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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...

3 Seismic Shifts from Asia's Close: Tech Wobbles, Energy Holds, & Geopolitical Undercurrents

Photo by Derek Tang on Unsplash 📅 July 24, 2026 · 03:36 AM EDT  |  Wall Street Daily Briefing Hong Kong Market Overview The Hang Seng Index closed down 1.16% at 24917.21 today, dragged lower by a broad regional sell-off and caution ahead of tonight's US market open. The primary driver was a pervasive risk-off sentiment, partially influenced by a perceived AI stock bubble correction and lingering geopolitical anxieties. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index retreated to 24917.21 , marking a 1.16% decline for the session, extending its weekly losses. The Hang Seng Tech Index, while faring marginally better at a 0.20% dip, still contributed to the downside, with heavyweights like Tencent (0700.HK) shedding 2.38% to HK$434.6. Market breadth was decisively negative, with decliners outpacing advancers by a margin of nearly 4:1. Trading volume remained subdued, registering approximately 15% below its 30-day average, underscoring investor hesita...