CPI vs. PPI

Back to Basics: CPI vs. PPI

When looking at inflation, two key terms often come up: CPI and PPI. Both measure how prices change over time, but they focus on different parts of the economy.

CPI, or Consumer Price Index, tracks the average change in prices that consumers pay for everyday goods and services—things like groceries, rent, transportation, and clothing. In short, CPI tells us how much more (or less) it costs to live.

PPI, or Producer Price Index, measures the average change in prices that producers receive for their goods. This includes raw materials, parts, and wholesale goods—basically, what businesses pay before products reach store shelves.

Here’s a simple example: Imagine the cost of wheat rises. That shows up first in the PPI, since it affects what bakeries pay to make bread. If those costs stay high, the bakery might raise its prices, which eventually increases the CPI when customers buy bread at the store.

It’s a common mistake to assume CPI and PPI always move together. In reality, they can move differently depending on supply chains, labor costs, and how businesses choose to absorb or pass on higher expenses.

Monitoring both indexes helps economists, investors, and policymakers understand inflation from two angles—what’s happening at the production level and how it’s affecting everyday consumers. This insight is vital for setting interest rates, adjusting wages, and making smart financial decisions.

Visit GLOBAL ABAS for more insights.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Please consult a qualified professional for guidance tailored to your situation.

For personalized support, contact GLOBAL ABAS Consulting, LLC with your specific questions or concerns.

Your feedback helps us improve the Finance Terms series — share your thoughts in the comments below.

Copyright © 2025 GLOBAL ABAS Consulting, LLC. All rights reserved.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Credit Default Swap (CDS)

Image
What Is a Credit Default Swap (CDS)? A credit default swap (CDS) is a type of financial contract that works like insurance. It protects a lender or investor in case a borrower does not repay a loan. In a CDS, one party pays regular fees to another party, called the seller. In return, the seller promises to pay if the borrower defaults on the loan. For example, suppose a bank lends money to a company. To reduce its risk, the bank buys a CDS from another firm. If the company fails to repay the loan, the CDS seller pays the bank the agreed amount. If the company pays back the loan on time, the seller keeps the fee and nothing else happens. CDSs became widely known during the 2008 financial crisis. Many banks and investors used them to bet on or protect against mortgage loans. But because CDS contracts are not regulated like insurance, some firms took on too much risk. When large numbers of borrowers defaulted, many CDS sellers could not cover the losses, le...
Read more

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Accounting

Image
What Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Accounting? Artificial Intelligence (AI) in accounting means using smart computer systems to handle tasks that usually require human thinking. These systems can analyze large amounts of financial data, find patterns, and help with everyday accounting work like sorting invoices or checking for errors. For example, AI can scan and process hundreds of invoices in minutes. It can also spot unusual transactions that might point to fraud. Some AI tools can even give real-time insights on a company’s financial health, helping teams make faster and better decisions. It's important to know that AI does not replace accountants. Instead, it works alongside them. By taking care of repetitive tasks, AI allows accountants to focus on more complex work like strategy and financial planning. As businesses handle more data every day, AI is becoming a key tool in modern accounting. It helps teams work faster, reduces mi...
Read more

Multilateral Development Bank (MDB)

Image
Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) A multilateral development bank (MDB) is an international financial institution formed by a group of countries to support economic development in poorer regions of the world. MDBs provide loans, grants, and expert advice to help fund projects that improve infrastructure, education, healthcare, and more. Some well-known examples include the World Bank , the Asian Development Bank , and the African Development Bank . These banks are backed by their member countries, which not only contribute paid-in capital but also provide callable capital. Callable capital is a commitment from member countries to provide additional funds if needed, serving as a critical safety net and a cornerstone of the MDBs' strong financial standing. Member countries also oversee how the money is used. In the context of MDBs, references to "the World Bank" generally mean the IBRD and IDA: International Bank for Reconstruction and Development ...
Read more