Harmonized Index Of Consumer Prices
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The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) is a measure of inflation in the European Union (EU). It reflects change over time in the prices paid by households for a representative basket of goods and services. The European Central Bank (ECB) uses the HICP for the Eurozone comprising the 19 EU states using the euro common currency to pursue its objective of price stability, defined as 2% annualized inflation over the medium term.
Definition
The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) is an inflation measure used by the European Union. It reflects the changes over time in the prices paid by households for a representative basket of goods and services.
Origin
The HICP originated in 1996 when the EU introduced it to standardize inflation measurement across member states. Its purpose is to provide the European Central Bank with a reliable tool to help achieve its price stability goal.
Categories and Features
HICP is mainly divided into two categories: the overall index and the core index. The overall index includes all goods and services, while the core index excludes volatile items like energy and food. A key feature of HICP is its standardized calculation method, ensuring comparability of inflation data across EU countries.
Case Studies
A typical case is during the 2008 financial crisis when HICP showed a sharp decline in inflation rates in the Eurozone, prompting the European Central Bank to adopt an accommodative monetary policy. Another case is during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, where HICP reflected price fluctuations due to decreased demand and supply chain disruptions.
Common Issues
Investors often misunderstand HICP as merely a simple price change indicator, overlooking its crucial role in monetary policy. Additionally, HICP does not include housing prices, which may lead to an underestimation of actual living costs.
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