The Guam Consumer Price Index (CPI) is now reported based on the 4th Quarter 2007 index of 100.0, and is of similar design and makeup of the US CPI. Given a new market basket, groups, subgroups and relative expenditure weights, there are limitations in making historical comparisons at this time.
The Guam 2008 3rd Quarter CPI of 106.0 shows a 1.8 percent increase over the 2nd quarter of 2008, and an increase of 8.6 percent when compared to the same period one year earlier. The All Items Less Food index rose 1.3 percent,Energy by 3.8 percent, and All Items Less Food and Energy by 0.3 percent, as compared to the previous quarter.
The purchasing power of the dollar is now $0.64 when compared to base year 1996.
The Food group index of 110.5 shows an increase of 4.8 percent over the preceding quarter and 14.2 percent when compared to the same period one year earlier. Cereal product prices have increased 28.9 percent over the preceding quarter and 50.9 percent when compared to the same period one year earlier. Pork product prices have increased 10.0 percent over the preceding quarter and 8.6 percent when compared to the same period one year earlier. Dairy product prices have increased 4.5 percent over the preceding quarter and 6.5 percent when compared to the same period one year earlier. Eggs and Fresh Fruits product prices have decreased -9.2 and -9.5 percent, respectively, over the preceding quarter.
The Housing group index of 108.8 shows an increase of 2.4 percent over the preceding quarter and 10.9 percent when compared to the same period one year earlier. Rent and Lodging prices have increased 0.5 percent over the preceding quarter but decreased -0.1 percent when compared to the same period one year earlier. Appliances product prices have decreased -0.1 percent over the preceding quarter but increased 10.4 percent when compared to the same period one year earlier. Housekeeping Supplies prices have decreased -3.7 over the preceding quarter but increased 0.2 percent when compared to the same period one year earlier. Home electricity prices have increased 9.2 percent when compared to the previous quarter.
The Transportation group index of 106.8 shows a decrease of -0.6 percent over the preceding quarter but increased 11.9 percent when compared to the same period one year earlier. Motor Fuel prices have decreased -7.1 percent over the preceding quarter but increased 27.9 percent when compared to the same period one year earlier.
The Apparel and Upkeep group index of 104.2, Education and Communication group index of 101.0 and Other Goods and Services group index of 103.8, shows an increase of 1.5, 0.7, and 2.4 percent, respectively, over the preceding quarter. The Medical Care group index of 100.7 saw no change from the previous quarter, whereas the Recreation group index of 102.7 saw an increase of 1.3 percent.
Over 89 percent of all product prices across all groups and subgroups are included in this
report (pdf format) .
