CPI) and
the rate of inflation in the United States for the previous
month. The report provides the most recent current and
seasonally adjusted consumer price indexes for all urban
consumers, urban wager earners, and the chained index, plus a
breakdown by major expenditure groups. The BLS also collects
price level data for major metropolitan areas and regions. This
lesson focuses on the September 17, 2010, BLS press release of
data on the consumer price index for the month of August, 2010.
- Identify the current rate and recent changes in the consumer
price index. - Identify the factors that have influenced recent
changes in the rate of inflation. - Identify the potential
policy implications of the current economic conditions,
including deflation. - Describe how inflation and deflation
impact individuals, families, and different groups in the
economy. The September 17, 2010, Bureau of Labor Sta