Economic Indicators

Inflation and Cost of Living

Sorry, but there’s no such thing as a Springfield CPI (consumer price index or measure of inflation); the national figure appears once a month. The ACCRA Cost of Living Index (available in a print format only at the Library Center), published quarterly, compares cost-of-living differences among the nation’s urban areas and includes Springfield, Joplin, Columbia and other regiional cities.

Benchmarks and Forecasts

• BizStats gives instant access to useful financial ratios, business statistics and benchmarks for a number of business types.
• The Financial Forecast Center is the closest thing to a crystal ball in providing assorted forecasts as well as historical data.

Trends and More Forecasts

With the advent of the Internet, you have access to much of the same detailed economic data as the President and senior administration officials do. Since your personal investment and financial horizon will be strongly impacted by economic trends, become familiar with these sources.

• Council of Economic Advisors Indicators
• Economic Statistics Briefing Room
• PNC National Economic Outlook
• Tracking the US Economy.