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Core CPI

Inflation excluding food and energy

Learn Core CPI, why it excludes volatile items, and policy use

Key Takeaways 

  • Core Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures inflation by tracking price changes in goods and services, excluding food and energy due to their volatility. 
  • It provides a more stable measure of inflation, helping identify long-term trends. 
  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) collects data monthly to calculate Core CPI. 
  • The Federal Reserve uses Core CPI to guide interest rate decisions and monetary policy. 
  • Compared to Headline CPI and PCE Price Index, Core CPI offers a clearer view of underlying inflation trends.

Introduction to Core CPI 

Core CPI, or Core Consumer Price Index, measures inflation by tracking changes in the prices of goods and services, excluding food and energy. 

These two categories are left out as their prices can be highly volatile due to factors like weather, geopolitical events, and supply chain disruptions, which may distort inflation trends. 

By focusing on more stable price changes, Core CPI helps economists, policymakers, and central banks assess underlying inflation patterns and make informed economic decisions.

Difference Between CPI and Core CPI 

While CPI measures the overall price changes in consumer goods and services, Core CPI removes food and energy costs to provide a more stable measure of inflation. 

Food and energy prices can fluctuate significantly due to factors like weather, politics, and supply chain disruptions, making overall CPI more volatile. 

By excluding these unpredictable categories, Core CPI helps identify long-term inflation trends, offering a clearer picture of underlying economic conditions without short-term price swings.

How Core CPI Is Calculated 

Core CPI is calculated by tracking the price changes of a fixed basket of goods and services, excluding food and energy. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) collects price data from thousands of businesses across various sectors each month. 

By analyzing how the prices of these items change over time, economists can determine overall inflation trends. 

The percentage change in this adjusted basket helps assess whether inflation is rising, falling, or stable, guiding economic policy and financial decisions.

Why Core CPI Matters 

Core CPI is an essential tool for central banks, businesses, and investors because it filters out short-term price spikes, providing a clearer view of inflation trends. 

The Federal Reserve closely monitors Core CPI when making decisions on interest rates to keep inflation under control. 

Investors use it to assess economic stability and adjust their strategies accordingly. 

Businesses rely on Core CPI to set prices, manage costs, and adjust wages to keep up with inflation while maintaining profitability.

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