The calculation method of the "Consumer Price Index", which shows the price movements of goods and services, will be reviewed for the first time in five years.
In line with changes in consumer lifestyles, "fixed-line phones" and other items will be excluded from the surveyed items, while "tablet terminals" and other items will be newly added.
The consumer price index is an economic indicator that shows the price movements of goods and services consumed at home, and is also called an "economic thermometer" because it reflects the good and bad of the economy.
The method of calculating the index is to be reviewed once every five years, and according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, about 30 of the 585 items surveyed will be replaced according to changes in consumer lifestyles. increase.
Specifically, with the spread of smartphones, "fixed phones" and "video cameras" have been excluded, while "tablet terminals" have been newly added, and "salad chicken", which is popular due to growing health consciousness, is also available. I took it in.
The new calculation method will be applied from the consumer price index released this month.
On the other hand, if this calculation method is applied to the past consumer price index, the rate of increase in the index will be pushed down.
For example, the June index, excluding fresh food, was up 0.2% compared to the same month last year, but the new standard has been revised down to minus 0.5%, which means prices have fallen.
For this reason, some believe that the BOJ's target of a 2% inflation rate may be farther away.
In the background of the spread of smartphones and the increase in double-income households
Let's see how this review will change the items surveyed by the Consumer Price Index.
There are a total of 585 items, of which 28 are excluded.
Specifically, the background is the widespread use of smartphones in "landline phones," "portable audio players," and "video cameras."
In addition, we have decided to cancel the investigation of "milk for delivery".
30 new items will be added.
In addition to "tablet terminals," food products such as "salad chicken," which is popular due to growing health consciousness, have been added.
In addition, as the number of double-income households increases, the need to shorten the cooking time as much as possible is increasing, so we have decided to incorporate "seasoned meat," "cut vegetables," and "packed rice."
The total number of items will be 582 because the items to be surveyed will be consolidated and abolished.
In this review, the price of online shopping products, which are increasing in use, can be reflected more, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications says that it has responded to changes in consumer lifestyles.