Table 4

(Chapter 3: The Economy)
Year-on-year Rates of Change in the Consumer Price Indices(1)(2)
Percentages
  1997   2001   2002  
             
Composite Consumer Price Index +5.8   –1.6   –3.0  
  Food +3.6   –0.8   –2.1  
  Housing(3) +9.2   –3.1   –5.7  
Consumer Price Index (A) +5.7   –1.7   –3.2  
  Food +3.7   –1.0   –2.2  
  Housing(3) +9.1   –3.6   –5.7  
Consumer Price Index (B) +5.8   –1.6   –3.1  
  Food +3.7   –1.0   –2.1  
  Housing(3) +8.5   –2.8   –5.9  
Consumer Price Index (C) +6.1   –1.5   –2.8  
  Food +3.3   –0.2   –1.7  
  Housing(3) +10.2   –2.8   –5.5  
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. 1999–Sep. 2000) were $4,500–$18,499, $18,500–$32,499 and $32,500–$65,999 respectively. After taking into account the impact of changes in price levels since the base period, the expenditure ranges of the different CPIs at 2002 prices are broadly equivalent to $4,300–$17,500 for the CPI(A), $17,500–$30,900 for the CPI(B) and $30,900–$62,700 for the CPI(C). The Composite CPI is compiled based on the expenditure patterns of all these households taken together.
  (3) "Water and sewage charges" previously under "Housing" section has been re-classified as a component of the "Electricity, gas and water" section.
Source: Consumer Price Index Section, Census and Statistics Department.
(Enquiry Telephone No.: 2805 6403)