| Definition:
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The import and export price indexes measure the change in price of imports - defined as goods produced in other countries and sold in the U.S. - and the change in price of exports - defined as goods produced in the U.S. and sold to other countries.
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| Meaning:
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Economists and investors use these indexes to read foreign and domestic inflation. Imports account for nearly 15% of goods purchased in the United States, thus import prices affect inflation here at home. Also, U.S. firms must adjust their prices accordingly in order to compete with import prices. Export prices are used as an indicator of economic conditions abroad.
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| Weight:
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**
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| Source:
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U.S. Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics
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| Availability:
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Released 2-3 weeks following the reference month.
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| Frequency:
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Monthly
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| Coverage:
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Data is for the previous month (Data for June is released in July)
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| Volatility:
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Average
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Impact on the Markets:
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| Interest Rates:
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Import Prices = Interest Rates
Import Prices = Interest Rates
Export Prices = Interest Rates
Export Prices = Interest Rates
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| Fixed-income:
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Import Prices = Bond Market
Import Prices = Bond Market
Export Prices = Bond Market
Export Prices = Bond Market
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| Equities:
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Import Prices = Stock Market
Import Prices = Stock Market
Export Prices = Stock Market
Export Prices = Stock Market
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| Dollar:
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Import Prices = Dollar
Import Prices = Dollar
Export Prices = Dollar
Export Prices = Dollar
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| More Information:
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U.S. Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics
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