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What is the Consumer Price Index (CPI)?

What is the Consumer Price Index(CPI)? The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the change in prices paid by consumers for a basket of goods and services. It is one of the most widely followed economic indicators, and it is used by investors to gauge inflation and make investment decisions. How is the CPI calculated? The CPI is calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS surveys households across the United States to collect data on the prices they pay for goods and services. This data is then used to create a "basket" of goods and services that represents the spending habits of the average American household. The BLS calculates the CPI by comparing the prices in the basket of goods and services in a given month to the prices in the same basket of goods and services in a base year. The base year is usually 2000. How does the CPI affect investing? The CPI is an important indicator of inflation. When the CPI rises, it means that the cost of living is incre...

HSI Dips 1.22% Amid Regional Sell-off: Is AI Hype Fading, or Is a Real Economy Rotation Underway?

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📅 April 30, 2026 · 03:37 AM EDT  |  Wall Street Daily Briefing Hong Kong Market Overview Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index closed down 1.22% at 25793.49 today, largely influenced by a broader Asian market downturn and persistent concerns over regional tech valuations. Investor sentiment appeared cautious, with capital flowing out of growth sectors, suggesting a potential re-evaluation of risk amidst global macro uncertainties. The Hang Seng Index (HSI) concluded April 30, 2026, down 1.22% , settling at 25793.49 . This marked a notable retreat, with the Hang Seng Tech Index (iShares) also registering a -0.79% decline, signaling a broad sell-off in technology shares across the region. Trading volume was subdued, appearing below the 30-day average, indicating a lack of conviction among buyers. Market breadth was negative, with decliners significantly outpacing advancers, reflecting widespread risk aversion. The sentiment was likely exacerbated...

Wall Street's Mixed Finish: Dow Dips 0.57% as Energy Surges 2.29% — Is a Real Economy Rotation Underway?

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📅 April 30, 2026 · 12:25 AM EDT  |  Wall Street Daily Briefing S&P 500 7,135.95 ▼ 0.04% NASDAQ 24,673.24 ▲ 0.04% Dow Jones 48,861.81 ▼ 0.57% VIX 18.81 ▲ 5.50% Market Overview — April 29, 2026 On April 29, 2026, US stocks closed mixed, with the S&P 500 nearly flat at 7135.95 (-0.04%) and the NASDAQ posting a modest gain of 24673.24 (+0.04%). The Dow Jones Industrial Average, however, declined by 0.57% to 48861.81, reflecting underlying caution. The VIX, a key volatility gauge, rose 5.50% to 18.81, signaling increased investor apprehension despite the seemingly calm headline indices. Yesterday, US equities presented a nuanced picture, with headline indices masking significant rota...