CPI Rises Six Percent To All Time High!

A six percent increase in the price level certainly doesn't bode well for anybody. Unfortunately, this year's CPI has risen a whopping 6.08% over the past year. But don't panic -- you won't be wearing out your shoeleather just yet. I'm not referring to the Consumer Price Index, the market-basket of goods used by the government to determine changes in inflation, but the Christmas Price Index, an entirely different method of monitoring our irrational holiday exuberance. This CPI is the net cost of purchasing every item from the 12 Days of Christmas -- Lords-a-leaping, swans-a-swimming, &c. This year it hit its 21-year high, at $18,348.87.
The data reveals some interesting trends. I was surprised to see that even amidst a bullish gold market, the price of Five Golden Rings remains relatively low (they maxed out during the inflationary years of the mid-eighties). And, although the price of eight Maids-a-milking has almost doubled since 1990, they won't set you back too far -- their average price is a mere $41.20. The most striking trend, however, is best illustrated by the countless birds that comprise many of the gifts. Partridges, French hens, calling birds, geese-a-laying, and swans-a-swimming have all seen significant price increases due to stricter fees and exportation regulations imposed as safeguards against the coming avian flu pandemic. The only exception to this rule are turtle doves, which, surprisingly, remained stable at their 20-year low this year. You can find further analysis of the CPI here. It makes a great last-minute Christmas gift. Joyeux Noel, my friends.