XN000022-1994-12-22 — Page 4

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"Taking the first 11 months together, the increase in the CPI(A) averaged at 8.0%. This was lower than the average increase of 8.5% in 1993," the spokesman added.

The year-on-year rates of increase

in the Consumer Price Index (B) and the Hang Seng CPI were 9.5% and 10.6% respectively in November 1994. The corresponding increases in October 1994 were 9.0% and 10.5% respectively.

The Composite CPI, which is compiled based on the combined expenditure pattern of households covered by the three CPIs, showed an increase of 9.5% in November 1994 over the same month in 1993. This was also higher than the corresponding increase of 9.0% in October.

Comparing November 1994 with November 1993, relatively faster price increases than the overall average were recorded for housing (12.1% in the CPI(A) and 14.4% in the CPI(B)); miscellaneous services (12.1% and 11.0%); clothing and footwear (10.9% and 11.5%); and miscellaneous goods (8.8% and 7.6%),

On the other hand, relatively slower price increases than the overall average were recorded for durable goods (2.4% in the CPI(A) and 2.8% in the CPI(B)); alcoholic drinks and tobacco (5.1% and 5.8%); food (excluding meals bought away from home) (5.3% and 5.4%); fuel and light (5.4% and 5.6%); meals bought away from home (7.7% and 7.5%); and transport (8.2% and 7.9%).

Comparing November 1994 with October 1994, the CPI(A) and CPI(B) increased by 0.2% and 0.6% respectively. The Composite CPI increased by 0.6%.

For the three months ended November 1994, the CPI(A) and CPI(B) were, on average, higher by 8.4% and 9.2% respectively over a year earlier. The Composite CPI increased by 9.2%.

For the 12 months ended November 1994, the CPI(A) and CPI(B) were, on average, higher by 8.1% and 8.5% respectively than in the preceding 12- month period. The corresponding increase for the Composite CPI was 8.7%.

Seasonally adjusted series are also available for the CPIs. The deseasonalised CPI(A) and CPI(B) increased at an average rate of 0.4% and 0.8% respectively per month during the three months ended November 1994. The corresponding increase for the Composite CPI was 0.7%.