Question

Because there isn't one single measure of inflation, the government and researchers use a variety of methods to get the most balanced picture of how prices fluctuate in the economy. Two of the most commonly used price indexes are the consumer price index (CPI) and the GDP deflator.

The GDP deflator for this year is calculated by dividing the____________________ using by_____________________________ the using___________ and multiplying by 100. However, the CPI reflects only the prices of all goods and services .

Indicate whether each scenario will affect the GDP deflator or the CPI for the United States.

a. A decrease in the price of a Chinese-made car that is popular among U.S. consumers.
b. An increase in the price of a Waterman Industries deep-water reel, which is a commercial fishing product used for deep-sea fishing, made in the U.S., but not bought by U.S. consumers.

Answer 1

1. The GDP deflator for this year is calculated by dividing the Value of all goods and services produced in the economy this year using this year's prices by the Value of all goods and services produced in the economy in the base year using the base year's prices and multiplying by 100.

However, the CPI reflects only the prices of all goods and services bought by consumers.

2. a. A decrease in the price of a Chinese-made car that is popular among U.S. consumers. Affects CPI.

This affects CPI because the CPI reflects only the prices of goods and services purchased by customers.

b. An increase in the price of a Waterman Industries deep-water reel, which is a commercial fishing product used for deep-sea fishing, made in the U.S., but not bought by U.S. consumers. Affects GDP Deflator.

This is a good produced in the United States so it will affect the GDP Deflator as that deals with GDP.