The prices of goods and services fluctuate over time, but when the numbers start moving up or down in the same direction at an accelerating rate, they may signal an inflationary or deflationary trend that can shock an economy. The Consumer Price Index (CPI), an important gauge of U.S. prices, provides a monthly indication of their overall trend. The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) releases the CPI data for each month during the second week of the following month, though the precise date varies.
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