This page presents the historical trend of the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI), a key measure of inflation. CPI tracks changes in the average price of goods and services purchased by households and is used by economists, investors, and policymakers to assess inflationary pressures and cost-of-living changes.
What This Chart Shows:
- CPI has generally increased over time, reflecting long-term inflation
- Sharp spikes occurred during the 1970s oil crisis and early 1980s
- Recent surges in 2021–2022 reflect post-pandemic supply shocks and monetary stimulus
Key Takeaways:
- CPI is a leading indicator of inflation
- High CPI growth can erode purchasing power
- Policymakers use CPI trends to guide interest rate decisions
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics via FRED®
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