ENG-2005 — Page 537

Table 4

(Chapter 3: The Economy)

Year-on-year Rates of Change in the Consumer Price Indices(1)(2)(3)

Appendices I 471

Percentages

2000

2004

2005

Composite Consumer Price Index

-3.8

-0.4

+1.0

Food

-2.2

+1.0

+1.8

Housing

-8.2

-5.2

+0.1

Consumer Price Index (A)

-3.0

§

+1.1

Food

-2.4

+1.4

+2.1

Housing

-6.2

-4.1

§

Consumer Price Index (B)

-3.9

-0.5

+1.0

Food

-2.1

+1.1

+1.9

Housing

-8.2

-5.6

+0.1

Consumer Price Index (C)

-4.5

-0.9

+0.8

Food

-1.9

+0.4

+1.0

Housing

-9.9

-6.0

§

Notes: (1) The year-on-year rate of change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is an important indicator of

inflation affecting consumers.

(2) The CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) respectively cover some 50%, 30% and 10% of households in Hong Kong. The average monthly household expenditure (in HK$) of these groups during the base period (i.e. Oct. 2004-Sep. 2005) were $4,000-$15,499, $15,500-$27,499 and $27,500-$59.999 respectively. The Composite CPI is compiled based on the expenditure patterns of all these house- holds taken together.

(3) From October 2005 onwards, the year-on-year rates of change are derived from the 2004/2005- based CPIs. For earlier periods, the year-on-year rates of change are derived from the CPIs with old base period.

§

Change within ±0.05%.

Source: Consumer Price Index Section, Census and Statistics Department.

(Enquiry Telephone No.: 2805 6403)