The consumer price index (CPI) is a measure of change in the general level ofprices of goods and services bought by households over a specified period oftime. It compares a household's cost for a specific basket of finished goods andservices with the cost of the same basket during an earlier benchmark period.The consumer price index is used as a measurement of inflation and is a keyeconomic figure. Likely impact:1) Interest Rates: Larger-than-expected quarterly increase in price inflation orincreasing trend is considered inflationary; this will cause bond prices to dropand yields and interest rates to rise.2) Stock Prices: Higher than expected price inflation is bearish on the stockmarket as higher inflation will lead to higher interest rates.3) Exchange Rates: High inflation has an uncertain effect. It would lead todepreciation as higher prices mean lower competitiveness. Conversely, higherinflation causes higher interest rates and a tighter monetary policy that leadsto an appreciation.