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European consumer price indices since 1870

Author

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  • Jonas Ljungberg

    (Department of Economic History, Lund University, Lund, Sweden)

Abstract

This article presents a database with the probably most up-to-date and reliable consumer price indices for a large sample of European countries since 1870. The database is a compilation but a contribution by going back to original or ignored works. For some countries, where CPIs have been missing, new provisional indices are constructed, and some are reconstructed for critical periods. The article critically examines historical CPIs in oft-used online databases and uncover some alarming inaccuracies and even fallacies. Despite the importance of accurate CPIs in long-term analyses, previously little efort has been put in assessing the quality and comparability of data between countries. Realism of the CPIs is examined within a framework of economic integration that qualifes received views. Lack of integration of Mediterranean countries before mid-20th century is validated, and contradictory patterns of integration in interwar and postwar Europe uncovered.

Suggested Citation

  • Jonas Ljungberg, 2025. "European consumer price indices since 1870," Cliometrica, Journal of Historical Economics and Econometric History, Association Française de Cliométrie (AFC), vol. 19(1), pages 29-80, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:afc:cliome:v:19:y:2025:i:1:p:29-80
    DOI: 10.1007/s11698-024-00283-6
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Consumer price indices · Cost of living · Source criticism · Economic integration;

    JEL classification:

    • E31 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Price Level; Inflation; Deflation
    • N13 - Economic History - - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics; Industrial Structure; Growth; Fluctuations - - - Europe: Pre-1913
    • N14 - Economic History - - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics; Industrial Structure; Growth; Fluctuations - - - Europe: 1913-

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