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Comparability

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Prices and Consumption, Economic Statistics
Martin Sædholm Nielsen
+45 39 17 30 05

mne@dst.dk

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Consumer Price Index

The consumer price index is related to the European Union harmonized consumer price index (HICP) and to the index of net retail prices. From January 2001, the only difference between the national consumer price index and the HICP is the coverage of goods and services, as owner-occupied dwellings is only recorded in the consumer price index and not in the HICP. The consumer price index is also related to the index of net retail prices. The two indices comprise the same groups of goods and services and are calculated according to the same methodology. Consequently, the only difference between the two indices is the price concept used, as indirect taxes and VAT are subtracted in the index of net retail prices, and the weighting.

Comparability - geographical

The consumer price index is related to the European Union harmonized consumer price index (HICP).

From January 2001, the only difference between the national consumer price index and the HICP is the coverage of goods and services, as owner-occupied dwellings is only recorded in the consumer price index and not in the HICP.

From January till December 2000, the only difference between the national consumer price index and the HICP is that both owner-occupied dwellings and private hospitals are only recorded in the consumer price index and not in the HICP. Before January 2000, there are differences in calculation and methodology between the two indices as well as several differences as regards their coverage of goods and services.

Comparability over time

In principle, the statistics are fully comparable over time. When making comparisons over longer periods, however, account should be taken of the fact that due to the weight changes and the continuous update of the sample, it is not the same basket of goods and services that is compared as the sample is continuously updated to reflect the actual consumption pattern.

A comprehensive list of weights for the consumer and net price indices as well as the harmonized index of consumer prices (HICP) from 1991 to today can be found on the Danish documentation page. The current division of goods and services can be seen in the list of weights for 2024.

Coherence - cross domain

The consumer price index is related to the European Union harmonised consumer price index (HICP) and to the index of net retail prices.

From January 2001, the only difference between the national consumer price index and the HICP is the coverage of goods and services, as owner-occupied dwellings is only recorded in the consumer price index and not in the HICP.

From January till December 2000, the only difference between the national consumer price index and the HICP is that both owner-occupied dwellings and private hospitals are only recorded in the consumer price index and not in the HICP. Before January 2000, there are differences in calculation and methodology between the two indices as well as several differences as regards their coverage of goods and services.

The consumer price index is also related to the index of net retail prices. The two indices comprise the same groups of goods and services and are calculated according to the same methodology. Consequently, the only difference between the two indices is the price concept used, as indirect taxes and VAT are subtracted in the index of net retail prices, and the weighting.

Coherence - internal

The data are consistent.