#CPI&JoblessClaimsWatch The U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the average change in prices paid by urban consumers for a basket of goods and services over time. It is published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and serves as a key indicator of inflation. The CPI covers categories like food, housing, transportation, and medical care. Policymakers, economists, and businesses use CPI data to assess economic conditions and guide decisions. The Federal Reserve also uses CPI trends to shape monetary policy. A rising CPI indicates inflation, while a declining CPI can signal deflation or reduced consumer demand, influencing interest rate decisions accordingly.