The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a widely used economic indicator that measures changes in the prices of goods and services over time. It measures the average change overtime in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services. Being an index, a date was chosen to be equivalent to 100, and as the price of the goods in the "basket" increased the index increases as well. The percentage difference between the index a year prior and the current index is the inflation rate. Having a reliable index is an essential tool for policymakers, economists, and individuals alike to assess inflation and make informed decisions. However, there are different variations … [Read more...]
Did the Democrats Really Vote Against the Social Security Cost of Living Increase?
There is a meme circulating around Facebook right now about Democrats voting against the 2.8% Cost of living increase. Normally, here at inflationData we try to avoid politics unless it directly relates to inflation, or our other major topics covered. But in this case I feel compelled to address this issue. The quick answer is that this is "NOT TRUE". However, if the MEME was phrased slightly differently it would be "TECHNICALLY TRUE". If the Meme said, "NONE of the Democrats voted FOR the Social Security Cost of Living Increase" it would be "TECHNICALLY TRUE". Likewise, if it said "NONE of the Republicans voted FOR the Social Security Cost of Living Increase" it would also … [Read more...]