2024年1月份，CPI同比下降0.8%，降幅比上月扩大0.5个百分点

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a basket of goods and services. A decrease in the CPI indicates that prices are falling or rising less rapidly than before, which can be a sign of deflation or slowing inflation.

When the CPI for January 2024 shows a yearoveryear decline of 0.8%, it means that the cost of the consumer goods basket has decreased compared to January 202 This decline is a negative indicator for economic growth because it suggests that there might be less money circulating in the economy as people spend less on goods and services.

The fact that the decline has expanded by 0.5 percentage points compared to the previous month implies that the rate of price decrease is accelerating. This could potentially signal concerns about deflation, which can lead to a cycle of decreasing spending and investment as consumers and businesses wait for even lower prices.

However, it's essential to consider the broader economic context when interpreting these numbers. A mild decrease in the CPI might be seen as a positive if it follows a period of high inflation, indicating that prices are stabilizing. Moreover, certain sectors or categories within the CPI may be driving this decline, such as energy prices, which can fluctuate significantly due to supply and demand factors.

Central banks typically aim for a modest inflation rate, usually around 2% or so annually, because it can stimulate economic growth and discourage excessive borrowing. Therefore, sustained deflationary trends might prompt monetary policy responses aimed at stimulating inflation and maintaining economic health.