Headline inflation

Headline inflation is a statistical measure of aggregate price movement within an economy, usually expressed as percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (or other price indices) over a specific time period. It is typically measured using a comprehensive array of goods and services, including commercial products such as food and energy (e.g., oil and gas), which tend to be much more subject to price fluctuations and prone to inflationary spikes. On the other hand, "core inflation" (also non-food-manufacturing or underlying inflation) is commonly calculated from a consumer price index minus the volatile food and energy components.

Headline inflation, alongside core inflation, are among the key economic data produced by various national statistical agencies. It is often used as standard indicator of changes in cost of living and is being targeted by most central banks to influence price stability.