· 3 -
Comparing March 1997 with February 1997, the CPI(A) decreased by 0.1%. The corresponding increases for the CPI(B), Hang Seng CPI and Composite CPI were 0.1%, 0.6% and 0.2%.
For the first quarter of 1997, the increases in the CPI(A) and CPI(B) averaged at 6.2% and 6.1% respectively over a year earlier. The corresponding increases for both the Hang Seng CPI and Composite CPI were 6.1%.
For the 12-month ended March 1997, the CPI(A) and CPI(B) were, on average, higher by 6.0% and 6.2% respectively than the preceding 12-month period. The corresponding increases for the Hang Seng CPI and Composite CPI were 6.3% and 6.1% respectively.
The seasonally adjusted monthly rates of increase in the CPI(A) and CPI(B) averaged at 0.4% and 0.5% respectively during the three months ended March 1997. The corresponding increases for both the Hang Seng CPI and Composite CPI were 0.5%.
Further details are shown in Tables 1-2 and Charts 1-4.
The Consumer Price Index Report
More details are given in the "Consumer Price Index Report" for March 1997, which is available at $28 per copy from the Government Publications Centre, Queensway Government Offices, Low Block, Ground Floor, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong; or from the Publications Unit of the Census and Statistics Department, 19/F., Wan Chai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. For local and overseas mailings, contact should be made with the Information Services Department, 28/F., Siu On Centre, 188 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong,
For enquiries about the indices, please telephone the Consumer Price Index Section of the Census and Statistics Department at 2805 6403.